These trends require producers to keep their production costs at a minimum. They must be excellent managers and skilled marketers. Land-grant universities are key players in this effort, as our research provides new knowledge and technology to crop and livestock producers. Here at the University of Nebraska, much of our agricultural research is directed specifically at reducing production costs and increasing production efficiency, thereby improving the profitability and competitiveness of our producers. We also have major programs directed at finding new uses for our commodities and identifying new crops for the state.
Plant diseases are costly both in terms of yield losses and treatment costs.
That is why IANR's dry bean development team works on breeding cultivars with multiple disease resistance. They've succeeded and a new NU-released great northern bean cultivar that resists several diseases should be available to growers next year. Studies showing how root pruning of shelterbelts increases soybean yields. Harnessing new technology, such as global positioning systems, to help producers learn how to more efficiently use manure as fertilizer while protecting groundwater. IANR plant breeders have developed a grain-type pearl millet adapted to modern agriculture that offers producers another cropping option for certain dryland situations.