University of Nebraska research and extension specialists created an innovative way for participants to try out new agriculture processes and technology in a real-world setting without the often-prohibitive cost and risk. The TAPS (Testing Ag Performance Solutions) program has four competitions: sprinkler, corn SDI, sorghum, and winter wheat.
The Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) participated in the 2021 sprinkler competition and took home first place with a profitability of $795 per acre. The team consisted of Kent Zimmerman, Elizabeth Esseks, and Alexa Davis. The team was awarded $2,000, which was donated back to the TAPS program. This was Zimmerman’s third year with the program.
“The program allows producers and others to try out new technology and learn to do things differently risk free,” Zimmerman said.
With their test plot in near North Platte, the team was able to be successful with less water and nitrogen utilizing soil-monitoring technology.
“Being aware of your inputs can be both environmentally beneficial and profitable,” Davis said.
Participating in the program helps the NeDNR team members better understand the work and needs of producers, which helps them relate to stakeholders on a higher level.
The program is available to producers at no cost. For more information, visit their website at https://taps.unl.edu/
