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News and Information
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Producer Connect is a groundbreaking web and mobile application suite, designed to empower agricultural producers with the tools they need to optimize inputs, enhance agricultural profitability, improve water quality, and increase irrigation efficiency.
Producer Connect will be free to producers and offer a wide range of features designed to simplify nitrogen and water management. The app is expected to launch in the summer of 2024.
In order to facilitate signups, producers will need to provide an email address to the NRD. Email addresses can be provided by submitting the form below.
Provide Your Email Address Here
Ag producers will have a password-protected log in and only be able to see their own data. Features include:
Producer-specific data: Ag producers will have access to their reported data, which includes previous crops grown, actual yield, fertilizer applied, water usage, crops to be grown, expected yield, soil and water test results, and legume or manure credits.
Protected data: All data will be held by the local NRD, and individual producer data will not be shared. Aggregate data may be used by the NRD for educational activities, certified applicator training and producer meetings.
Customizable recommendations: The dashboard will provide a personalized nitrogen recommendation based on yield goals. The nitrogen efficiency of bushels per pound of applied fertilizer will be displayed and compared to the average of producers within the area. An economic analysis could show cost savings using the calculated nitrogen application versus a typical fertilizer application.
Irrigation efficiency: The dashboard will also include the ability to track water-use data.
Historical data analysis: By analyzing past nitrogen usage and crop performance, the dashboard will enable producers to identify trends in water use, fertilizer application and crop yield.
Environmental impact assessment: The platform will assist farmers in quantifying the impact of their nitrogen usage, aiding in compliance with regulations and demonstrating commitment to sustainable practices.
Information exchange: The dashboard will allow for communication between the producer and the local NRD. Producers will also be able to view current research results to improve profitability.
Collaborators on this project include the Nebraska Corn Board, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Central Valley Ag, 17 of Nebraska's 23 NRDs, the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the NARD Foundation, Corteva Agriscience, and the Nebraska Cooperative Council. The application is being developed by with Longitude 103, a leading provider of agricultural technology solutions.
The Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on its board.
A director is needed for the unexpired term for Subdistrict Two. This area includes the southwest corner of Gage County and all of Jefferson County. A map of the Subdistrict is available at lbbnrd.net or from the NRD Office. To be eligible for this position, the applicant must reside in Subdistrict two and be a registered voter.
The vacancy exists because the former director, Darrell Rains, has resigned as director for the Subdistrict. This term will expire in December 2026. Applications will be accepted until October 2, 2024.
The thirteen directors of the district determine programs and projects for flood control, groundwater quality, groundwater quantity, soil and water conservation, public recreation, tree planting, and fish and wildlife habitat.
Directors receive a per diem for each meeting they attend and are reimbursed for actual expenses incurred while on official NRD business. The board meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month in Beatrice.
The application form is available below or at the Lower Big Blue NRD office at 805 Dorsey Street, Beatrice, Nebraska.
For further information, contact the NRD at 402-228-3402. To be considered, applications need to be returned to the NRD by 5:00 p.m. on October 2, 2024.
The LBBNRD has secured another Nebraska Water Sustainability grant to complete a second AEM mapping project over roughly 431 flight line-miles in 1- mile grids in the area of Beatrice, DeWitt, Wilber, and Pickrell Wellhead Protection Areas. The flights are planned for July-August 2024. Please see below for a map of the project area.
Airborne Electromagnetic Hydrogeologic Survey or AEM is a rapid and efficient way of remotely sensing geology across an entire area without engaging in extensive drilling. In AEM surveys, a geophysical device, typically bullet or hoop-shape, containing sensors is suspended beneath an aircraft, typically a helicopter to collect geophysical data using electromagnetics. The hydrogeology of the Lower Big Blue NRD is varied across the District’s 1,700 square miles as a result of how geologic material was deposited. Mapping of the hydrogeologic framework provides staff and directors the ability to better comprehend and therefore better manage the groundwater resources of the District.
The University of Nebraska has released a new web-based nitrogen management tool for corn growers. This tool replaces the previous Excel spreadsheet and hopes to make it easier for producers to calculate nitrogen rates for their fields. Learn more about the calculator tool by clicking on the links below!
"Crop Tech Cafe is a locally focused agronomy website created and managed by Nathan Mueller, Water & Integrated Cropping Systems Extension Educator for Saline, Jefferson, and Gage counties.
Crop Tech Cafe provides locally relevant and timely information to crop producers in southeast Nebraska." Visit Crop Tech Cafe to learn more and stay up to date on local news and programs!
Statement From Nebraska Game & Parks Commission Fisheries
"We wanted to make everyone aware of what appears to be a substantial fish kill occurring at Big Indian lake south of
Wymore, NE. Fisheries staff investigated the fish kill yesterday morning (7-1-2024) and found extremely low oxygen levels throughout most of the reservoir. Extreme heat and sunshine early last week likely contributed to a large algal bloom which subsequently died back during the cool temps and cloud cover later that week. When algae dies, the bacteria that consumes it also consumes oxygen and if the algae is excessive it can cause fish kills. Fisheries staff will continue to evaluate the situation in the coming weeks to determine what management steps need to be taken."
The original article can be found at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/PnPY6Ek6p9TrRMgP/?mibextid=K35XfP
News Channel Nebraska:
‘MAJOR IMPACT’: GAME AND PARKS CONDUCTS ROUND OF SAMPLING AFTER BIG INDIAN FISH KILL
Following the annual review of fall groundwater level measurements at its monthly meeting on December 8, 2022, record low static water levels, new irrigation wells being permitted in areas of groundwater level decline and marginal aquifer areas, drought conditions, and the concern for the sustainability of groundwater supplies for domestic, livestock, and crop irrigation uses, the Board of Directors, as provided in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 46-707(2), proactively took action to impose an immediate 180-day moratorium, or stay, on the construction of new wells and increase of irrigated acres in the district. During the moratorium, the LBBNRD contracted engineering firm Olsson Inc. to study the different aquifer formations and establish subareas to provide a more specific approach to managing the variability of the aquifers throughout the district. Olsson also analyzed the criteria of the District’s high capacity well permit ranking calculator to manage development in diverse aquifer formations.
The Lower Big Blue NRD includes portions of Gage, Jefferson, Saline, and Pawnee Counties. In its effort to continue to conserve and protect the groundwater resources the Board of Directors took action to extend the district-wide moratorium on new wells and the expansion of historically irrigated acres. This comes after the NRD received public comment regarding the potential extension during a hearing held in DeWitt on May 18, 2023. The original 180-day moratorium was set to expire on June 6, 2023.
The primary reasons for extending the stay were the annual spring groundwater levels measured in April showing declines over the past 2 to 3 years, the continuing drought conditions, and the need for more time to discuss management options, review rules and regulations, evaluate the geology and aquifer characteristics of the district, and to establish subareas.
During this indefinite extension of the moratorium, NRD staff and directors will continue to work to better understand hydrogeology and evaluate effective, area-specific groundwater management options for the District. The District will also continue to work with producers to certify their current irrigated acres as has been a requirement since 2014. Please contact the NRD office to make sure your irrigated acres are certified and up to date.
Finally, it is the intent of the NRD to emerge from the district-wide moratorium with a comprehensive and diverse structure for managing the use of groundwater across variable aquifer formations and ensure that our most valuable resource is being used efficiently and effectively.
Want to maximize your yield?
Want to reduce your costs to irrigate?
Want to conserve your groundwater resources?
These are just a few reasons to measure the soil moisture in your field during the upcoming growing season. Soil moisture sensors are available for purchase from the NRD. Cost-share is available on those sensors or other forms of soil moisture monitoring equipment. Visit our MOISTURE SENSORS page to learn more about our soil moisture sensor program. The order/cost-share form is available on the website.
