SCOTTSBLUFF – The Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association held their annual dry bean day on Feb 8. The goal of the day was to educate the public on what producers grow in the area and give producers an update on research from the Panhandle Research and Extension Center.

  The event featured several different speakers including Farm Credit Services of America agent Vanessa Reishus, North Platte Natural Resources District (NInterim General Manager Scott Schaneman, and Pathfinder Irrigation District Representative Dennis Strauch.

Reishus gave a brief overview on crop insurance and reminded the producers in attendance that March 15 is the deadline for applications. Reishus also mentioned that insurance for pinto beans would be available for the first time in our area.
 Schanemen spoke about the water usage and quality in our area and what programs the NRD was using to help not only return water to the river, but help producers with costs as well.
Strauch spoke about the aging infrastructure of the irrigation tunnels and reservoirs and the water predictions for the coming year.
 The event also featured an update on dry bean research from the Panhandle Research and Extension Center about research that was being done on dry beans. Some of the research included heat resistant beans and sensor-based irrigation.
 During the event, attendees could also visit several vendors and even view a cooking demonstration.
Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association President Dan Hinman stated that he was thrilled with the turnout both in person and via Zoom. Canned food was also collected during the event and donated to Community Table in Alliance.