SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – Monday, Aug. 13, is the deadline to register to attend a Season Extension Seminar and hops production and harvesting demonstration that will take place Friday, Aug. 17, at the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center, 4502 Avenue I, in Scottsbluff. 

The event is targeted to specialty crop growers, who will have the opportunity to connect with a retailer interested in sourcing local produce, learn about affordable financing options, and watch a cooking demonstration using locally grown produce.

The seminar is hosted by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and will last from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but individuals need to RSVP by Aug. 13 to casey.foster@nebraska.gov or 800-422-6692. A complimentary lunch will be provided. 

The Season Extension Seminar (from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.) will address the steps involved in implementing a variety of season extension methods, including crop selection, growing techniques, soil nutrition, disease and insect management practices, alternative hybrid varieties, reduced tillage strategies, intensive farming practices, season extension units (high tunnels), and market and selling strategies.

Featured speakers will include a UNL horticulturalist, extension educator, Farm Service Agency representative, local retailer, and NDA representative. Attendees will receive an educational book related to specialty crop production.

The hops production and harvesting demonstration, starting at 2:30 p.m., is intended for people who have an interest in hops, hobbyists, opportunists, or individuals exploring high-value specialty crops as a profit-making venture.

Topics include: hops growth and development, trellising systems, plant production, an update on Nebraska hops cultivar evaluation research, harvesting and marketing.  It will include a tour of the hops research plot at the Panhandle Center and a demonstration of hop cone harvest.