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Networking Advances Emerging Agricultural Technologies

D. L. Varner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Innovative Nebraska farmers and agribusinesses partnered with University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) extension in 2001 to form the Nebraska Agricultural Technologies Association (NeATA). UNL Extension faculty and NeATA members have collaborated for nearly a decade to further agriculturists' understanding and adoption of emerging agricultural technologies via machinery/technology field days, hands-on GIS/GPS computer workshops, aerial imagery experiential learning, an annual technology conference, and on-farm research associated with Extension initiatives and various grant-supported research efforts. NeATA has been instrumental in educating more than 1,500 Midwest agriculturists focused on site-specific management issues. A focus group evaluation of past and present NeATA members, conducted in the winter of 2008, identified two primary benefits associated with the organization's decade of educational efforts. The first focused on helping agriculturists acquire new knowledge related to available technologies and how to incorporate such tools into an operation in a functional and economical manner. The second centered on facilitating opportunities for agriculturists to interact with each other regarding various technologies and processes of interest. NeATA members report that attending annual NeATA conferences increased participants' awareness of emerging agricultural technologies, their understanding of technologies, and helped them identify financial and environmental benefits related to new technologies. The opportunity to share experiences regarding technology implementation and to learn from others was highly valued by NeATA conference attendees. Using agricultural technologies improved their profitability and enhanced environmental stewardship through more efficient use of fertilizer, water and seed. This grassroots organization has been instrumental in helping UNL researchers acquire more than $1,500,000 in USDA and industry grant funding.

Keyword: extension, education, user groups, networking, NeATA, evaluation

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