And the winner is …
Key to the program’s effectiveness are the several opportunities stakeholders have to meet and discuss outcomes and challenges and to share and learn from each other’s experiences during the season. One producer who has participated in the corn contest for both years says he uses the contest to benchmark his effectiveness as a producer and to search for ways to increase his production and manage- ment skills.
UNL is both a competitor and facilitator in these contests. While it is unable to claim the cash awards associated with each contest, UNL competes for credibility and for a seat at the table of discussion, making it able to not only
share experiences and research but to learn from other participant’s strategies and actions. This fact has led to new directions in research and a clearer vision of the production experience.
The winners from both the 2017 and 2018 contests showed a high degree of balance between technical production and business savvy. The top performing teams had good production and good efficiency, as well as a strong marketing plan. For example, the team with the highest yield and highest water and nutrient efficiency, yet no forward marketing, was marginally profitable. Whereas, the top team, which had more than $100/acre profit, had a lower yield and less efficiency — but superior marketing strategy.
Western agricultural production is faced with many challenges including limited water. More than ever before, sustainable practical systems are now needed. The TAPS program provides the necessary type of deeper engagement among all stakeholders in production agriculture to achieve this purpose.
For additional information, go to www.
taps.unl.edu. For questions or to become involved in the program, contact any of the Executive Board members listed on the website.
Matt Stockton, PhD, is an associate professor and agricultural economist for the University of Nebraska Extension and a member of the TAPS Executive Board.
More than ever before, sustainable practical systems are now needed. ATTN: GROWERS
YOUR INPUT MATTERS!
Watch your mailbox in January for an important survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
This survey is only conducted every five years.
34 Irrigation TODAY | January 2019
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