In August 2022, DWFI brought together researchers, agtech entrepreneurs, policymakers, producers and others for a "view from the field" event in Western Nebraska. The event aimed to create a space for connections and discussion surrounding water for food at the farm level, and opportunities and implications to our food systems and water resources.
To provide context for later discussions, the event kicked off with a tour of the Kingsley Hydroplant at Lake McConaughy by Nate Nielson from the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District. The Kingsley Dam is the second largest hydraulic fill dam in the world, and has produced hydroelectric power and provided irrigation to farmers in the area since the 1980s.
The rest of the two-day event focused on challenges on the farm and how research is applied to conserve water and fertilizer use and increase yield. Roric Paulman, producer and owner of Paulman Farms, hosted about 100 attendees on his farm located just south of Sutherland, Nebraska, and in the heart of the Ogallala Aquifer. Comprising both irrigated and rainfed farmland, he implements the latest on-farm technology to grow more than a dozen crops.
A panel of growers from around the state who shared their experiences, as well as talks by researchers who shared their latest findings with attendees. There were also small group discussions to further form connections around implementing agtech and research.
Speakers included those from the Nature Conservancy, the Water Policy Group, Invest Nebraska, AgriPulse Communications, Bode Farms, Baker Family Farms, the Nebraska Water Balance Alliance, Borg Family Farms, McPheters Snack Food Farm, Vayda and Aqua4D.
The event was a great success on many accounts. Throughout their time together, attendees shared knowledge and DWFI strengthened its strategic partnerships in research and innovation both with growers and those in the industry. An unanticipated outcome was the internal team building the event provided and the trust and camaraderie it helped foster among DWFI's own staff. Being on the farm spurred new, innovative project ideas from DWFI supported students and discussions for future partnerships among attendees. Additionally, DWFI received excellent feedback from attendees on the quality and value of the event and many returned to Nebraska for the 2023 Water for Food Global Conference to continue discussions.
