UNL Field Pea Plot Tour in Northeastern Nebraska to Showcase Variety Trials and Agronomic Research

by Dipak Santra

June 9, 2026

Speaker addressing a group in a green field under a clear blue sky.
Dipak K. Santra (with microphone) visits with growers during a field plot tour at the High Plains Ag. Lab (near Sidney, NE).
Nebraska Extension

Thinking about adding field peas to your rotation? A June 23 plot tour at Haskell Ag Lab, Concord, NE, offers a first-hand look at varieties and management decisions in the field.

As interest in field peas continues to grow across Nebraska, producers are invited to get a firsthand look at current research and variety performance during a field plot tour on Tuesday, June 23. 

Beginning at 10 a.m. Central time at the research farm near Haskell Ag Lab of the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), the tour will feature: 

Spring and pea variety trials and agronomic studies on seed rates for different planting populations and the effect of seed treatment with zinc (Zn) and genetics on cadmium (Cd) accumulation in seeds. The variety trial will feature a total of 19 pea varieties from five different seed companies: Progene Plant Research (https://www.progenellc.com/), Puris (https://www.puris.com/), Puris (https://www.puris.com/), Valesco Genetics (https://www.greatnorthernag.com/genetics), and Meridian Seeds (https://www.meridianseeds.com/)

The tours provide an opportunity for farmers and others to learn more about new varieties and other topics such as agronomy and marketing of pea. Participants will walk the plots and discuss opportunities and challenges for expanding field pea production in the northeastern part of Nebraska.

Speakers from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) and the pea industry (seed companies and processors) will speak during the tours. 

  • Prof. Dipak Santra, Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist, UNL, PREEC, Scottsbluff, NE
  • Michael Kurtzhals, Research technologist, ENREEC, UNL
  • Chris Werth and Bhavesh Reddy Mudupa, Puris Grains (https://www.puris.com/)
  • Brian Dawson, Ingredion Incorporated (https://www.ingredion.com/na/en-us/)

There will be no formal presentations, and attendees are encouraged to share their own experiences and observations.

 

Agenda

10 a.m.: Sign-up with donuts, beverages, and coffee sponsored by Purisfoods

10:15 a.m.: Transport to the plot site

10:30 a.m. to Noon: Plot tour and presentation with questions & answers

Noon to 1 p.m.: Lunch, sponsored by Ingredion Inc. and presentation/discussion

 

Producers, agronomists, and industry partners are welcome. No registration is required. Come walk the peas and help shape the future of field pea production in Nebraska. 

 

Address of Haskell Ag Lab: 57905 866 Rd, Concord, NE 68728-2828

Pea Plot Coordinates: N: 42°22'47.3"; W:96°57'08.1"

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