New interactive hub showcases future of farming innovation, tech
The 2026 edition of Husker Harvest Days takes place this week west of Grand Island and one of the highlights is the debut of the Husker Harvest Ag Tech Pavilion (Lot #145). The pavilion provides a dedicated space for producers to explore emerging agricultural technologies and connect directly with the companies developing solutions for modern farming challenges. Presented by Farm Progress in partnership with The Combine and the University of Nebraska (UNL), the pavilion brings together leading agricultural technology (ag tech) companies, industry experts, researchers and innovators under one roof.
“Ag tech is transforming how farmers operate, and Farm Progress is excited to be at the forefront of that conversation,” said Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress senior national events director. “We’re proud to partner with The Combine and UNL to give producers direct access to the innovations that matter most to their operations — now and in the future.”
Hands-on access to breakthrough solutions
Farmers and producers can connect directly with ag tech exhibitors showcasing solutions in precision agriculture, automation and robotics, artificial intelligence, data management and analytics, connectivity solutions, equipment innovation and new technologies.
Beyond the exhibit floor, the Pavilion will feature daily panel discussions and expert presentations focused on the logistics of technology implementation. Each 30-minute session includes time for Q&A and covers topics including:
* Autonomy and automation
* Practical AI applications farmers can use immediately
* Irrigation efficiency with Nebraska’s unique water policies
* Robotics integration and ROI
* Drone technology for crop scouting and livestock management
UNL at HHD
Visitors are also invited to stop by the “Big Red Building” (Lot 827) to explore how the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR), and Nebraska Extension can help producers be “Rooted. Ready. Resilient.”
Throughout the event Nebraska Extension educators, specialists and other faculty from across the state will be ready to answer your questions and share their field-proven, data-driven expertise.
Discover more about:
* Rural Prosperity: Support for community leaders and entrepreneurs to promote economic development and vibrant local food systems. ruralprosperityne.unl.edu
* Water Management: Innovative techniques for conserving water resources, including irrigation management and drinking water protection. water.unl.edu
* Agricultural Profitability: Resources from the Center for Agricultural Profitability for building confidence in management decisions. cap.unl.edu
* Horticulture and Landscapes: Creating landscapes that thrive through resource-efficient plants. hles.unl.edu
* Farmer-Led Research: Insights from the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network into new digital tools that improve production and profitability. on-farm-research.unl.edu
* Disaster Preparedness and Recovery: Resources to help you prepare for the unexpected. disaster.unl.edu
* Pest Management: Early detection reduces losses. cropwatch.unl.edu
* Health and Wellness: Practical strategies for maintaining physical and mental well-being amid the demands of farm life. ruralwellness.unl.edu
* Livestock Forage: Sustainable grasslands and forages for livestock. beef.unl.edu
* Soil Health: Regenerative practices for healthy soils, crops and communities. cropwatch.unl.edu/soil-health-program
* Leadership Development: Developing strong agricultural leaders through the Nebraska LEAD Program. lead.unl.edu
* Youth Education and Career Preparation: Join Nebraska 4-H, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) and UNL’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CASNR) to help youth explore career paths and develop employability skills. 4h.unl.edu, ncta.unl.edu, casnr.unl.edu
New this year
At the UNL demonstration area located along Flag Road as you enter the grounds from the east. Here you will see some of the latest precision agriculture tools for nitrogen management in action, including UNL’s Nitrogen Tool and Sentinel Ag, along with yield results. Also check out live insect traps, irrigation scheduling, drones for crop monitoring and ScoutNebraska livestreaming. Meet some of the agriculture startup companies being supported by SPUR Ventures, UNL’s agtech innovation lab.
Crop Skills Challenge
Located at Lot #928 just south of the Big Red Building, the Crops Skill Challenge is an interactive event that challenges participants on both physical farm skills and their crop production knowledge. This year, participants can compete in a virtual Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) competition and test their insect feeding and herbicide injury identification skills. Participants will also have the chance to try their hand at a spray table demo and a 3D goggle sprayer experience.
This event is hosted by UNL TAPS and extension’s water and cropping systems team.
Also make sure to stop across from the Big Red Building to get UNL Dairy Store Ice Cream and see the UNL Quarter-Scale Pulling Tractor.
Visit the Husker Harvest Days site for more information.
NRDs at HHD
Questions about trees, soil health, water quality or cost-share programs can be brought to Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts during Husker Harvest Days as well.
“This is a great opportunity for producers to meet with conservation agencies all in one place and learn more about cost-share programs that can benefit their operation and Nebraska’s natural resources,” said Ryan Reuter, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD).
Located in the Natural Resources Hub (39E), Nebraska’s NRDs are stationed with various organizations that offer conservation assistance, cost-share opportunities and producer programs. Attendees can visit with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA); Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment; ONE RED; Rainwater Basin Joint Venture; Platte River Recovery Implementation Program; The Nature Conservancy; and Central Platte NRD’s Native Prairie and Pollination Awareness Program.
The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment staff will be on site to provide free water testing and screen for nitrates in minutes. Private well owners should bring a cup-size sample of water in a clean container.
In addition, the Natural Resources Districts will announce three individuals to be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame during a press conference at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, on the Hospitality Tent Stage (SE Quadrant, #33). These Hall of Fame inductees have made significant contributions to protect our state’s natural resources through the NRDs. Hall of Fame categories include Natural Resources District Board Member, Natural Resources District Employee and Natural Resources District Supporter.
During the three-day event, Husker Harvest attendees also will receive a free blue spruce tree seedling from the NRD Conservation Tree Program. All 23 Nebraska NRDs administer tree planting programs will provide trees and shrubs for local landowners. Each district varies, but possible services include: planting, weed barrier installation or weed control and drip irrigation. Free prairie grass seed will also be available as part of the Native Prairie and Pollinator Awareness Project.
For more information on the Conservation Tree Program and other conservation resources, visit www.nrdnet.org.