Variable rate nitrogen strategies and nitrogen application training are part of the 2012 Nebraska Corn Expo in Fremont on Jan. 5. The annual event will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Christensen Field, which is at the Dodge County Fairgrounds.

John Shanahan, formerly with USDA's Agriculture Research Service where he was based at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is now with Pioneer. He will review the latest on variable rate nitrogen application plus review corn seeding strategies for 2012.

John Wilson, UNL Extension educator in Burt County, is scheduled to review recommendations on repairing farmland damaged by the 2011 Missouri River flooding. Much of the flooding damage occurred in Burt County.

A Washington, D.C., ag policy update will be provided by Sam Willet, public policy director for the National Corn Growers Association.

Just prior to lunch, the following sponsoring organizations will offer industry updates: Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Corn Board, Colfax-Dodge County Corn Growers Association and the Dodge County Farm Bureau.

After lunch, featured speaker is Brian Hefty, a farmer and RFD-TV show host. He will give a presentation on on-farm research.

UNL Climatologist Al Dutcher's weather presentation will cover the potential for the current La Nina to cause production problems in 2012.

The final event of the day is University of Nebraska nitrogen applicator training given by Aaron Nygren, UNL Extension educator, and officials from the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District, which is based in Wahoo.

A trade show also is part of the Corn Expo.

Dave Varner, Dodge County Extension educator, encourages farmers to come early, at 8 a.m., when the "Waffle Man" serves waffles and sausage.

For more information, call Varner at 402-727-2775, or email him at [email protected].