GRAND ISLAND, NEB. (Nov. 24, 2025) — Husker Harvest Days concluded its three-day event on Sept. 11, 2025, showcasing practical solutions to enhance agricultural operations, improve resource management, and support rural communities. With a focus on efficiency, resilience and community impact, the event brought together industry leaders, producers and organizations to address the challenges and opportunities facing producers.

The event featured hands-on field demonstrations, including advanced manure handling techniques and drone technology applications. The new HHD Drone Zone highlighted the growing role of precision agriculture in reducing input costs and improving operational efficiency, while manure handling demonstrations emphasized the benefits of organic fertilizer for soil health and crop yields. The Cover Crop demonstration plot, introduced in 2024, returned this year to provide farmers with practical insights into implementing cover crop mixes to improve soil health and productivity.

“Husker Harvest Days is dedicated to equipping farmers and ranchers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the field and in their communities,” said Matt Jungmann, event director. “This year’s event was all about showcasing practical tools and solutions that can make a tangible difference in agricultural operations.”

Empowering Women and Promoting Inclusivity

The Women in the Field program celebrated the contributions of women in agriculture. Natalie Kovarik, co-host of the Discover Ag podcast, delivered a keynote session titled “Fortune Favors the Brave: Harvesting Success in Agriculture Through Acts of Bravery.” Following the session, attendees participated in a networking reception featuring a charcuterie spread and a DIY Italian soda bar, fostering meaningful connections among female producers and industry professionals.

Husker Harvest Days also partnered with Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) to address diversity and inclusion in the agricultural workforce. Ryan Locke, MANRRS president, presented a session on expanding the ag labor market and creating a more inclusive industry.

Community Engagement and Health Initiatives

Husker Harvest Days reinforced its commitment to community support through its annual food drive, in partnership with Heartland United Way and Nebraska FFA, which collected 16,141 pounds of food to combat hunger in Nebraska. Concession stands operated by local schools and other non-profit organizations further supported community organizations.

Health and wellness were prioritized through free screenings for blood pressure, cancer, and other health concerns, provided to rural families. The Health and Wellness Tent addressed unique challenges faced by producers, including long hours, high stress, and limited access to care. According to the Nebraska Cancer Coalition, screenings included:

• 1,028 blood pressure checks 
• 1,245 breast cancer education conversations
• 446 skin cancer screenings
• 330 PSA blood draws
• 742 lung cancer education conversations

Additionally, grain engulfment awareness and grain system safety were emphasized as part of the health and wellness initiatives. The grain engulfment awareness trailer, brought to the event by Central Valley Ag, served as a valuable resource for promoting farm safety. This initiative educated attendees on the risks of grain entrapment and provided actionable safety protocols to prevent accidents, addressing a critical issue in the agricultural industry.

Collaborative Partnerships and Programs

Husker Harvest Days partnered with several key organizations to deliver educational content and support agricultural initiatives, including Ducks Unlimited, Ag PhD, Farm Rescue, and the University of Nebraska Testing Ag Performance Solutions program.

• Ducks Unlimited highlighted cost-share programs that help farmers improve soil health and productivity while reducing expenses
• Ag PhD featured Brian and Darren Hefty sharing practical field tips and innovative solutions for farm management
• Farm Rescue, as part of their collaboration agreement with Farm Progress, was featured as an exhibitor and speaker. The partnership resulted in $6,500 raised for their mission, 10 media interviews, 5 case referrals, and 1 new volunteer sign-up.
• UNL-TAPS Crop Skills Challenge engaged students and adults in an agronomic competition focused on advancing ag management through innovative technology

This partnership approach will continue and expand in 2026, strengthening connections between Husker Harvest Days and organizations dedicated to supporting producers and agricultural advancement.

Local Community Support

The Market at HHD promoted Nebraska-based female-owned businesses, featuring seven outstanding small businesses in the show program. Additionally, the Agricultural Institute of Nebraska facilitated volunteer labor, coordinated onsite safety personnel, and provided scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary agriculture education, infusing approximately $70,000 into the local community.

For more information about Husker Harvest Days and updates on next year's event, visit www.HuskerHarvestDays.com. 

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About Husker Harvest Days   

Husker Harvest Days, the world's largest totally irrigated working farm show, takes place annually in Grand Island, Nebraska. This premier Western Corn Belt agricultural event showcases cutting-edge solutions for both crop and livestock producers, featuring the popular BEEF Showcase and extensive live field demonstrations. The three-day event connects agricultural professionals with hundreds of exhibitors while supporting the community through local partnerships. For more information, visit www.HuskerHarvestDays.com.   

About Farm Progress    

As part of Informa Markets, Farm Progress is the largest, most diversified agriculture information business in North America. Through a robust network of live events, digital products, data, marketing services, broadcasting and local and national publications, Farm Progress enables the nation's most economically significant farmers, growers and ranchers to connect and do business. It serves 80% of the 2 million farms and ranches in the U.S., and an estimated 85% of the nation's annual agricultural gross domestic product. Visit our website at www.FarmProgress.com.   

Media Contacts: 

Matt Jungmann, Sr. Director, National Events

P: 309-371-6117 E: matt.jungmann@farmprogress.com

Matt Coniglio, Vice President, Sales

P: 717-329-7742 E: matt.coniglio@farmprogress.com