The vadose zone is the area between crop roots and the water table, and is a critically important region for storage, transport and transformation of chemicals that can impact groundwater quality. In this episode of the Water for Food Podcast, host Frances Hayes talks with Arindam Malakar, a researcher with the Nebraska Water Center (NWC, a part of DWFI) who …
DWFI Podcast 43 – Irrigation and Global Health
In the 43rd episode of the Water for Food Podcast, host Frances Hayes speaks with Claudia Ringler of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) about the crucial link between irrigation and global health, expanding on Ringler’s recent Heuermann Lecture as part of the 2025 Water for Food Global Conference and previous episodes in this podcast. Together they explore how …
MyLand Launches Water Conservation Initiative in Arizona
Soil health innovator MyLand has announced the launch of a major initiative to help Arizona farmers conserve water and improve soil performance. The initiative in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU) will bring MyLand’s soil health technology to up to 2,400 acres of farmland across the state. Funded through a $3 million allocation from the Arizona Water Conservation Grant Fund …
DWFI Executive Director to Retire
The University of Nebraska has initiated a global search for the next Executive Director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI). After nearly a decade leading DWFI, Peter McCornick announced he will step down as executive director in August 2025 with plans to transition to a full-time faculty role in UNL’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering. Established in …
DWFI Podcast 42 – 15th Anniversary of DWFI
This special episode of the Water for Food Podcast commemorates the 15th anniversary of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute by sharing the story of its origin. You can read the full historical account here. The 15th anniversary year will be highlighted by a celebration reception at the upcoming 2025 Water for Food Global Conference, held in Lincoln, Nebraska, …
Zeldin Says EPA Will Revise WOTUS Rule
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin promised Wednesday that the definition of “Waters of the United States” will be revised “once and for all.” “The previous Administration’s definition of ‘waters of the United States’ placed unfair burdens on the American people and drove up the cost of doing business,” said Zeldin during a press event Wednesday morning. “Given the …
DWFI Podcast 41 – New Nebraska Nitrogen Recommendations for Irrigated Corn
After years of dedicated work from many people and sectors, UNL has released new recommendations for nitrogen fertilization of irrigated corn. In this episode, Nebraska Water Extension Educator Crystal Powers talks to UNL professor of agronomy Richard Ferguson, who has been involved in the project from the start. Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform: 17:34 The Robert …
RanchBot Introduces Trough Direct Monitoring System
At CattleCon25 in San Antonio today, Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions announced the launch of Trough Direct, a stand-alone trough monitor with direct satellite connectivity enabling near real-time water level monitoring and consumption data through the MyRanchbot app. Trough Direct operates independently from other Ranchbot monitors and sensors and can be easily installed with a side or top mount to accommodate a …
Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions at #CattleCon25
Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions will be at CattleCon 2025 this week in San Antonio showcasing agritech innovation and championing sustainable water management practices. The company’s participation in the show starts today as Ranchbot will be hosting 100 attendees of CattleCon at the Water Management Methods breakout session from 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. as part of the immersive grazing management workshop and tour …
DWFI Podcast 40 – Irrigation’s Role in Agricultural Productivity
In the 40th episode of the Water for Food Podcast, Daugherty Water for Food Institute (DWFI) Director of Communications and Public Relations Frances Hayes sits down with Darren Siekman at the Valmont Industries headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Darren is the Vice President of Policy and Industry Strategy at Valley Agriculture, a Valmont Company. The two discuss Valmont’s history and global …