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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
DWFI Shares Annual Report
The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska recently released its 2024 Annual Report celebrating 15 years of progress toward global water and food security. DWFI continues to focus on ensuring a sustainable future with access to nutritious food and clean water and is uniquely positioned to advance water management for greater food security. Throughout …
DWFI Podcast 39 – Navigating Climate Change in Nebraska
Navigating climate change: impacts on water stress and agricultural production in Nebraska Nebraska, located in the U.S. “Corn Belt,” is well known for its agricultural and livestock production, generating around $31.1 billion in agricultural cash receipts in 2023. But how will climate change impact long-term agricultural production, and how can we adapt to changes to ensure water security and food …
DWFI Podcast 38 – Irrigation Impacts on Nutrition
Irrigation expansion can provide the water necessary to increase food production for our growing world. It can also be a means for moving farmers from simply producing enough food for their families to generating more income through domestic markets or export of additional production. However, increasing use of irrigation can have varying impacts on the nutrition of the local communities …
DWFI Podcast 37 – Opportunities of Irrigation and Mechanization
In November 2023, the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute announced a new USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization Systems (ILIMS). ILIMS enhances global food security by generating research-based solutions to support the growth of vibrant irrigation and mechanization markets; develops strong institutions and local capacity for their sustainability; and fosters opportunities for equitable access for …