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Will new cash crop tighten cinch of Corn Belt?

Nebraska Extension trials test agronomic, economic possibility of dry peas in eastern Nebraska

Kristen Sindelar
Jul 17, 2026
8 hrs ago

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Like two peas in a pod, corn and soybeans have become the common crop rotation for growers in eastern Nebraska, but researchers with Nebraska Extension are ascertaining whether a third crop—yellow field peas—has the agronomic viability and economic stimulus to be integrated into this dual cropping system.

Field pea 1.JPG — Michael Kurtzhals shows the root structure of spring field peas being grown at Haskell Ag Lab near Concord, Neb.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Field pea 3.JPG — Logan Dana closely examines pea pods.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Field pea 2.JPG — Dipak Santra, right, explains the 19 different field pea varieties being grown at Haskell Ag Lab during the Pea Field Day and plot tour June 23.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Field pea 4.JPG — The spring pea field trials at Haskell Ag Lab near Concord, Neb., include 19 different varieties of green and yellow spring field peas, one variety of chickpeas, five plots of different seeding rates and four plots for a study involving seed treatment with zinc and cadmium accumulation.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.