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Diplomat of the Year Awarded to Owen Palm

On Wednesday, August 7, the Nebraska Diplomats announced that Owen Palm, president and CEO of 21st Century Equipment and a Nebraska Diplomat since 2002, won the prestigious Diplomat of the Year award at their annual awards banquet. Governor Jim Pillen, Nebraska Diplomats President Desiree Wineland, and Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton presented this year’s awards at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney, Nebraska.

The Nebraska Diplomats comprise more than 286 business executives and community leaders and is the largest economic development organization in Nebraska. Diplomats form alliances with other Nebraska economic development organizations to promote the state’s productive business climate, and provide connections to Nebraska leaders without political, organizational or geographic restrictions according to their official website. The organization recognized Palm in 2024 for the years of time and talent he’s bestowed to the state of Nebraska.

“Owen has given much to agricultural and business communities in Western Nebraska, the state, the region, and the country,” noted a recent press release. “Through knowledge-sharing opportunities and field day demonstrations, he has made a profound contribution to Nebraska agriculture. Owen’s leadership in civic life has focused on bridging the gaps between Scottsbluff and Omaha to make the state a better and more welcoming place to do business.”

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Trending Video

Supplemental Nitrogen on Soybeans: Can Early Nitrogen Increase Yield?

Video: Supplemental Nitrogen on Soybeans: Can Early Nitrogen Increase Yield?

Can supplemental nitrogen help soybeans reach higher yield potential? Technical Agronomist Tim Sickman walks through an ongoing trial at the Nutrien Innovation Farm in Owensboro, Kentucky, exploring whether a modest amount of nitrogen applied at planting can support higher-yielding soybean environments.

The trial compares 30 pounds of supplemental nitrogen across both 15- and 30-inch rows, along with treatments that include sulfur and micronutrients. Similar trials conducted in 2024 and 2025 delivered a six- to seven-bushel yield response, prompting the team to expand the research this season.

Early observations show that treated soybeans are slightly taller and averaging about two additional nodes on the main stem. These added nodes could create more opportunities for blooms and pods, but the true results will come at harvest when the team evaluates pod development, seed fill and final yield.

In This Video:

Why high-yield soybeans may need supplemental nitrogen

Results from the 2024 and 2025 trials

Nitrogen treatments in 15- and 30-inch rows

Fertilizer placement and application methods

Differences in plant height and node counts

Potential effects on pod development and yield