LINCOLN, Neb. — The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is breaking ground in sustainable agriculture by introducing two New Holland methane-powered tractors to its agricultural program. These tractors, the world’s first 100% methane-powered production models, open a new chapter in farm machinery innovation and education.
The donation from CNH Industrial, valued at $287,240 each, places state-of-the-art equipment in the hands of students at the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. CNH made the gift through the University of Nebraska Foundation, signaling a major step forward in hands-on agri-tech learning and methane-powered farming research.
Andy Dozler, manufacturing engineering manager at CNH’s Grand Island plant and a University of Nebraska alumnus, facilitated the gift. Dozler emphasized the goal to cultivate the next generation of farmers and innovators while proving the practical viability of alternative-powered farm machinery in real-world operations.
“This donation is an incredible addition to the slate of technologies here at ENREEC and highlights the strong partnership we’re grateful to share with CNH.” — Doug Zalesky, director of ENREEC
The tractors, New Holland T6.180 models manufactured in Basildon, England, will be housed at the university’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead. ENREEC serves as both a working farm and a commercial laboratory, allowing faculty, students, and producers to test new agriculture technologies on a large scale.
Powered primarily by biomethane — produced by converting plant waste and livestock manure via biodigesters — these tractors dramatically reduce emissions. Initially, they will run on compressed natural gas supplied to the university, demonstrating an immediate path toward greener farming practices.
CNH’s Grand Island facility, celebrating 60 years, employs over 600 people including 10 Husker alumni engineers. New Holland brand, a legacy in supporting farmers for more than 125 years, is leveraging this innovation to promote sustainable, profitable agriculture.
This groundbreaking equipment donation adapts perfectly to evolving farm needs, especially in Kentucky and across the U.S., where methane-powered machinery could revolutionize environmental impact and energy use on farms.
Nebraska Athletics Celebrates Big Wins as Softball and Basketball Programs Make Waves
Meanwhile, Nebraska’s sports programs are also buzzing with momentum. The No. 2 Nebraska softball team invites fans to a free NCAA selection-show watch party at Bowlin Stadium, doors opening at 5 p.m. with the selection show itself beginning at 6 p.m. Fans will see the team’s NCAA Tournament opponents revealed and can snap photos with the Big Ten regular-season championship trophy.
The Cornhuskers softball team kicks off Big Ten Tournament play on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at Maryland Softball Stadium, facing a first-round matchup against No. 8 Ohio State or No. 9 Michigan.
On the men’s basketball front, head coach Fred Hoiberg announced contract extensions for key assistants Nate Loenser, Ernie Zeigler, Pat Monaghan, and general manager Luca Virgilio after the team’s historic 28-7 season — the best in program history. Loenser was named associate head coach, and all extensions run through the 2027-29 seasons, underscoring Nebraska’s commitment to sustaining its new winning culture.
Hoiberg praised his staff’s role in breaking barriers, including the team’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win and Sweet 16 appearance. Their success puts Nebraska basketball in the national spotlight and signals promising growth in college athletics linked closely with the university’s broader advancements.
This convergence of agricultural innovation and athletic achievement highlights Nebraska’s drive toward excellence, innovation, and sustainability, setting an example for universities and communities across the United States — including Kentucky — eager to embrace next-generation technology and competitive sports media buzz.
Stay tuned as Nebraska’s methane-powered tractors start redefining farm machinery and the Cornhuskers pursue further victories in tournament play this week and beyond.
