University of Nebraska
Extension Specialist
Nicolas Cafaro La Menza’s journey in agriculture began on a family farm in Tres Arroyos, Argentina. Growing up with a deep connection to the land, Nicolas spent much of his childhood helping on the farm where his grandparents and father worked. While his dad has since retired and now runs a hardware store, Nicolas’s mother pursued a career in education, teaching math, biology, and natural science at the high school level. With a brother doing a PhD in agronomy and a sister working in a hospital administration and studying social work in Argentina, the family’s diverse pursuits reflect a strong commitment to service, agriculture and education.
Nicolas’s interest in agriculture was fostered early on by his grandmother, who taught him how to grow plants. This passion led him to attend an agriculture school in Argentina, where he further explored his love for farming. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from the University of Mar del Plata, focusing on plant physiology and studying water and nitrogen deficiency in corn.
His academic journey continued with a master’s assistantship in Argentina, which eventually transitioned into a PhD program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he specialized in soybean research and nitrogen fixation. Following his PhD, Nicolas completed a two-year postdoc focused on soybean seed quality, covering all aspects of soybean production.
Currently, Nicolas is an Assistant Professor and Cropping Systems Specialist at the University of Nebraska. His role is evenly split between research and extension, with a primary focus on soybeans. His lab typically consists of a dedicated team of 10 core members, supplemented by research technologists, scholars, and students. Together, they tackle projects related to nutrient dynamics, water use in semi-arid cropping systems, and on-farm research with local farmers. His research also involves national and international collaborations on sorghum research, rice-soybean rotation, and nutrient limitation in tropical and subtropical cropping systems.
One of Nicolas’s significant achievements is his work on nitrogen in soybeans, building strong relationships with local farmers and supporting their projects through funding and research. He values his connection with the Science for Success program, which he joined at the end of 2021. Through S4S, Nicolas has gained valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration, including attending events like the Commodity Classic, generating educational material for farmers, conducting multistate research projects, and building relationships and learning with other soybean specialists across the US.
Outside of his professional life, Nicolas enjoys a range of activities. He is passionate about soccer, both playing and watching, and participates in half marathons annually. He loves hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures, as well as traveling and exploring new places. Cycling is another favorite pastime, allowing him to enjoy the outdoors.
Nicolas’s journey from a family farm in Argentina to his current role in Nebraska is a testament to his dedication to agriculture and his commitment to advancing the field through research, collaboration, and community engagement. His story reflects the impact of a strong family background, a solid educational foundation, and a passion for making a difference in the world of agriculture.
Story by Aleigha Kelly and Isabella Dean.