Economic Factors to Weigh in Making Decisions during Drought

May 29th, 2013 10:00 AM

Matt Stockton, Agricultural Economist at the West Central Research and Extension Center will discuss economic factors producers should consider as they make management decisions due to drought conditions. Registration is required to view the free webinars. To register got to http://go.unl.edu/uwk to register.

Northeast Cattlemen Summer Steak Fry

June 2nd, 2013 06:00 PM

The Northeast Cattlemen will be holding at summer steak fry on June 2nd starting with a social at 6pm and the meal to follow at 7pm at the Legion Hall in Pender.  For more information contact Joel Bruns at 402.922.0112.

Nebraska Cattlemen's Ball

June 7th, 2013 12:00 AM - June 8th, 2013 12:00 AM

For more information go to http://cattlemensball.com/

Discover Beef - UNL Big Red Camp

June 9th, 2013 12:00 AM - June 12th, 2013 12:00 AM

Explore Nebraska’s largest industry — beef production! Discover all aspects of beef production through hands-on activities and interactions with UNL Extension educators and specialists, industry experts, and producers. Learn about genetics, reproduction, feeds and nutrition, marketing, meat and food safety, grazing-lands management, and current issues in the industry. Taught by the Department of Animal Science and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.

More Information: http://liferay.unl.edu/c/document_library/get_file?p_l_id=4163126&folderId=4163265&name=DLFE-36995.pdf

Nebraska Cattlemen - Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition 2013 Summer Grazing Tour

June 11th, 2013 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Promotional Brochure

The tour will involve four long standing Sandhills ranches northwest of Burwell including the Gracie Creek Ranch; the Shovel Dot Ranch; the Twin Creek Ranch, and UNL grazing research on the Barta Brothers Ranch.

Gracie Creek Ranch is a commercial beef operation managed by the Bob Price Family, and is located in the eastern Sandhills near Burwell, Nebraska. This is a family operation including Bob, son Aaron and daughter Lindsey and her husband Clayton Smith. The ranch’s main production goal is to promote grassland conservation through a profitable planned grazing system that allows for optimum levels of production and environmental services. To reach this goal, a year-round planned grazing system is implemented, supplementing when needed, and minimizing harvest feed demand. The ranch strives for management simplicity and production flexibility to account for climate and market volatility. The Price Family firmly believes conservation and agricultural production practices can be integrated, profitable, and sustainable for future generations. Conservation practices abound on the operation, and the entire ranch was recently enrolled in the USDA’s Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program.

 The Buell Family first took roots in the Nebraska Sandhills when Benjamin Franklin Buell homesteaded in Southern Rock County in 1882.  Since that time each generation has worked to preserve and maintain the unique landscape of the Sandhills while at the same time running a profitable ranch.  The fourth generation, Larry and Homer and their families operated the Shovel Dot Ranch as a partnership for over 30 years but in 2009, to facilitate the generational transfer of the ranch, they separated.  At the present Homer, his wife Darla, and son Chad and his wife Tricia operate the Shovel Dot Ranch while Larry and his wife Nick operate the Twin Creek Ranch along with their son-in-law Kelby and daughter Devon. Each ranch, using about 15,000 acres, is a cow calf, backgrounding, yearling operation with management of native grasses of paramount importance.  Homer and his brother Larry, starting back in the 1970s, were always quick to adopt new ideas and technology. The Grazing Manager software program is just one of the tools that they use to set up grazing plans and monitor affects on range health over time.  Other technology like Palm Pilots, Quickbooks accounting software, EID, Cow Calf 5, and AI all contribute to managing both the land and the cattle well. As stewards of the land rotational grazing, cross fencing, water pipelines, calving later, winter grazing, and close monitoring of pasture use and production have all helped to improve the quality and quantity of the native grasses. The Buell Family is proud to have the fifth generation working the land with profitable cattle ranches.  One of the goals of each generation has been to pass along a heritage that runs deep with love for the Nebraska Sandhills, its gently rolling prairies, and its landscape bubbling with life which has continued for 130 years.

Barta Brothers Ranch was gifted to the University of Nebraska Foundation in 1992 by Clifford and Jimmy Barta.  Research trials were started in 1998 on the 5,300 acre ranch resulting in eleven M.S. and eight PhD’s thus far. Some of the trials that have been conducted include:

-- Long term grazing study (10 years)
-- 4- vs 8-pasture rotation system
-- Supplementing yearling steers wet distiller’s grain on native range and feedlot performance
-- Finishing yearling heifers on grass with a self-feeder
-- Lead plant utilization by beef cows
-- Bio complexity study
-- Sand dune re-stabilization
-- Fly control trials
-- Cedar tree wind break renovation
-- Prairie chicken habitat & mallard duck nesting study  

Current studies include: 

-- Above ground plant production by topographic positioning since 1999
-- Plant and soil response to stocking rate and grazing period length
-- Plant, soil and yearling weight response to grazing systems(including mob grazing )on sub irrigated meadow
-- Effect of grazing period length (number of moves/day) on harvest efficiency and trampled vegetation
-- Timing of rainfall events on herbage production under drought conditions
--Effect of pasture shape on harvest efficiency & trampled vegetation.

Do not miss this opportunity to learn from some of the most progressive grazers in Nebraska as they relate their unique incorporation of grazing techniques and time tested managerial practices that make their operations work. Box lunches will be provided for consumption en route between stops. The day concludes with an evening steak dinner at the Barta Brothers Ranch featuring a panel discussion of the owners from the tour stops and UNL grazing researchers. Come and learn more about the activities of the NGLC and NC. Registration fee is $15 per person and preregistration is required for meal counts by contacting Ron Bolze, NGLC Coordinator, 402.426.2033, by June 3.  

Sandhills Ranch Expo

June 12th, 2013 12:00 AM

For more information go to http://www.sandhillsranchexpo.com/

Nebraska Ranch Practicum

June 12th, 2013 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

During the three-season UNL Extension class, participants have the opportunity to expand their knowledge with an overview of ranching practices from new angles. Throughout the program, participants will cover a variety of topics including the effective use of decision support tools to evaluate management and marketing alternatives, plant identification, range conditions and grazing strategies, wildlife management, evaluation of cow body condition scores, and beef cattle production systems.

Classroom activities will open and close the Practicum in North Platte with the remainder of the classes conducted at UNL’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, a working ranch with education and research facilities, near Whitman. The 12,800 acre ranch provides hands-on experience to ranchers. Practicum dates are June 12 and 13, July 11, Sept. 4 and 5, and Nov. 7, 2013, and Jan. 8 and 9, 2014 for the eight-session class. Scheduling of the sessions from June to January is designed to cover the production cycle of both livestock and forage resources.

The 2013 Nebraska Ranch Practicum can count for college or continuing education credit. Participants looking to earn credits should make arrangements during the initial session.

Foradditional information, contact Brent Plugge at 308-236-1235, e-mail brent.plugge@unl.edu or visit the Practicum website at http://nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/

Nebraska Ranch Practicum

June 13th, 2013 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

During the three-season UNL Extension class, participants have the opportunity to expand their knowledge with an overview of ranching practices from new angles. Throughout the program, participants will cover a variety of topics including the effective use of decision support tools to evaluate management and marketing alternatives, plant identification, range conditions and grazing strategies, wildlife management, evaluation of cow body condition scores, and beef cattle production systems.

Classroom activities will open and close the Practicum in North Platte with the remainder of the classes conducted at UNL’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, a working ranch with education and research facilities, near Whitman. The 12,800 acre ranch provides hands-on experience to ranchers. Practicum dates are June 12 and 13, July 11, Sept. 4 and 5, and Nov. 7, 2013, and Jan. 8 and 9, 2014 for the eight-session class. Scheduling of the sessions from June to January is designed to cover the production cycle of both livestock and forage resources.

The 2013 Nebraska Ranch Practicum can count for college or continuing education credit. Participants looking to earn credits should make arrangements during the initial session.

Foradditional information, contact Brent Plugge at 308-236-1235, e-mail brent.plugge@unl.edu or visit the Practicum website at http://nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/

Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting

June 18th, 2013 12:00 AM - June 19th, 2013 12:00 AM

For more information http://nebraskacattlemen.org/default.php?id=332

2013 Water and Natural Resources Tour

June 25th, 2013 12:00 AM - June 26th, 2013 12:00 AM

For more information go to http://watercenter.unl.edu/Archives/2013/WaterNaturalTour.asp

DNA Technolgy: Where we've been, where we are, and where we're headed

June 26th, 2013 11:30 AM - 05:00 PM

DNA Technology continues to advance as is the use of that technology in cattle breeding and genetic selection. Dr. Matthew Spangler, UNL Extension Beef Cattle Quantitative Genetics Specialists is coordinating a meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at the USDA Meat Animal Research Center that will highlight these advancements. To attend, RSVP by June 10 to Terri Behl (tbehl1@unl.edu; 402-472-6411). Registration fee is $10 and includes lunch and all handout material.

Nebraska Ranch Practicum

July 11th, 2013 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

During the three-season UNL Extension class, participants have the opportunity to expand their knowledge with an overview of ranching practices from new angles. Throughout the program, participants will cover a variety of topics including the effective use of decision support tools to evaluate management and marketing alternatives, plant identification, range conditions and grazing strategies, wildlife management, evaluation of cow body condition scores, and beef cattle production systems.

Classroom activities will open and close the Practicum in North Platte with the remainder of the classes conducted at UNL’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, a working ranch with education and research facilities, near Whitman. The 12,800 acre ranch provides hands-on experience to ranchers. Practicum dates are June 12 and 13, July 11, Sept. 4 and 5, and Nov. 7, 2013, and Jan. 8 and 9, 2014 for the eight-session class. Scheduling of the sessions from June to January is designed to cover the production cycle of both livestock and forage resources.

The 2013 Nebraska Ranch Practicum can count for college or continuing education credit. Participants looking to earn credits should make arrangements during the initial session.

Foradditional information, contact Brent Plugge at 308-236-1235, e-mail brent.plugge@unl.edu or visit the Practicum website at http://nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/

Farmer Stockman Council Tour

July 23rd, 2013 12:00 AM

More information to come.

Nebraska Ranch Practicum

September 4th, 2013 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

During the three-season UNL Extension class, participants have the opportunity to expand their knowledge with an overview of ranching practices from new angles. Throughout the program, participants will cover a variety of topics including the effective use of decision support tools to evaluate management and marketing alternatives, plant identification, range conditions and grazing strategies, wildlife management, evaluation of cow body condition scores, and beef cattle production systems.

Classroom activities will open and close the Practicum in North Platte with the remainder of the classes conducted at UNL’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, a working ranch with education and research facilities, near Whitman. The 12,800 acre ranch provides hands-on experience to ranchers. Practicum dates are June 12 and 13, July 11, Sept. 4 and 5, and Nov. 7, 2013, and Jan. 8 and 9, 2014 for the eight-session class. Scheduling of the sessions from June to January is designed to cover the production cycle of both livestock and forage resources.

The 2013 Nebraska Ranch Practicum can count for college or continuing education credit. Participants looking to earn credits should make arrangements during the initial session.

For additional information, contact Brent Plugge at 308-236-1235, e-mail brent.plugge@unl.edu or visit the Practicum website at http://nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/

Nebraska Ranch Practicum

September 5th, 2013 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

During the three-season UNL Extension class, participants have the opportunity to expand their knowledge with an overview of ranching practices from new angles. Throughout the program, participants will cover a variety of topics including the effective use of decision support tools to evaluate management and marketing alternatives, plant identification, range conditions and grazing strategies, wildlife management, evaluation of cow body condition scores, and beef cattle production systems.

Classroom activities will open and close the Practicum in North Platte with the remainder of the classes conducted at UNL’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, a working ranch with education and research facilities, near Whitman. The 12,800 acre ranch provides hands-on experience to ranchers. Practicum dates are June 12 and 13, July 11, Sept. 4 and 5, and Nov. 7, 2013, and Jan. 8 and 9, 2014 for the eight-session class. Scheduling of the sessions from June to January is designed to cover the production cycle of both livestock and forage resources.

The 2013 Nebraska Ranch Practicum can count for college or continuing education credit. Participants looking to earn credits should make arrangements during the initial session.

For additional information, contact Brent Plugge at 308-236-1235, e-mail brent.plugge@unl.edu or visit the Practicum website at http://nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/

Nebraska Ranch Practicum

November 7th, 2013 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

During the three-season UNL Extension class, participants have the opportunity to expand their knowledge with an overview of ranching practices from new angles. Throughout the program, participants will cover a variety of topics including the effective use of decision support tools to evaluate management and marketing alternatives, plant identification, range conditions and grazing strategies, wildlife management, evaluation of cow body condition scores, and beef cattle production systems.

Classroom activities will open and close the Practicum in North Platte with the remainder of the classes conducted at UNL’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, a working ranch with education and research facilities, near Whitman. The 12,800 acre ranch provides hands-on experience to ranchers. Practicum dates are June 12 and 13, July 11, Sept. 4 and 5, and Nov. 7, 2013, and Jan. 8 and 9, 2014 for the eight-session class. Scheduling of the sessions from June to January is designed to cover the production cycle of both livestock and forage resources.

The 2013 Nebraska Ranch Practicum can count for college or continuing education credit. Participants looking to earn credits should make arrangements during the initial session.

For additional information, contact Brent Plugge at 308-236-1235, e-mail brent.plugge@unl.edu or visit the Practicum website at http://nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/

Nebraska Ranch Practicum

January 8th, 2014 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

During the three-season UNL Extension class, participants have the opportunity to expand their knowledge with an overview of ranching practices from new angles. Throughout the program, participants will cover a variety of topics including the effective use of decision support tools to evaluate management and marketing alternatives, plant identification, range conditions and grazing strategies, wildlife management, evaluation of cow body condition scores, and beef cattle production systems.

Classroom activities will open and close the Practicum in North Platte with the remainder of the classes conducted at UNL’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, a working ranch with education and research facilities, near Whitman. The 12,800 acre ranch provides hands-on experience to ranchers. Practicum dates are June 12 and 13, July 11, Sept. 4 and 5, and Nov. 7, 2013, and Jan. 8 and 9, 2014 for the eight-session class. Scheduling of the sessions from June to January is designed to cover the production cycle of both livestock and forage resources.

The 2013 Nebraska Ranch Practicum can count for college or continuing education credit. Participants looking to earn credits should make arrangements during the initial session.

For additional information, contact Brent Plugge at 308-236-1235, e-mail brent.plugge@unl.edu or visit the Practicum website at http://nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/

Nebraska Ranch Practicum

January 9th, 2014 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

During the three-season UNL Extension class, participants have the opportunity to expand their knowledge with an overview of ranching practices from new angles. Throughout the program, participants will cover a variety of topics including the effective use of decision support tools to evaluate management and marketing alternatives, plant identification, range conditions and grazing strategies, wildlife management, evaluation of cow body condition scores, and beef cattle production systems.

Classroom activities will open and close the Practicum in North Platte with the remainder of the classes conducted at UNL’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, a working ranch with education and research facilities, near Whitman. The 12,800 acre ranch provides hands-on experience to ranchers. Practicum dates are June 12 and 13, July 11, Sept. 4 and 5, and Nov. 7, 2013, and Jan. 8 and 9, 2014 for the eight-session class. Scheduling of the sessions from June to January is designed to cover the production cycle of both livestock and forage resources.

The 2013 Nebraska Ranch Practicum can count for college or continuing education credit. Participants looking to earn credits should make arrangements during the initial session.

For additional information, contact Brent Plugge at 308-236-1235, e-mail brent.plugge@unl.edu or visit the Practicum website at http://nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/