By Scout Nelson
The Midwest FEEDS Practicum is a hands-on educational program designed to build strong skills in beef cattle production. FEEDS stands for Forage, Education and Efficiency in Diversified Systems. The program uses the natural strengths of the Midwest, including perennial pastures, annual forages, cover crops, crop residues, and harvested feeds.
Participants will take part in multiple sessions held throughout the production season. Each session combines in-field learning with guided discussions. This approach allows participants to apply practical skills while also sharing ideas with instructors and peers. The program encourages open discussion and real-world problem solving.
Networking is an important part of the practicum. Participants will connect with others involved in beef production and learn from experienced professionals. High-quality learning materials are also provided. These include software tools, notebooks, and selected publications from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to support continued learning beyond the sessions.
The practicum focuses on key skills needed for modern beef operations. Participants will learn how to use decision support tools and NRC software to analyze cattle diets and match forage availability with animal needs. Training also covers grazing and pasture planning, including weed control and fertility strategies.
Additional topics include breeding, calving, weaning, cattle handling, and facility design. Participants will also learn how to evaluate cattle performance by estimating condition scores and understanding nutrition needs throughout the reproductive cycle.
A unique feature of the program is exposure to current research at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center. Participants will see how cropland can be integrated into forage and cow-calf systems through applied research and demonstrations.
The program includes five in-person sessions held at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead, Nebraska:
- February 28, 2026 – Health Nutrition and Systems Thinking
- March 28, 2026 – Forage Systems and Breeding
- June 20, 2026 – Facilities and Pasture Management
- August 29, 2026 – Weaning Culling and Winter Feeding
- December 5, 2026 – Stalk Grazing and Preparing for Calving
Registration is available online. The cost is $750 per individual, $1,300 for two participants, and $500 for each additional participant.
Photo Credit: istock-123ducu
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Hay & Forage, Education, Livestock, Beef Cattle