By Scout Nelson
Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition are hosting educational workshops in March to help farmers and ranchers learn about establishing perennial forages on cropland.
Interest in converting marginal dryland crop acres to perennial pasture has increased in recent years. Changing market conditions and new support programs have encouraged many landowners to explore this option. Perennial forage systems can help improve soil health, support grazing livestock, and provide long-term land management benefits.
To support this growing interest, two workshops will be held in western Nebraska. The first event will take place on March 16 in Kimball, and the second workshop will be held on March 17 in Rushville. Both programs will begin at 2 p.m. Mountain Time.
The workshops will focus on practical steps farmers can take to successfully establish perennial forage on former cropland. Experts will share research-based information on agronomic practices and land preparation methods.
The program will start with presentations lasting about one and a half hours. These sessions will include time for questions from participants. After the presentations, a panel of local farmers and ranchers will share their real-life experiences with establishing perennial pasture.
Several experts will lead the discussion. Jerry Volesky, a Nebraska Extension specialist, will present practical considerations for establishing perennial forage crops on former cropland.
Representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation Service will discuss cost-share opportunities available to producers. Kristen Dickinson from the Kimball NRCS office and Cody Gibbons from the Rushville NRCS office will explain available support programs and key steps for successful participation.
Jack Arterburn, the western Nebraska program coordinator for the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, will also discuss cost-share assistance available through the organization.
During the producer panel, local farmers and ranchers will talk about their experiences with forage establishment. They will share lessons learned, including what worked well, what challenges they faced, and what they would do differently.
There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is requested. To register, call or email the contact for your preferred host site:
March 16 at Kimball County Transit Meeting Room, 233 S. Chestnut St., Kimball — contact Aaron Berger, 308-235-3122 or email aberger2@unl.edu.
March 17 at Sheridan County Extension Office, 800 South Loofborrow St., Rushville — contact Brock Ortner, 308-327-2312 or email bortner2@nebraska.edu.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Hay & Forage