Forage and Cattle Program Registration Open

By Scout Nelson

Nebraska Extension, together with the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, announced a series of educational sessions focused on integrating cattle and wheat production systems. The programs were scheduled for January 19 through January 21 at three locations across Nebraska’s Panhandle, with sessions beginning at 4 p.m.

The events focused on building resilient and profitable production systems by combining crops and livestock practices. “Initially, we’ll look at the system like three legs to a stool. That includes crop rotation, soil health, and livestock grazing,” said Doug Landblom, Beef Cattle Specialist at the Dickinson Research Extension Center. “I’ve been part of an integrated team conducting research for 15 years, examining crop rotations that utilize forages and cattle grazing integrated into a spring wheat cropping system.” The integrated approach was compared with continuous spring wheat systems to measure soil quality and overall profitability.

Research shared during the sessions showed positive outcomes from direct grazing of annual forages. The research team observed increased steer feedlot entry weights and fewer days on feed, which led to improved net returns. “We used grain, legume, mixed crops, and cover crops, such as field pea/forage barley mix and standing corn late summer and fall, followed by cover crops with yearling steers,” he said.

The program also examined how legumes could be integrated into cropping systems to help fix nitrogen for future crops. These practices supported soil health while reducing input needs and improving system efficiency.

Each event included a shared meal followed by a panel discussion. Area producers discussed real-world experiences using annual forages with cattle grazing as part of their cropping systems. This format encouraged discussion and practical learning.

The cost to attend was $20 per person. Pre-registration was requested at least one week before each meeting date to help plan meal counts. Interested participants were asked to register by contacting the host location for their chosen date.

More information and registration details, contact the host at each location:

• Jan. 19 - Country Kitchen in Chadron, Brock Ortner email bortner2@unl.edu, or call 308-327-2312
• Jan. 20 - UNL Panhandle Research Extension & Education Center in Scottsbluff, Aaron Berger email aberger2@unl.edu, or call 308-235-3122
• Jan. 21 - South Platte NRD in Sidney, Aaron Berger email aberger2@unl.edu, or call 308-235-3122

Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymou