By Scout Nelson
The “Knowing, Growing, and Grazing Grass” webinar series strengthened grazing knowledge and decision making for participants across eight states during 2024 and 2025. The Nebraska Extension program included six to eight virtual sessions and equipped attendees with training on grassland management, stocking decisions, and data-based planning.
A total of 58 participants took part in the web-based format, which allowed flexible learning for busy livestock operations.
Each participant received materials through the mail, including grass identification books and Extension Circulars. These hands-on tools supported real-life learning and helped connect classroom instruction with field applications. Three instructors led the course and guided discussions focused on improving grazing systems and long-term land health.
Participants reported meaningful operational changes after attending the course. They developed written grazing plans, adjusted stocking rates and rotations, reduced overgrazing, and began using digital tools such as the Rangeland Analysis Platform and Web Soil Survey.
These improvements supported drought resilience and soil health. The average projected economic benefit was $11.25 per acre, creating a potential impact of approximately $1.2 million across all land represented in the program.
Knowledge growth was a major outcome. According to survey results, 100 percent of respondents reported either significant or moderate increases in understanding. Participants ranked their knowledge before and after the course using a scale from 0 to 100. In 2025, knowledge scores increased by 22 to 63 points across eight topics.
The highest gains included +63 in the Rangeland Analysis Platform, +56 in the Grazing Response Index, and +48 in Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage insurance usage.
The program supported data-driven grazing decisions across 18,400 cattle and 106,277 acres. These results show a strong transition toward adaptive management strategies that protect grasslands while improving livestock performance.
A new series is now being planned for the fall of 2026 for those interested in participating. Contact information is available for anyone seeking more details. The continued success of the course demonstrates the value of accessible education and the importance of improving grazing practices for long-term land sustainability.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-minchen-liang-eyeem
Categories: Nebraska, Education, Government & Policy, Livestock, Dairy Cattle, Sustainable Agriculture