By Scout Nelson
An innovative Summer Grazing Field Day is scheduled for August 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. CT, near Utica, Nebraska. This event is ideal for those interested in grazing strategies, input reduction, and rotational cropping systems.
The host has divided a pivot into quarters, rotating between corn, soybeans, rye for seed, and covering crops for grazing. This unique system aims to maximize cattle production in an area with limited pasture access while reducing the need for expensive inputs.
In the current setup, the corn-planted quarter has benefited from two years of grazing to cover crops. The grower applied a nitrogen rate study across the field, assuming a 100 lb N credit from the grazing and crop impact. Nitrogen application rates range from 0 to 150 lb per acre, and the field is being monitored by Sentinel Fertigation.
So far, only half the nitrogen has been applied in the study strips. Most of the monitored sections are not calling for additional nitrogen, offering early insights into input savings without compromising crop performance.
As noted in the invitation, “He assumed 100 lb N credit from the cattle and cover crop impact but put a nitrogen rate study on it from 0-150 lb N/ac and it’s monitored by Sentinel Fertigation.”
Attendees will get to explore economics, sustainability, and practical insights during this educational field day. The event is supported by Nebraska Extension On-Farm Research, who will also provide cookies and water.
To attend, participants are asked to notify Jenny at jrees2@unl.edu. Don’t miss this chance to see how rotational strategies and input management can work together in modern agriculture.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Energy