University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

June 15, 2006

Sixth Annual Nebraska Grazing Conference August 7-8 in Kearney

The 2006 Nebraska Grazing Conference will feature 25 speakers from five states – livestock grazing specialists as well as experienced livestock producers – who will address topics from economic success with grazing to animal behavior and grazing management to grazing that enhances wildlife and conservation. The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn in Kearney from mid-morning August 7 to mid-afternoon August 8.

Speakers

Back by popular demand is Barry Dunn with the King Ranch Institute in Kingsville, Texas. Dunn spoke at the first Nebraska Grazing Conference in 2001 and this year will describe a balanced approach to measuring success in grazing management. Terry Klopfenstein, UNL animal scientist, will summarize his career-long findings from grazing yearlings and evaluating the economic ramifications of various grazing systems. Ken Vogel, USDA grass geneticist at UNL, will show how genetic improvement in grasses can increase profits from grazing.

Another popular returning speaker will be Fred Provenza from Utah State University. On the morning of the first day he will discuss using animal behavior to manage grazing. That evening he will lead a practical workshop on how to implement his techniques. Byron Shelton, a certified educator from Colorado with Holistic Management International, will discuss what to consider when developing grazing plans. He will be followed by Nebraska producers from Wauneta, Endicott, and Brewster who will describe their procedures for setting up new grazing systems.

John Sellers, Grassland Systems Program Coordinator for the Leopold Center in Iowa, will provide recommendations for integrating pasture with row crops. Dave Sands with The Nebraska Land Trust will talk about protecting your grasslands with conservation easements.

On the first day conference participants will have their choice of attending concurrent sessions on promoting grassland biodiversity or irrigated pastures, and on the second day, birds and grazing or winter and summer grazing options.

Pre-registration is $70 (if payment is postmarked by Aug. 1) and includes two lunches, evening banquet and materials. Registration after Aug. 1 is $90. One-day registrations (not including banquet) are $35 before Aug. 1 and $45 after Aug. 1. Walk-in registrations are allowed.

For more information or to register, contact the Center for Grassland Studies at (402) 472-4101, e-mail grassland@unl.edu, or view the program and print a registration form at http://www.grassland.unl.edu.

To make hotel reservations, contact the Holiday Inn at (800) 248-4460 and specify the Nebraska Grazing Conference to receive the $66.95+ room rate. For information about continuing education units, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service at (308) 534-2360, Ext. 3, or e-mail dana.larsen@ne.usda.gov.

The Nebraska Grazing Conference has several sponsors including this year’s conference underwriters: the UNL Center for Grassland Studies, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition.

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Copyright 2006 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. All rights reserved.
Published by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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