June 15, 2007

Nebraska Grazing Conference Aug. 7-8 in Kearney

More than two dozen speakers from four states and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources faculty will give farmers, ranchers, wildlife managers and advisers the opportunity to learn more about obtaining economic success through grazing, enhancing wildlife habitat and conservation.

Sessions begin Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. following 9 a.m. registration and will conclude mid-afternoon on Aug. 8.

Key speakers and topics include:

• Jim Gerrish, American GrazingLands Services, May, Idaho, MIG on range and pasture: similarities and differences;
• Jim Richardson, U.S. Department of Agriculture — Natural Resources Conservation Service, Lincoln, Neb., managing soil and water in range and pasture systems;
• Darrell Mark, UNL livestock marketing specialist, economic impacts of expanding ethanol/bio-fuels industry;
• Derek Bailey, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, N.M., modifying livestock grazing behavior to benefit wildlife and meet land management objectives; and
• Harlan Hughes, professor emeritus, North Dakota State University, Laramie, Wyo., stocking according to weather and cattle cycles.

Concurrent sessions cover topics including goat management, technology tools for grazing, leases for resource management and managing with fire. A workshop on monitoring grazinglands will be led by Gerrish Aug. 7 following the 6 p.m. banquet. Time also will be permitted throughout the conference for participants to browse through exhibits from various companies and organizations within the grazing industry.The conference will conclude with panels of experienced, seasoned graziers plus active, developing graziers looking back at past successes and foreseeing future challenges and opportunities.

Registration is $75 if postmarked by Aug. 1 and $90 after. Fees include two lunches, evening banquet and materials. One-day registration is $40 before Aug. 1 and $50 after and does not include the evening banquet. This year reduced registration fees will be offered for full-time high school or college students. Walk-ins are welcome.

Hotel reservations can be made by contacting the Holiday Inn at (800) 248-4460 and specifying the Nebraska Grazing Conference for appropriate rates.