Todd Whitney - Extension Educator

Todd Whitney

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1308 2nd St Holdrege NE 68949-2803
US
Work 308-995-4222
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Area: Furnas, Gosper, Harlan & Phelps Counties
Extension Focus: Cropping systems, soil nutrients and manure management, water quality
Programming: Statewide Primary Issue Team – Protecting Water Quality and Soil Resources for Agriculture, Businesses and Communities; Other programs – Private Applicator Certification Training; Commercial Pesticide Re-Certification Training; Chemigation Certification Training; Nebraska Extension On-Farm Research Regional Network; Manure Management Field Day; Weed Resistance; Crop Recovery from Harsh Environmental Factors

Cow in tall grass
Making a decision on when to graze winter annuals such rye, winter wheat or triticale in the spring should depend on plant growth — ideally, the best time to graze is when the plants are about five to six inches tall.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Annual Forage Webinar Series, Improving Alfalfa Stands

April 17, 2024
Extension educators introduce a new webinar series for producers interested in adding an annual forage rotation to their operation, plus insights on grazing spring cereal grains and options for thin alfalfa stands.

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Man operates drone in field
Though the startup costs can seem daunting, drones can help producers save time and reduce costs on numerous tasks involved in managing livestock.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Drones for Livestock Management, Drought Recovery

April 9, 2024
This week, extension educators weigh in on the pros and cons of drone use for livestock producers, and considerations for drought-damaged pastures and controlling winter annual weeds in alfalfa. 

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Cattle grazing pasture during spring
Lush spring growth brings with it the risk of grass tetany, due to its low magnesium levels. To avoid tetany issues, it’s best to wait until grass in pastures has grown to at least six inches high before grazing.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Double Cropping Forages, Wheat Grazing vs. Grain Value

April 3, 2024
Insights on double cropping annual forages in irrigated cropland, avoiding grass tetany, and making the decision to use wheat as forage or grain this year. 

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Wildfire spreads across open pasture
Although the immediate aftermath of a fast-moving fire can look quite devastating, perennial pasture grasses are resilient and will recover, especially since they are still dormant.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Management Following Wildfire, Spring Planted Alfalfa

March 7, 2024
Grazing management recommendations for producers affected by wildfire in central Nebraska in late February, and considerations for establishing new alfalfa stands this spring.

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Closeup of man preparing tax forms
IRS Section 180 allows landowners to treat the residual fertility present in the soil at the time of purchase as a deductible cost. Though the deduction should be filed during the year of land purchase, landowners may be able to file an amended tax return for a previous tax year. It’s important to consult your CPA or tax advisor to understand your options and file accordingly.

Pasture and Forage Minute: A Closer Look at Section 180, Forage Inventory Season

February 6, 2024
With recent land purchases, many Nebraska producers are seeking to better understand IRS Section 180 tax deductions. This article provides a review of the tax code and its potential financial implications for landowners of newly acquired land.

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Cattle eating hay during winter
One of the cheapest natural sources of protein, alfalfa hay is highly digestible and can increase consumption of low-quality feeds, making it a great supplement for winter diets.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Considerations for Grazing After Fall Fertilizers, Using Alfalfa as Protein Supplement

December 6, 2023
Extension insights on grazing crop residue following fertilizer applications and using alfalfa as a protein supplement in winter feed.

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Cattle in snow-covered corn residue
Leaving stubble at the end of the growing season is a great way to catch snow, which will provide insulation to and prevent evaporation from the soil, protecting forages in the process.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Cornstalk Nutrition and Winter Forage Snow Cover

November 6, 2023
Insights on the nutritional value of cornstalk grazing and the importance of leaving stubble at harvest to help build snow cover.

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Manure pile in field
Careful consideration should be given when determining stockpile placement. The above photo shows what to avoid, a pile placed directly across the road from a neighbor's driveway. While potentially a good place water quality wise, the neighbor is likely to be upset - especially if the pile stays there for more than a few days. (UNL Water photo)

Manure Stockpiles: Mind Your Manners

October 6, 2023
All manure managers should focus on reducing nuisance odor risks and preventing nutrient loss from stored manure piles.

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