Ben Beckman - Extension Educator

Ben Beckman

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PO Box 368 101 E Centre Hartington NE 68739-0368
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Work 402-254-6821
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Woman working on financial papers
Preparing for tax season early can streamline the process and ensure financial management is in order.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Supplementing Winter Feed, Record-keeping Reminders for Tax Season

December 3, 2024
Extension recommendations on two important winter season topics for farmers and ranchers: supplementing winter cattle feed with protein, particularly using alfalfa to balance low-quality forages, and keeping accurate records for tax season.

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Woman pulling soil sample from ground
Fall soil sampling provides crucial data on soil fertility, helping farmers plan for optimal crop production and make informed decisions for the upcoming season.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Fall Soil Sampling and Reducing Hay Feeding Losses

November 26, 2024
Insights on two key pasture and forage management topics to help producers improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness for their operations.

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Prescribed burn on farmland
Prescribed burns are a cost-effective way to control invasive eastern red cedar trees, preventing forage loss, preserving grassland habitats, and reducing wildfire risks when conducted with proper planning and safety measures.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Residue Grazing Impacts, Prescribed Burning for Cedar Control

November 19, 2024
Does grazing corn residue negatively affect crop yield or soil health? Beef Extension Educator Ben Beckman shares insight — plus, recommendations for prescribed burning to control eastern red cedar invasions.

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Corn residue in field
Cornstalk residue offers an economical feed option, but rain, snow and wind can lower its nutritional value — monitor closely and adjust supplements to maintain cattle health.

Pasture And Forage Minute: Cornstalk Quality After Rain, Storing Hay to Reduce Loss

November 12, 2024
Extension educators share strategies to manage feed quality and minimize losses in cattle operations this winter.

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Stacks of hay
Hay quality varies yearly, impacting cattle feed needs and supplemental strategies. Accurate hay testing helps producers avoid underfeeding or overfeeding during winter, which can affect herd health and fertility and help manage costs effectively.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Bt Corn Residue and Testing Hay

October 29, 2024
Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Ben Beckman weighs in on the importance of informed feed management to optimize cattle health and productivity this fall and winter.

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Mature soybean field
While soybean residue can be grazed to move animals off overused pasture, it has low feed value and should always be accompanied by supplemental feed.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Fall Alfalfa and Soybean Residue Grazing

October 23, 2024
Extension insights on lower bloat risk for animals grazing fall alfalfa, and the pros and cons of grazing soybean residue.

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No hunting sign on farmland
Producers facing market volatility are considering hunting as a potential income source, but clarity on hunting rights in leases is crucial, as these rights typically default to tenants unless explicitly reserved for landlords.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Prussic Acid Management, Hunting Rights for Land Leases

October 15, 2024
Tips for preventing prussic acid poisoning as temperatures begin to drop and determining who holds hunting rights on leased cropland or pasture.

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Cattle grazing corn residue
This year, earlier residue grazing of corn and sorghum residue soon after grain harvest may provide good nutrition for mid- to late-gestation cattle.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Drought-stressed Crop Residue and Fall Forages

October 9, 2024
Best practices for producers looking to graze crop residue due to drought-related shortages, and managing risk factors with fall forages.

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