Ben Beckman - Extension Educator

Ben Beckman

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PO Box 368 101 E Centre Hartington NE 68739-0368
US
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Leafy spurge
Leafy spurge is an aggressive noxious weed that is difficult to remove once established. For optimum control, early detection and herbicides are recommended. (Photo by Ben Beckman)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Controlling Leafy Spurge, Timing Grass Hay Harvest

June 1, 2022
Extension educators share tips on determining water needs for cattle, options for controlling leafy spurge, and a grass hay harvest timeline.

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Sorghum-sudangrass
When selecting a summer annual forage to plant, base your choice primarily on whether you plan to use it for pasture, hay or silage. For example, this sorghum-sudangrass would be best used as hay, due to its yield and feed value. (CropWatch file photo)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Cool-season Annuals and Alfalfa Harvest, Selecting Summer Forage

May 24, 2022
The time to harvest cool-season annuals, perennial forages and alfalfa first cutting is quickly approaching. Read these extension tips to get prepared for spring harvest and summer forages.

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Burned field

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Management After Wildfire, Pasture Fertility and Cross Fencing

May 10, 2022
Extension educators advise on grazing strategies for areas affected by wildfire and drought, and review soil sampling techniques for an annual checkup on your pasture soil fertility.

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Cattle in pasture

Pasture and Forage Minute: Calculation Animal Units, Stocking Rates and Spring Turn-out Timetable

April 25, 2022
Tips on calculating the correct animal units and stocking rates for your operation after changes in your herd occur, and the best time and location for spring turn-out.

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Cattle in pasture

Pasture and Forage Minute: Spring Weed Control, Pasture Conditions and Alfalfa Irrigation

April 21, 2022
Extension educators explain why grazing could be your best early spring weed control method, review trigger dates to assess moisture levels and pasture conditions, and more. 

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Pasture and Forage Minute: Improving Alfalfa Production, Alternative Forages in a Drought

April 12, 2022
Extension educators review the best ways to assess alfalfa stands and improve the first cutting, plus options for alternative forage for drought-stressed fields.

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Alfalfa field
Proper seed selection is the first line of defense for disease management of Phytophthora root rot and anthracnose, which can cause significant losses in a short amount of time.

Alfalfa Seed Selection to Help Manage Diseases

April 6, 2022
As you think about selecting alfalfa varieties to plant this year, be sure to consider varieties available with greater resistance to diseases like anthracnose and Phytophthora root rot.

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Prescribed burn image
(CropWatch file photo)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Management Strategies for Prescribed Burning, Grass Tetany and Winter Annual Weeds

April 5, 2022
Extension educators share tips on successful prescribed burning this spring, mineral supplements to prevent grass tetany and how to boost the first cutting of alfalfa. 

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