Ben Beckman - Extension Educator

Ben Beckman

faculty

Assoc Exten Educator NE Ext Engagement Zone 5 University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Work

PO Box 368 101 E Centre Hartington NE 68739-0368

Work 402-254-6821

ben.beckman@unl.edu

vCard

Baled cornstalks — Cornstalk residue with downed ears baled and ready to use. (CropWatch file photo by Jenny Rees)

Valuing Cornstalk Bales

November 30, 2021

Baling corn residue might be a good option for additional roughage this year, but it's important to first calculate the value of cornstalk bales.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Understanding Hay Test Results, Winter Protein Supplements

November 30, 2021

This week, extension educators shed light on the importance of dry basis results on hay tests and using alfalfa as a protein supplement during the winter.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Corn Residue for Better Crop Yields

November 23, 2021

Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman explains how grazing corn residue at proper stocking rates can lead to better crop yields, plus a review on testing cornstalk bales for nutritional value.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Calculating Feed Costs, Safe Alfalfa Grazing

November 16, 2021

Calculating the cost of grazing cornstalks with the UNL Cornstalk Grazing Cow-Q-Lator and preventing bloat in cattle grazing fall alfalfa.

Frost damaged alfalfa — While six weeks before the first frost is traditionally a good method for timing the last cutting of alfalfa, producers can also use growing degree days to formulate a more accurate date.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Winterizing Alfalfa and Grazing Small Grains

October 25, 2021

Extension Educator Ben Beckman reviews his recommendations on winterizing alfalfa using growing degree days, and which small grains to focus grazing on this fall.

Yucca plants — Herbicides are most effective against yucca infestations when applied in spring or summer on individual plants or small patches.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Managing Prussic Acid, Yucca and Fall Irrigation

October 12, 2021

In this week's article, educators review concerns on prussic acid development in sorghum plants, herbicide control for soapweeds in grazing lands and irrigating alfalfa this fall to help with stand stress.

Grain sorghum — Stalk grazing this fall should begin with corn residue and then transition to grain sorghum stovers, as corn leaves will blow out of fields within a couple months post-harvest, whereas grain sorghum leaves usually remain attached through winter and into early spring.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Fall Grazing and Pasture Management

October 5, 2021

Extension Educator Todd Whitney explains why it's best to graze grain sorghum stover before corn residue, plus a rundown on improving hay and crop residue through ammoniation and proper care of fall pastures for best plant health through the winter.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Overgraze Pastures Now to Prep for Interseeding Legumes Next Spring

September 22, 2021

This week, Extension Educator Ben Beckman explains how to produce nitrogen in a pasture by interseeding legumes — plus, a review on testing hay for its quality and baling corn stalks for forage.

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