Ben Beckman - Extension Educator

Ben Beckman

faculty
Work
PO Box 368 101 E Centre Hartington NE 68739-0368
US
Hay
In a hay test, Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) measure the sample’s fiber content, affecting digestibility and forage intake, which help predict animal performance.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Understanding ADF and NDF, Hay Quality After Calving

February 16, 2023
The series on hay test readings continues with a review of ADF and NDF; reviewing the importance of feeding high quality hay after calving is done.

Read more

Oat ryegrass mixture
A spring pasture mix of oats and ryegrass. (Photo by Jerry Volesky)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Planning Spring Annual Forages, More on Deciphering Hay Tests

January 31, 2023
Extension educators review considerations for spring annual forages in Nebraska, and analyze RFV and RFQ estimates in hay tests.

Read more

Hay

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hay Protein and Energy Values, Reducing Hay Losses

January 19, 2023
Breaking down the importance of protein and energy values in hay tests, and tips on reducing fed hay losses.

Read more

Rancher with cattle

Pasture and Forage Minute: Preparing for a Productive 2023

January 12, 2023
Ben Beckman and Daren Redfearn of Nebraska Extension share some predictions and recommendations on grazing and forage production in 2023.

Read more

Hay bales

Pasture and Forage Minute: Deciphering a Hay Test, Using Bad Hay and Silage

January 5, 2023
Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman explains how to accurately read and use a hay test, and options for using low-quality hay and silage.

Read more

Cattle in snowy cornstalks

Pasture and Forage Minute: Snowy Grazing Concerns, Nutrient Loss in Baled Cornstalks

December 5, 2022
Extension educators focus on crop residue, including livestock grazing challenges after a snow or ice event, and calculating nutrient loss in baled cornstalks.

Read more

Hay

Pasture and Forage Minute: Saving Hay, Ag Land Leasing Workshops

November 30, 2022
Tips on reducing hay loss from the elements and during feeding, and information on December's ag land leasing workshops for producers seeking more in-depth farm and ranch leasing guidance.

Read more

Cattle grazing cornstalks

Pasture and Forage Minute: Cattle Compaction in Cropland, Pasture Soil Sampling

November 16, 2022
Extension educators address concerns about cropland compaction and reduced yields from grazing crop residues and taking soil samples in pastures and hay fields.

Read more