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

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Seed Selection, Grasshoppers After Drought

April 5, 2023

This week — Reviewing seed selection to avoid anthracnose and Phytophthora root rot, assessing alfalfa stands and predictions on grasshopper populations following the 2022 drought.

Cattle grazing pasture — With intense drought conditions last year, it may be prudent to reduce stocking rates and delay turnout this spring, to help grasses in their recovery process.

Pasture and Forage Minute: 2023 Grazing Plans, Preventing Grass Tetany

March 30, 2023

With spring officially here, it's time to put 2023 grazing plans in place and be on the lookout for signs of grass tetany.

Triticale — For successful double cropping, small grains like triticale should be planted now through early April, grazed from the third week of May to early June, and then followed by a summer annual grass.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Double Cropping Forages, Alfalfa Dormancy

March 21, 2023

In this installment: Strategies and tips for successfully double cropping annual forages this year, and a breakdown on what fall dormancy means for alfalfa growth during the next growing season.

Pasture landscape — Fertilization of smooth bromegrass pastures should begin soon, by late March through April

Pasture and Forage Minute: Winter Survival in Alfalfa, Fertilizing Cool-Season Grass

March 16, 2023

Tips on choosing winter survival traits in alfalfa without compromising yield, and timing and application rates for fertilizing cool-season grass pastures.

Cattle eating hay — If your grass, alfalfa or cereal grain feed tests low in magnesium, switching to a high calcium or magnesium mineral will ensure better animal health and milk production.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Avoiding Tetany, Nitrate Issues, Calculating Pasture Rental Rates

February 7, 2023

Extension educators review the importance of testing winter hay and monitoring animals for tetany and nitrate poisoning, and factors to consider while calculating pasture lease rates.