Daren Redfearn - Extension Forage Crop Residue Specialist

Daren Redfearn

faculty
Work Keim Hall (KEIM) 136
Lincoln NE 68583-0915
US
Work 402-472-2662 On campus, dial 2-2662
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icon-academic-capEducation

  • Ph D, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1995
  • MS, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1992
  • BS, Texas Tech University, 1985

icon-business-chartResearch & Grants

  • Five-year Plan for the Beef Systems Initiative, Internal, August 2017
  • Enhance Animal Protein Crops/Cattle, Fdn for Food & Agriculture Research, July 2017
  • Soil Health Initiative, Dept of Agriculture-NRCS, September 2017
  • Dev Rsrch Ext Skills of Students, Dept of Agriculture-NIFA, March 2016

Faculty Bio

Drought stressed soybeans
The importance of estimating soybean yield prior to harvesting as forage is illustrated in this photo of drought-stressed soybean from Washington County, NE. With a closer look at these plants, you can see 10 to 12 pods per stem with 3 seeds per pod on a few of the plants. These soybeans are not stressed enough to consider for hay or silage. Photo courtesy of Aaron Nygren, Nebraska Extension.

Harvesting Soybeans for Hay or Silage

September 1, 2020
The decision to harvest as forage (hay or silage) or grain should be based on economics. However, the decision to not harvest soybeans as grain does need to be made as soon as possible to capture the forage value of drought-stressed soybeans.

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wheat being cut for forage
Cutting and windrowing forage wheat in south central Nebraska for processing into wheatlage. (Photos by Todd Whitney)

Estimating a Fair Value for Standing Forage

July 29, 2020
Several things need to be considered when deciding what value to place on standing forage. Forage prices reflect current inventories, demand, expected current season production and associated yield risk, and quality characteristics.

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Cattle grazing rye cover crop near Tecumseh
Figure 1. Cattle grazing cereal rye cover crop near Tecumseh. Often grazing poses less of a nitrate toxicity risk than haying and feeding. (Photo by Mary Drewnoski)

Reducing Nitrate Concerns When Grazing Forage Cover Crops

July 22, 2020
Nitrate toxicity can be a concern when planting cover crops for forage in hail-damaged crop fields. With proper management of haying and grazing, the risk can be reduced.

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new buds on alfalfa affected by freeze injury

Freeze Damage to Alfalfa

April 15, 2020
April freeze nips alfalfa. Extent of damage varies based on numerous factors, but no management actions are recommended.

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The Crop Residue Exchange continues to expand to better connect livestock producers with available forage resources.
Figure 1. The Crop Residue Exchange continues to expand to better connect livestock producers with available forage resources. (Photo by Troy Walz)

Crop Residue Exchange Updated and Available for Listings

September 20, 2019
Interested in making your corn residue available or grazing? New updates make the Crop Residue Exchange even easier to use to link cattle producers and available grazing resources.

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Figure 1. Cover crops planted after wheat harvest at the Daryl Obermeyer Farm east of Auburn in Nemaha County. On the left are oats plus turnips and radishes. On the right are turnips and radishes and cereal rye. The brassicas (turnips and radishes) out-compete the cereal rye in late summer. (Photo by Gary Lesoing)

Cover Crop Field Tour Sept. 17 in Nemaha County

September 4, 2019
A Cover Crop Field Tour of three sites in Nemaha County will look at how cover crops are being used and what the early yield and biomass data are showing. A soil pit at one site will also offer insights into longer-term soil health benefits.

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Hailed corn field
Figure 1. Severely hail-damaged corn field where the ears are the top-most part of the plant. Following severe hail damage, cover crops can offer a variety of benefits from using available nitrogen to aiding weed control. (Photos by Jenny Rees)

Cover Crop Considerations Following Late-Season Hail

August 29, 2019
Late-season hail has impacted fields across Nebraska. Growers may want to consider the value of cover crops for weed management, excess nitrogen uptake, and forage options.

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Grazing an additional 10% of available acres of corn residue could increase income for crop producers by more than $6 million. (Photo courtesy of USDA)
Grazing an additional 10% of available acres of corn residue could increase income for crop producers by more than $6 million. (Photo courtesy of USDA)

The Value of Grazed Corn Residue for Crop and Cattle Producers

July 31, 2019
It's estimated that a 10% increase in grazing utilization of corn residue could add $6.4 million to the bottom line of crop producers in Nebraska.

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