Daren Redfearn - Extension Forage Crop Residue Specialist

Daren Redfearn

faculty

Professor Agronomy & Horticulture University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Program Leader Agronomy & Horticulture University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Work Keim Hall (KEIM) 136

Lincoln NE 68583-0915

Work 402-472-2662 On campus, dial 2-2662

dredfearn2@unl.edu

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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

Assessing Cover Crop Biomass Using Aerial Imagery: Lessons Learned During the UNL-NRCS Soil Health Initiative

October 15, 2020

Using aerial imagery, a non-destructive and easy-to apply method, we are able to gain insight into cover crop biomass production across an entire field, which would not be possible with traditional, boots-on-the-ground biomass sampling.

Market Your Crop Residue Using the Crop Residue Exchange

September 24, 2020

This interactive, online tool helps farmers and cattle producers connect and develop mutually beneficial agreements to use crop residue and forage cover crops for grazing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.