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

Chart showing row spacing effects on switchgrass yields.

Effect of Row Spacing on Switchgrass Yield and Nutritive Value

March 14, 2019

This study was conducted from 2010 to 2015 to evaluate effects of row spacing on switchgrass forage yield. It compared two varieties: ‘Shawnee’ an upland ecotype, and ‘Kanlow x Summer HP1 NETO2 C1’, an experimental lowland ecotype later released as ‘Liberty’.

Cover Crop Grazing: Impacts on Soils and Crop Yields

January 22, 2019

Results from a three-year study in rainfed and irrigated no-till cropping systems in Nebraska suggest that moderate cattle grazing of cover crops may not negatively impact soil properties and crop production.

Native Warm-Season Grass Management and Planting Decisions for Alternative Forages

January 9, 2019

One of the most important drivers of productivity and cost effectiveness of annual forages is planting date. Having realistic planting date expectations is one key to proper species selection.

Cattle grazing a corn field — Cows grazing corn residue may not remove as much organic material and as many nutrients as might be expected, but they will likely redistribute some nutrients in the field due to their traffic patterns.

Nutrient Removal by Cows Grazing Corn Residue

November 5, 2018

Nutrient removal by cows grazing corn residue may not be as much as you might think. Here a livestock and a forage specialist break down the numbers and look at removal rates for organic matter and minerals.

The Crop Residue Exchange Links Growers and Grazers

October 10, 2018

The Crop Residue Exchange is an interactive online tool to help crop and cattle producers connect and develop mutually beneficial agreements to use crop residue for grazing. A new feature allows producers to also list forage cover crops for grazing.

Hailed corn — 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 Storms

August 24, 2018

Cover crops offer a number of benefits in fields sustaining late-season hail damage, but should be planted soon to provide sufficient time for growth. A guide covers various cover crops and their use, seeding rates, and seeding method.

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.

Considerations for Forage Cover Crops after Hail in Corn and Soybean

July 9, 2018

If you were hit hard by hail and need to cover your fields, forage cover crops can provide an opportunity for haying or grazing as well as a protective plant layer. Plant selection is a key factor in successfully managing production.