March 5, 2012

Efficiently and successfully integrating crop and beef production will be the focus of the West Central Cropping System and Beef Production Practicum. Developed by specialists at UNL's West Central Research and Extension Center, this hands-on program consists of seven, one-day sessions starting in March and ending in December. 

The practicum will give producers with farming and beef production enterprises the information, tools, and experiences to improve long-term profitability through environmentally sustainable practices, said Randy Saner, UNL Extension educator in Lincoln and McPherson counties.

It will focus on the integration of crop and beef production, treating them as equally important parts of the same overall business, Saner said.  Economic consequences of management decisions will be a major part of the program, and university research will be at the core of the curriculum.

Topics include:

• integrating crop and beef production,
• economic and financial planning tools,
• crop nutrient management,
• beef cattle production and management,
• irrigated and dryland cropping systems,
• crop residue and grazing management,
• farm estate planning and transfer,
• integrated pest management,
• water resources and management.

Registration and More Information

Registration is $350 and includes all educational materials and meals. Space is limited and preregistration is required. UNL and CEU credits are available upon request. For more information contact UNL Extension Nutrient Management Specialist Tim Shaver at (308) 696-6714 or tshaver2@unl.edu or your local extension office. Information is also available online in the program brochure.