Nebraska Feedlot Cattle up 10% from 2017

January 26, 2018
Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.61 million cattle on feed on January 1, up 10% from last year.

Read more

Cattle grazing in corn stalks
Figure 1. Studies conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at seven locations found that winter grazing of corn fields does not result in biologically significant compaction or negative impacts on subsequent crop yields. (Photo by Mary Drewnoski)

Studies Show Minimal Soil Compaction With Winter Grazing

October 24, 2017
Studies conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at seven locations found that winter grazing of corn residue did not result in biologically significant compaction or negative impacts on subsequent crop yields. This review of the results includes short- and long-term studies

Read more

corn ear
Silage or grain? When making the decision about harvesting corn, farmers should consider several factors.

Is Your Corn Worth More as Grain or Silage?

August 29, 2017
Silage or grain? When making the decision about harvesting drought- and hail-damaged corn, farmers should consider several factors. Calculations here can help you determine the end value for both uses.

Read more

Residue Exchange icon

Online Crop Residue Exchange Links Growers and Grazers

August 16, 2017
A new interactive online tool, the Crop Residue Exchange, links farmers with fields of crop residue with livestock producers looking for new grazing opportunities.

Read more

Drought monitor map for Nebraska for June 27, 2017
Drought monitor map for Nebraska for June 27, 2017

Forecast: Expect High Heat Indices after July 4

June 29, 2017
Short range numerical models bring additional chances for moisture to the eastern half of the state from July 2 through early July 4, likely the best chance for moisture for northern Nebraska through next weekend. If substantial rains in excess of 2 inches fail to materialize, there is a strong possibility that moderate drought conditions will be introduced across portions of the eastern Sandhills and northeast Nebraska next week.

Read more

cattle grazing pasture

Pasture Rental Rates

March 16, 2017

What should it cost to rent pasture this year? Preliminary results from the Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey (Tables 1 and 2) released this week list average pasture rental rates by district and quality level as well as rates for cow-calf pairs.

Read more

cattle grazing cool-season grasses
Figure 1. With grain prices down and input costs up, converting cropland to pastureland could create a profit opportunity for 2017. A successful and cost-effective conversion starts with careful planning. (Photo by Jerry Volesky)

Converting Cropland to Pastureland

March 16, 2017

At a time when crop production costs remain high as crop prices decline and cattle compete for scarce pastures, converting cropland to pasture might make sense. If you’re considering this change, take time to plan and do it right.

Read more

Planning Annual Forage Systems

March 11, 2016
With continued strong demand for summer pasture, some producers are looking at cropland alternatives to produce grazing forage.

Read more