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Ben Beckman's coverage primarily focuses on agriculture and farming, with a particular emphasis on local topics relevant to Nebraska. He often cites data and provides industry-specific insights related to crop management, livestock care, and environmental factors affecting agricultural practices.
Given Ben's focus on agriculture in the local context of Nebraska, potential sources for outreach might include agronomists, agricultural researchers or scientists specializing in crop residues utilization, forage quality assessment, soil sampling techniques specific to the region. Additionally, experts in cattle herd management or specialists in winter water needs of livestock may also be valuable contributors to his articles.
Considering Ben’s predominant focus on Agriculture & Farming themes within a localized scope of Norfolk and Nebraska specifically rather than national trends or global issues such as climate change or public health would be more suitable for reaching out effectively.
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Silage season is just around the corner but even before anything is cut, proper preparation now can improve chances of a successful harvest. Improper silage storage and fermentation can result in losses up to 20% before feeding.
Late summer always seems like a time when weeds can become quite noticeable in pastures. While they may be an eyesore, control methods now are limited. Proper ID may help with making the right management call.
With any forage crops, the risks associated with utilizing them as supplemental forage, especially as our environmental conditions begin to change, are important to understand and manage for. This becomes critical as we move into fall.
While the first frost of the year isn't here yet, how we manage pastures in the fall can affect plant health through the winter and ultimately production next spring. Are you giving your pastures proper care this fall?
Corn residue is a valuable resource for grazing, but some producers believe cattle performance has declined with the rise of Bt corn hybrids. While Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) traits protect corn against pests like corn borer, it has led some to question whether these hybrids affect the nutritional quality of corn residue.
With any forage crop, the risks associated with utilizing them as supplemental forage, especially as our environmental conditions begin to change, are important to understand and manage for. This becomes critical as we move into fall.
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service releases its detailed cattle inventory each year in January. The last peak in herd inventory was in 2019 at 31.6 million cows. Last year's report was down 11% from that at 28.2 million. Extension livestock educators Connor Biehler and Alfredo DiCostanzo shared their thoughts on what a smaller herd size may mean for the upcoming numbers report in the recent UNL BeefWatch newsletter.
Corn residue can be a valuable grazing resource for cattle. This year, especially with a fairly dry fall and start to winter, stalks have maintained quality and been available for grazing for quite some time. Typically, corn residue can run around 5%-6% crude protein (CP) and 50%-60% total digestible nutrients (TDN), which is a measure of energy. For some classes of livestock, this may be enough to get by without supplementation, but for others, extra feed is required.
As we kick off the new year, people often take time to look back on the past and make plans or resolutions for what’s to come. We can do our own planning for forage production in 2025.
Open winters can mean grazing opportunities late into the season. However, when animals can't forage, hay is often the feed of choice to get our animals through. While an invaluable feed resource, the cost of getting a herd through the winter can be substantial.
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