University of Nebraska – Lincoln hosts ‘Ranching for Profitability’ series

January 7, 2014

The annual “Ranching for Profitability” series will be held in eight locations across Nebraska. University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) Extension specialists will cover topics, with research to back them up. If your area is still experiencing drought, or if you wonder what to do in the next drought, this series will be useful.

The flash drought of 2012, coupled with high feed prices, caused many to rethink summer grazing. Putting cows (and pairs) into feedlots with nutritional diets, yet limited intake, became an option. UNL Extension beef specialists, Rick Rasby and Karla Jenkins, will talk about research results of confinement feeding and also address some of the feed costs involved with doing this under current market conditions. Does it pencil out to feed in a bunk versus a pasture?

Wet conditions after a drought are a perfect opportunity for weedy species to flourish in grasslands. What weeds should you control and which weeds are just a natural part of the pasture? UNL Extension Range Specialist Jerry Volesky will discuss management of weeds on rangeland and pasture.

Do you wonder what the corn and cattle markets will do? Kate Brooks, UNL Extension ag economist, will discuss current market conditions and outlook. Many herds were destocked during the drought, and Dr. Brooks will address the economics of restocking options should drought conditions continue to abate.

At Thedford, Jim Crandall with UNL Extension will lay out health insurance options for farmers and ranchers. The change in health care may provide opportunities for ranchers who buy individual insurance.

The schedule is as follows:

Jan. 6 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) – Holt County Court House Annex Meeting Room, O’Neill, (402) 336-2760
Jan. 6 (5-9 p.m.) – Zion Lutheran Church, Ainsworth, (402) 387-2213
Jan. 7 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) – Brahmer’s Steakhouse, Thedford, (308) 645-2267
Jan. 7 (5-9 p.m.) – Peppermill Restaurant, Valentine, (402) 376-1850
Jan. 13 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) – Broken Bow Country Club, Broken Bow, (308) 872-6831
Jan. 13 (5-9 p.m.) – Community Building, Overton, (308) 324-5501
Jan. 14 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) – Logan County Fair building, Stapleton, (308) 532-2683
Jan. 14 (5-9 p.m.) – Kimball Event Center, Kimball, (308) 235-3122

—From University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension news release

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