Life Sciences Commons^™

G02-1476 Prairie Dogs And Their Control, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Dallas Virchow, John Hobbs

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Black-tailed prairie dogs are stocky, burrowing rodents that are members of the squirrel family. They are the only species of prairie dog native to Nebraska and they live across the western three-fourths of the state. They cause problems, however, when they conflict with livestock ranching and other land uses, or cause a threat to human health and safety.

This NebGuide provides information on the life history and legal status of black-tailed prairie dogs and prevention and control of the damage they can cause.

G00-1393 Grazing Alfalfa (Revised September 2004), Jerry D. Volesky, Bruce E. Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Alfalfa is the most productive and versatile forage legume grown in Nebraska. Cutting for hay or silage has been the traditional method of harvest, but many options also exist for grazing. With current technology and proper management beef gain can exceed 1,000 pounds per acre with acceptable stand persistence.

Grazing alfalfa may be a cost efficient means of harvest for some producers. This NebGuide explores alfalfa and alfalfa/grass options, varieties and stand establishment, and grazing and bloat management.

G94-1198 Switchgrass And Big Bluestem For Grazing And Hay, Robert B. Mitchell, Lowell E. Moser, Bruce Anderson, Steven S. Waller

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The grazing management and cultural practices discussed in this NebGuide can make switchgrass and big bluestem high quality summer forage. Switchgrass and big bluestem are native warm-season grasses that can provide abundant, high-quality forage during summer. Switchgrass and big bluestem produce 70 to 80 percent of their growth after June 1 in Nebraska, while more than 75 percent of cool-season grass growth, such as bromegrass and bluegrass, occurs before June 1. Therefore, switchgrass and big bluestem can provide forage to graze after cool-season pastures have been utilized. However, switchgrass and big bluestem must be managed differently than cool-season grasses. Poor …

Ec92-124 Nebraska Handbook Of Range Management, James L. Stubbendieck, Patrick E. Reece

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Every Nebraskans should be interested in rangeland. The plants, soil, and water are the foundation of Nebraska's economy and quality of life. Rangeland is one of Nebraska's most important and valuable natural resources because it:

• produces forage for livestock and wild game;

• provides a varied habitat for many wildlife species;

• protects the soil from wind and water erosion;

• preserves a "germplasm bank" for many plant species that may become important for yet unknown uses;

• purifies and enhances the environment by cleasing the air, filtering the runoff to streams, increasing the intake of precipitation, and aiding …

G89-933 Supplemental Pastures For Sheep, Ted Doane, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Efficient and effective ways to pasture sheep are covered here.

Feed costs account for approximately 80 percent of all costs in many dry lot feeding programs for sheep. These costs can be reduced to 50 percent in the total cost with effective pasture programs.

Sheep can be efficient at converting forage into meat and wool. The following pasture alternatives and combinations allow the development of a pasture program where sheep can be on pasture for approximately 10 months of the year, if weather permits.

Ec86-113 A Guide For Planning And Analyzing A Year-Round Forage Program, Steven S. Waller, Lowell E. Moser, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Efficient grazing management programs cannot succeed without proper stocing rates. However, proper stocking rate alone will not insure a successful grazing program. Successful grazing management only occurs when all factors affecting production are manipulated properly: season of use; kind, class, and/or combination of animals; grazing distribution; grazing program; fertilization; pest control; and water management as well as stocking rate. The following suggestions in this circular are a guide to initial planning of new pastures and the modification of existing grazing programs.

G81-563 Grazing Management Of Irrigated Grass Pastures, James T. Nichols

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses factors and principles of plant growth that influence irrigated pasture production; suggests management practices that allow irrigated pastures to express their production potential; and suggests stocking rates for various levels of production and classes of cattle.

Grazing management has a major impact on the production potential from irrigated pasture. Proper management practices can maximize pasture production -- poor management ultimately results in unacceptable production levels.