When cool-season pastures slow down in the heat of summer, it can put pressure on pasture and cattle performance. This field day is all about helping producers get more out of summer grazing. Join Nebraska Extension for a hands-on event focused on strategies to beat the summer slump using warm-season annuals and virtual fencing.
The event will be held at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead, NE.
What You’ll See and Learn
Sudangrass and Sudangrass–Sunnhemp Mix
Learn how different grazing strategies affect carrying capacity and cattle performance. We’ll share results from two years of grazing trials with cow/calf pairs and stocker calves—and you’ll see this year’s forage in action. We’ll focus on how to manage for maximum return and whether adding sunnhemp pays off.
New Prussic Acid-Free Sorghum-Sudangrass
View a new forage variety bred to eliminate prussic acid risk, currently being grazed by stockers. We'll discuss how this option fits into summer grazing systems and what to consider before adoption.
Virtual Fencing for Cow/Calf Grazing
See how virtual fencing is being used for intensive rotational grazing of cow/calf pairs on bromegrass. Learn how it can reduce labor, increase flexibility, and improve pasture utilization.
Location: Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC)
Date: Wednesday, July 24
Time: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Registration: $20 (includes lunch and materials). RSVP Requested (for lunch count). Please RSVP by July 18 to help us plan for lunch. Register at https://go.unl.edu/summergraze
Walk-ins are welcome, but we can’t guarantee a meal without pre-registration. Payment will be collected at the door (cash or check only).
Agenda Overview
8:30 – 9:00 AM | Registration
9:00 AM-9:15 AM | Welcome and Overview (ENREEC Headquarters)
Field Tours
9:15 – 9:50 AM | Stop #1 – Sudangrass vs. Sunnhemp Mix
10:00 – 10:40 AM | Stop #2 – Prussic Acid-Free Sorghum-Sudangrass
10:50 – 11:30 AM | Stop #3 – Virtual Fencing on Bromegrass
11:30 – 11:40 AM | Return to ENREEC Building
11:45 – 12:30 PM | Lunch Served ($20 registration includes meal)
Educational Sessions
12:30 – 1:10 PM | Warm-Season Annuals: Getting the Most Out of Summer Grazing
- Performance and forage yield data from two years
- Economic comparison of systems with and without sunnhemp
- Management tips to maximize cattle gains and carrying capacity
1:10 – 1:45 PM | Virtual Fencing: Is It a Fit for Your Operation?
- Cost structures of different systems
- Ways VF can improve grazing efficiency and reduce labor
- Information to help you evaluate if VF fits your goals
1:45 – 2:00 PM | Wrap-Up
- Discussion of key takeaways from the day
