By Nebraska Extension
As drought conditions continue to affect much of Nebraska, beef producers are being forced to make difficult decisions about herd and forage management. To support producers navigating these challenges, Nebraska Extension will host a free webinar on Thursday, June 11, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. MT, or 7:30 to 9 p.m. CT.
The webinar, “Management Options in Drought,” will feature University of Nebraska–Lincoln specialists who will cover key management practices and decision-making strategies to help mitigate the effects of drought.
Topics include drought outlook, range/pasture conditions and production, confinement feeding cows and early weaning calves, planting summer annuals for forage and new drought planning tools. Eric Hunt, agricultural meteorologist; Karla Wilke, cow-calf management specialist; Mitch Stephenson, range and forage specialist; Jerry Volesky, range and forage specialist; and Tonya Haigh, National Drought Mitigation Center, will provide practical guidance for those in drought conditions. Patrick Lechner, program chief with the Nebraska Farm Service Agency, will discuss available drought assistance programs.
“This webinar is designed to provide actionable information to help producers make sound, timely decisions during drought,” said Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension beef educator. “Lower production on rangeland, due to lack of precipitation or wildfires, will result in ranchers and cattlemen looking for alternatives.”
To attend remotely via Zoom, register online at https://go.unl.edu/drought2026. No cost to attend. A recording of the webinar will be made available following the event for those unable to attend live.
For more information, contact Berger at 308-235-3122.