Nebraska beef producers and corn growers can gain practical insights to strengthen their operations at the 2025 Cover Crop Grazing Conference, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21, at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Clay Center.
The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 701 N. Martin and is designed for both first-time and experienced farmers interested in improving their cover crop grazing management and exploring alternative forage systems. Nebraska Extension will bring together University of Nebraska–Lincoln experts, industry professionals and producers for a full day of research-based information, hands-on tools and peer-to-peer learning.
The event begins with registration, refreshments and a trade show at 8:30 a.m., followed by welcome remarks from Nebraska Extension educator Connor Biehler.
Mary Drewnoski, beef systems specialist with Nebraska Extension, will lead the opening session at 9:10 a.m. on managing nitrates and prussic acid in forages. Drewnoski will discuss how to identify risks and use proven grazing and cattle management strategies to protect herd health while maximizing forage use.
At 10 a.m., UNL assistant professor Yijie Xiong will present “Virtual Fencing: Bringing Grazing into the Digital Age.” Xiong will explain how virtual fencing systems work, how to train cattle to the technology, and how producers can use digital tools to improve grazing flexibility and pasture efficiency.
A producer panel from 10:45 a.m. to noon will feature farmers and ranchers who have integrated cattle into cover crop systems. Panelists will share successes, challenges and lessons learned, offering candid, practical advice that producers can take home and apply.
Lunch, a trade show and a student poster session will take place from noon to 1 p.m., showcasing applied research from University of Nebraska–Lincoln students working on grazing, annual forages and integrated systems. Featured projects include evaluating virtual fence accuracy, performance gains from sunnhemp, biomass estimation tools and nutritional value of stockpiled forage seeds.
The conference will conclude with a 1:30 p.m. tour of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center led by Lance Schutte, range and forage production manager. Participants will see winter grazing practices in action and learn how USMARC integrates cover crops and annual forages to support one of the nation’s largest integrated beef research herds.
“Nebraska Extension is uniquely positioned to bring producers the latest unbiased, research-based information,” organizers said. “This conference provides practical strategies producers can use immediately to improve forage utilization, manage risk and strengthen the resilience of their operations.”
Registration is $40, payable by cash or check at the conference. The fee includes lunch and refreshments. Checks should be made payable to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Participants are encouraged to register in advance at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQb7amvOuBrnjLrYbas6oEBjYK7wBrKm_wQrROhtdiGQigIA/viewform.
More information is available at https://enreec.unl.edu/CoverCropGrazingConference/
