Rangeland Recovery Following Drought and Wildfire Program Scheduled in Crawford

Wildfires often cause grasses and weeds to grow together, requiring management. Photo by Chabella Guzman 

Nebraska Extension

Nebraska Extension will host Rangeland Recovery Following Drought and Wildfire on Thursday, Nov. 5, offering producers a hands-on pasture walk, education and discussion on the Drought Monitor product, range management guidance, and information on financial assistance programs available to ranchers affected by drought and wildfire.

The program begins at 10:30 a.m. with a pasture walk at Ron Betson’s (from Crawford, travel east on Bethel Rd about 1.5 miles), led by Ron Betson, cow-calf producer, and Dr. Mitch Stephenson, Nebraska Extension Forage and Range Specialist, where participants will make firsthand observations on current rangeland conditions and recovery.

The group will then move to the Crawford Community Center, 1005 1st St, Crawford, for lunch and a series of presentations:

• Dr. Eric Hunt, Extension Educator for Agricultural Meteorology and Climate Resilience, will discuss the US Drought Monitor and weather outlooks.

• Dr. Mitch Stephenson, Nebraska Extension Forage and Range Specialist, will present on rangeland management following drought and wildfire.

• USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide updates on disaster assistance programs.

• Bryan Kahl, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Resource Conservationist, will share an outline of ongoing Environmental Quality Incentives Programs (EQIP).

There is no cost to attend, but RSVP by Nov. 2 to 308-327-2312 so organizers can plan for lunch. Questions? Contact Brock Ortner at bortner2@unl.edu or 308-327-2312.