Virtual fencing, grazing practices featured at Nov. 5 field day near Verdigre, NE
Nebraska Extension will host a virtual fencing and grazing management field day Nov. 5 near Verdigre, offering livestock producers an opportunity to see virtual fencing technology in action and learn how it can be used to manage grazing on a working ranch.
The free event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at No Name Creeks Ranch, 52570 883 Road, where Scott and Becky Ravenkamp & Brian and Zoe Vakok will share their experiences using a virtual fencing system to manage livestock and grazing rotations.
Virtual fencing uses GPS-enabled collars and digitally established boundaries to help producers manage livestock movement without relying exclusively on physical fencing.
No Name Creeks is a northeast Nebraska ranching partnership raising fullblood Akaushi cattle and focus on soil health, rotational grazing and grassland management.
The ranch has incorporated virtual fencing into its intensive grazing practices, allowing for more frequent livestock moves and the addition of small ruminants. Its pasture management efforts also include eastern redcedar removal, prescribed fire and other practices intended to improve grassland health and wildlife habitat.
The field day will begin at the ranch headquarters with an overview of the virtual fencing system and experiences using the technology. Participants will learn how the operation establishes virtual paddocks, manages grazing rotations and uses the system to move cattle.
The program will also highlight areas where sheep grazed earlier in the season and the ranch’s experience using virtual fencing collars with small ruminants.
Cassidy Wessel with Nebraska Game and Parks will discuss the ranch’s pasture improvement plan and its implementation, including eastern redcedar management and other efforts to improve grazing conditions.
The field day will provide an opportunity for producers to ask questions, learn from the Ravenkamp’s experiences and consider how virtual fencing might fit into their own livestock operations.
To RSVP or for more information, contact Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension, at [email protected].
