Welcome to the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in
West Central Research & Extension Center. Our center brings
you reliable, research-based information in agriculture and natural
resources, consumer and family economics, community and economic
development and 4-H / youth development. Our goal is simple... to
help you put knowledge to work!
Matthew C. Stockton
Rachel A. Allison
Often forestry on the prairie brings to mind single trees or small groups of trees. In fact much of forestry involves planting new trees properly, especially replacing those that were planted as early as the 1930's. Windbreaks provide relief from the wind and weather and provide a valuable conservation practice to reduce erosion from croplands. Trees in communities also provide many benefits and economic value as reduced energy costs, reduced stormwater runoff and many positive benefits to attract visitors to our communities. Arbor Day (April 27, 2007) is a great time to plant and celebrate our Nebraska Heritage.
Rangeland and Forages
Jerry D. Volesky
Current rangeland management projects include: controlling downy brome in rangeland, grazing systems effects on Sandhills plant communities, and grazing systems effects on yearling performance and diet quality.
Current forage research projects conducted at WCREC include: Yield and Quality of Stockpiled Cool-Season Perennial Grasses, Forage Production under Different Irrigation Water Allocations, effect of N fertility and irrigation water allocation on cool-season grass yield and quality, and summer annual forage evaluation.
Irrigated pasture using either perennial or annual forages has been a topic of interest to many people. Click here to view a presentation on “Establishing and Managing Irrigated Pasture.” This presentation was given at several irrigated pasture workshops in 2006.
Additional information on irrigated pasture can be found in University of Nebraska NebGuides located at:
Range and Forage NebGuides
Red Carpet Service
Connie M. Francis
Red Carpet Service is a program designed to help front-line employees discover tools to promote regional tourism, practice skills to identify and respond to traveler needs, and sell their community in a positive way. Following the program, respondents showed an average 41.5% increase in knowledge, understanding and ability to meet visitor needs. Click for more on Red Carpet Service.
