By setting up a video camera in the calf barn and running cable to the ranch house, stockmen can watch their calving progress. Their focus is to improve the profitability and sustainability of agriculture enterprises. They test the use of shade structures to reduce livestock use of valuable riparian areas. In order to protect fragile waterways, an Elko County rancher is helping Cooperative Extension modify cattle behavior. They're trying hazing and culling to see if that keeps bovines away from the riparian areas.
Results show a boost in alfalfa and a real jump in alfalfa seed production.
This system accurately quantifies the amount of water an alfalfa crop needs. The midwestern grasses were slow to get started, but once established, yield up to 6 tons an acre at the Newlands Research Center. They compare four millet varieties with Sudan grass, the established annual forage in the Lahontan Valley. Several seem to have potential for farmers. Cooperative Extension specialists test two soil amendments to verify these claims under Nevada conditions.