Dave Bergmeier

Dodge City

Editor at High Plains Journal

Editor High Plains Journal

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Articles

2025 alfalfa weevil egg hatch starts

1 week ago | hpj.com | AShley Dean |Ashley Dean |Erin Hodgson |Dave Bergmeier

With above average temperatures this year, alfalfa weevil development is well ahead of schedule compared to recent years. Adults have already emerged from their overwintering sites to lay eggs in alfalfa stems throughout the southern half of Iowa, according to Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and OutreachAdult alfalfa weevils become active and start laying eggs when temperatures exceed 48°F.
Spring freeze damage to alfalfa

1 week ago | hpj.com | Dave Bergmeier

When assessing freeze damage early in the season, it’s important to consider several variables, according to E-Forage Seed Company, based in Newton, Kansas. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind: Freeze damage can occur at temperatures between 24 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, especially when reaching or dropping below 24 degrees. The severity of the damage is not solely determined by temperature.
Montana researchers look to boost forage grasses

1 week ago | hpj.com | Dave Bergmeier

Annual cool and warm season grasses are important livestock forages in Montana. Now Montana State University researchers are determining optimal nitrogen rates for these forages and the role of sulfur in forage quality. “Warm-season grasses are more tolerant of low soil pH, low fertility and drought than most cool-season grasses,” said Marilyn Dalen, assistant research professor at the Northwestern Agricultural Research Center in Creston.
High Plains cattle sales report

1 week ago | hpj.com | Dave Bergmeier

Beef, Cattle Report, Central Region, Iowa, Kansas, Livestock, Livestock Markets, Midwestern Region, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Southern Region, Texas The High Plains area weekly weighted average direct cattle sales results for the week ending April 6, reported receipts of 58,884 head compared to 52,791 head a week ago and 65,915 head a year ago, according to the USDA Livestock Poultry and Grain Market News Division, St. Joseph, Missouri.
Hemphill beef cattle conference celebrates 10 years of excellence

1 week ago | hpj.com | Dave Bergmeier

The 2025 Hemphill County Texas A&M AgriLife Beef Cattle Conference is scheduled for April 29 to 30, at the Jones Pavilion in Canadian, Texas. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this year’s conference carries the theme “Happy Days Are Here Again,” reflecting optimism following last year’s challenges from the Smokehouse Creek Wildfire in the Texas Panhandle. With plentiful fall moisture, winter snow and a historic cattle market, there is much to celebrate within the beef industry.
Angus Foundation to award 5 scholarships - High Plains Journal

1 week ago | hpj.com | Dave Bergmeier

4H, Beef, FFA, Livestock, Youth, Youth Programs Commercial cattlemen and women are the backbone of the beef industry, and as the next generation of cattlemen prepares to lead the industry forward, the Angus Foundation is providing much-needed support through its Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship program. This spring, five students will receive $1,500 scholarships to help further their education and enhance their careers in agriculture.
Pfeiffer Jr. to be inducted into hall of fame

1 week ago | hpj.com | Dave Bergmeier

Beef, Cow Calf, Oklahoma, Regional Roundup, Seedstock, Southern Region John H. Pfeiffer Jr., a fourth generation Oklahoma farmer and rancher, has been named the 2025 recipient of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture Award and is the 28th inductee into the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame. He will be inducted April 22 during Ag Day activities at the State Capitol.
Nebraska soil health school visits farmers

1 week ago | hpj.com | Dave Bergmeier

The Nebraska Soil Health School, coordinated by Bijesh Maharjan, associate professor and Extension specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center, was modeled and developed in 2023-24 to meet the needs of Nebraska’s agricultural community. In February 2025, the school reached a milestone achievement that Maharjan had envisioned.
Regenerative ag can grow the bottom line

1 week ago | hpj.com | Dave Bergmeier

As regenerative agriculture gains traction as a hot topic, one question dominates the farming community: Does it pay? Simply put, yes, it does. Regenerative ag is an approach to land management that focuses on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and improving water quality. It involves practices such as maintaining a cover of residue on the soil, minimizing soil disturbance, planting cover crops, using diverse crop rotations, and grazing livestock, even on cropland.
Iowa cover crop decision tool updated

1 week ago | hpj.com | Dave Bergmeier

Iowa, Midwestern Region, Other Crops, Soil Health The Midwest Cover Crop Council’s cover crop decision tool was recently updated for Iowa. This winter a group of Iowan researchers, agency staff, seed dealers, and farmers came together to provide input to Midwest Cover Crop Council to update Iowa’s data in the cover crop selector tool. The update reflects research and experience gained since the last update to Iowa’s data in 2019.