When talking with Nebraska livestock producers about the weather, many can recall exceptionally cold, snowy winters or extreme storms from their past. Winter storms, like Ulmer in 2019, can have a devastating effect on livestock production. They can also highlight the value of windbreaks. In areas of Nebraska that suffered unimaginable livestock losses because of Ulmer, “cattle lucky enough to have access behind windbreaks that were holding 20’ deep snow drifts survived.” Doak Nickerson of the Nebraska Forest Service recalled. Nickerson has spent his career planting, managing, and educating people on the benefits of windbreaks. He teamed up with the University of Nebraska, Lincoln (UNL) to determine a cost-benefit ratio for protection from planting a windbreak and enhancement by brush management. Assuming that 1% to 5% of a farm or ranch is dedicated to windbreaks, the team determined “For every $1 invested in a livestock windbreak, beef cattle producers realize $7 in return.”

As livestock producers consider options this winter to economically feed their herds the Nemaha Natural Resources District (NRD) wants to remind everyone the tremendous benefits windbreaks can offer during the winter months. If you are interested in discussing options for a livestock windbreak on your property, give the Nemaha NRD a call to start the planning process today at 402-335-3325.

For additional information on the benefits of livestock windbreaks please refer to UNL Publication EC1766.