Introduction
Jerry Volesky, Agronomy and Horticulture Emeritus Professor
Greetings from the faculty, staff, and students associated with the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory (GSL). August 19, 2026, marks the 27th consecutive annual GSL Open House, in addition to five other field days or open houses held prior to 2000.
With unprecedented wildfires and drought, this year has brought many challenges to many livestock producers in central and western Nebraska. For the wildfires, 2025 had generally above-average grass production (fuel for the fire), followed by an open, dry winter. There had been no deep snow, which would have flattened the old growth. Both wildfire and drought are significant disturbances to our rangelands, but having both in the same year creates considerable uncertainty about grass recovery. Here in mid-summer, many of the affected areas are finally getting some near-normal rains. Historically, these types of events have occurred many times and whether it is Sandhills rangeland or pastureland in other parts of Nebraska, the grasslands are resilient and will fully recover.
The 2026 GSL Open House will include cattle market updates, long-range weather outlooks and research updates. Some of the newer research projects will include discussions of virtual fencing as well as a project that is establishing scientific processes and developing technology to accurately measure greenhouse gas emissions from grazing cattle. Research faculty involved in these projects are affiliated with the West Central and Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Centers, and several departments, as well as the School of Natural Resources.