ELMWOOD, Neb. — Dry times call for changes in ranch land management — and how to make those changes will be the topic of a meeting Wed., Nov. 19, at the Community Center in Imperial, Neb. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. with a hosted meal, followed by speakers including Walt Davis of Bennington, Okla., Jerry Volesky of North Platte, Neb., and Bruce Troester of Marsland, Neb.

Walt Davis is a fifth generation rancher and a member of the nationally-presented Ranching School of Hard Knocks program, as well as the author of the paper, "How to Go Broke Ranching Without Hardly Trying." Davis will share his experience and knowledge of how grassland ecology, grazing management, and forages and animals interact — especially during times of low rainfall.

Jerry Volesky is an associate professor and Extension range and forage specialist with the University of Nebraska, and conducts research from the West Central Research & Extension Center in North Platte. Volesky will speak on livestock and plant responses to management practices and options for changes to make during drought.

Bruce Troester is a rancher who has learned from experience how pastureland requires special care during low rainfall. As a winner of the Nebraska Society for Range Management "Rangeman's Award" in 2008, Troester has been recognized for his practical methods of improving management in response to drought.

Nadine Bishop, District Conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Imperial, will also present on cost-share options for ranchers combating drought conditions.