Education

Research

My research focuses on utilizing various technologies like remote sensing (drone, satellite, etc.), GPS, and deep learning to develop tools in range monitoring and gathering useful information to inform grazing and forage management. One of my current projects is to develop an easy-access dashboard for producers to estimate forage availability. Other ongoing projects include integration of virtual fencing collars and accelerometers on cattle to establish modern and precision rangeland management.

Selected Publications

• Zhao, B., McDermott, R. L., Erickson, G. E., Xiong, Y., Technical Note: Assessing GPS Sensor Accuracy Using Real-Time Kinematic Device for Livestock Tracking. Journal of Animal Science. (Accepted on 16-Aug-2024). 
• Zhao, B., Stephenson, M., Awada, T., Volesky, J., Wardlow, B., Zhou, Y., Shi, Y. (2024). 15-Yr Biomass Production in Semiarid Nebraska Sandhills Grasslands: Part 2—Plant Functional Group Analysis. Rangeland Ecology & Management. (Under Review) 
• Zhao, B., Stephenson, M., Awada, T., Volesky, J., Wardlow, B., Zhou, Y., Shi, Y. (2024). 15-Yr Biomass Production in Semiarid Nebraska Sandhills Grasslands: Part 1—Plant Functional Group Analysis. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 93, 49-61. 
• Heil, H. A., Zhao, B., Troyer, B. C., Sjostrand, R. L., Xiong, J., Watson, A. K., Erickson. G. E., Okalebo, J., Shi Y., Xiong, Y. (2023). Characterizing Yearling Beef Steers Grazing on Smooth Bromegrass Pasture Using Global Positioning Technology. Journal of Animal Science, 101, 11-12. 
• Zhao, B., Khound, R., Ghimire, D., Zhou, Y., Maharjan, B., Santra, D. K., & Shi, Y. (2022). Heading percentage estimation in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) using aerial imagery and deep learning. The Plant Phenome Journal, 5(1), e20049.