Pasture and Forage Minute

This winter has been quite mild and dry across the state, with most locations experiencing periods of higher-than-normal temperatures and 77% of the state currently in drought. What do these conditions mean for insect survival this winter and pest pressure this spring and summer? Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Record winter high temperatures are causing earlier weeds emergence; so now is the time to control winter annual weeds in alfalfa. Thin field stands combined with open soil surfaces and adequate moisture can result in high weed pressure. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.

In Nebraska, February is usually the halfway point of winter. And since we’re on the back side of the season now, this is a good time to take stock of your feed resources—especially hay. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

This winter has been open and dry across most of Nebraska and according to the Drought Monitor, many areas are increasing in their drought classification intensity. We are a few weeks away from another growing season and who knows how much moisture lies ahead. Today I’ll suggest some ways you can limit the forage problems drought could cause. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Are you considering establishing a new field of perennial forage grasses this spring or renovating an existing field?  Seed selection, seedbed preparation, fertilization, methods of seeding, time and rate of seeding, and weed control are all an important part of the process. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Extremely dry winter conditions have many alfalfa, wheat and other forage producers
considering possible late winter irrigation. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.

Good cow nutrition is crucial following calving to get cows rebred.  Today, let's look at the reason for using our top tier hay after calves hit the ground. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

With recent land purchases, some are asking questions to learn more about IRS Section 180 and how it may provide tax deductions in the year of purchase. Let’s explore more about this tax code. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

Alfalfa weevil is a serious pest of alfalfa and can cause significant damage, usually in April and May before the first cutting. Reports of reduced efficacy of pyrethroids in Nebraska as well as confirmed resistance to pyrethroids in several western states led to a project in 2025 to determine if Nebraska weevil populations are developing resistance. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Putting up hay is really a way of preserving forage by limiting moisture. As long as hay stays dry, it stays stable. While we often assume older hay means lower quality, losses are usually less about age and more about storage — once moisture shows up, quality begins to slip. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

If you’re planning to seed alfalfa this year, one of the most important decisions you’ll make happens before the planter ever rolls— and that’s variety selection. Disease resistance should be part of that decision, especially when it comes to Phytophthora root rot and anthracnose. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

As pasture grazing leases are getting finalized for the 2026 season, it is important to make sure that some of the key details are clear and in writing. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Grass tetany and nitrate poisoning are issues that we typically associate with animals grazing.  However, both issues can be a problem in winter when animal diets are limited by what they are fed. Is your herd safe from possible hay worries?

Are you looking to increase production from pastures or hay fields? Frost seeding or interseeding legumes might just work in your operation. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Are you planning to establish a new alfalfa stand this spring? Site selection, weed control, fertility, and seedbed preparation all matter—but variety selection plays a major role in determining how that stand performs over time. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Most of Nebraska has seen very little snow, with seasonal totals 1-12 inches below average in the east and 12-30 inches below average in the west. The absence of snow and the recent mild temperatures can have a significant impact on alfalfa when temperatures eventually drop. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

While we are still early in the new year, it is time to start thinking about any spring annual forages that we might plant. Part of the process may be anticipating a need for extra feed or booking seed early for possible discounts. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

If you’re renting farmland in Nebraska, there are a few lease options to think about. A lot of folks still use a verbal or handshake agreement and that’s fine however it’s good to know what happens when it’s time to end one. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

With leaves off and grasses dormant, late fall and winter can be an effective time to get ahead of brush in pasture and rangeland. However, it’s important to recognize that control options are more limited right with plants not actively growing. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

As we enter the new year, it’s a good time to look back on how 2025 treated our forage and grazing systems, and begin planning ahead for the 2026 growing season. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

As the new year begins, it is important to look back at pasture and forage production conditions to understand what to focus on for the coming year. Stick around an I’ll reflect on forage and pasture production conditions in 2025. Daren Redfearn, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Specialist.

Producers face a variety of challenges when managing livestock herds and the forage crops grown to feed them. In many ways, the implementation of technology can help to streamline the management process and improve operation efficiency and productivity. An important and increasingly popular example of this technology is drones. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

How much feed or hay do you have going into winter? Will you have enough feed to provide for current cattle numbers? An inventory now before winter hits full swing could be helpful. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

It’s that time of year again, time when we close the prior year’s books and finalize tax reporting. According to IRS regulations, a 1099 form must be issued to non-employees who are paid over $600 in a calendar year. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

It’s that time of year again. Time when we need to start preparing for taxes. Most people probably know that farmers and ranchers’ last day to file taxes is March 1st. So it’s important to make sure we have everything together. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.