Pasture and Forage Minute

Here's today's pasture and forage minute:

Summer rain can turn a smooth brome pasture from brown to green, but it cannot replace spring forage production that was missed.

Common in eastern Nebraska pastures, smooth bromegrass is a cool-season grass that makes much of its growth during April, May, and early June. Many pastures entered spring stressed from a dry fall and winter, then missed timely spring moisture. Much of their main production window may already be gone.

Late rain can still stimulate new leaves, but that growth may be more valuable for plant recovery than additional grazing. New brome regrowth is highly palatable and can be grazed off quickly, especially when cattle have immediate access after rain.

Walk pastures rather than judging them from the road. Look beyond green color and seedheads. Check plant height, leaf area, residual forage, bare ground, and whether cattle repeatedly graze the same areas.

Where forage remains short, slow rotations, increase recovery time, reduce grazing pressure, or locate additional feed. Early weaning or marketing lower-priority animals may be needed if the forage budget remains short.

The goal is not to harvest every green leaf. Maintaining leaf area now gives stressed brome plants a better chance to rebuild vigor this fall and produce forage next spring.

With today’s Pasture & Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman.

Here's today's pasture and forage minute:

When it gets hot, alfalfa plants grow more slowly and moisture stress becomes common, even in moist soil.  Maintaining high-quality hay is very difficult due to the high temperatures, especially when the heat does not subside at night.  High night-time temperatures cause rapid respiration rates in alfalfa, burning off nutrients that plants accumulated during the day.  This often produces alfalfa hay with fine stems that contain high protein, more fiber and lower feed value than expected.

Another problem with heat, is how fast alfalfa plants mature.  When it is hot, alfalfa may begin to bloom in less than four weeks.  If you use blooming as a signal to harvest, this early bloom can be misleading. Early blooms may not mean the plant has fully recovered from the previous cutting.  During hot weather an alfalfa plants need more time, not less time to rebuild nutrient reserves in their roots because they lose more to respiration.  So, watch the calendar along with plant maturity to determine when to cut your alfalfa fields.  Waiting longer may support stand health, but forage quality will continue to decline as the crop matures.

Finally, you might adjust the time of day when you cut hay.  Some research has shown that cutting in late afternoon produces higher quality hay than cutting in the morning.  However, on good drying days it may still be wiser to cut in the morning.  When hay in the windrow stays above fifty percent moisture, plant cells continue to respire, burning away nutrients. Hay cut late in the day respires all night long, losing yield and quality. On good drying days, plant cells can dry enough to be stabilized before nightfall, reducing respiration losses.   

Getting high quality hay can be challenging on a good day, but during heat waves, it can be even more so.  Use the calendar, plant condition, and drying forecast together to plan harvest for better results than relying on bloom or time of day alone.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman.
 

Here's today's pasture and forage minute:

Yucca, also called small soapweed, is a common weed in western and central Nebraska rangelands. They are especially noticeable when flowering in June. In some areas, high plant density can significantly reduce grass production; so, yucca may need to be managed to reclaim grazing lands. 

Once established, yucca plants can flourish on drier range sites due to their deep taproot competing aggressively for the limited soil water. With sharp leaves, cattle rarely eat these plants during summer; and grass production decreases where yucca thrives. 

General broadcast spraying to control yucca is cost prohibitive; although small patches can and should be controlled before they expand. Labelled herbicides include Remedy®, Tordon 22K®, Chaparral + 2,4-D, OR Cimarron Plus® + 2,4-D for yucca suppression of individual plants. 

Hexazinone products like Velpar L®; Pronone Power Pellet, or Velossa® can be applied to the soil uphill side of individual yucca plants with an exact delivery hand-gun applicator. Herbicides are most effective when applied in spring or early summer. When using herbicides, be sure to follow label directions for the best control. 

Winter grazing with cattle and bison can provide some yucca control success. During winter, yucca is often the only green plant prevalent, and some cows may chew through the base of the plant to get to the moist, tender parts. After several consecutive winters of grazing, yucca stands can be reduced, allowing grass to thrive during summer. 

Whether it is with herbicides or trying some winter grazing, reclaim your pasture(s) back from yucca. 

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Crops & Water Educator, Samantha Daniel.

As we move through midsummer, it’s time to evaluate our forage situation. Depending on your location, meadow hay harvest might be starting, you could be on your second cutting of alfalfa, or preparing to cut warm-season annual crops soon.

Now is a great time to assess your forage inventory. Most perennial grasses have completed their growth, and multiple alfalfa cuttings should be done. Even if not all meadow hay and summer annuals are harvested, we can estimate our total yield for the year.

Ask yourself: Does our current yield meet our winter feed needs? If not, consider options like late planting of summer annuals or fall forages like oats for grazing. Be cautious with planning fall hay harvests however, due to drying challenges.

If you have excess hay, plan on how to manage it. For selling or storing, prevent quality loss by keeping hay dry. Store it under a roof or tarp if possible, elevate it from the ground, line bales with the topography and sun, and ensure good airflow around bales to maintain quality.

Finally, if you haven’t done so, send in hay samples for quality testing. Hay quality varies year-to-year, even from the same field. Testing helps us match hay to livestock needs or set appropriate selling prices.

Assessing forage stores now, while plants are still growing and hay is being harvested, helps close forage gaps, manage surplus, and ensure quality use later.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman.

Here's today's pasture and forage minute:

Late rains have improved the appearance of native range across parts of Nebraska, but green is not always the same as growth.

Mid-June clipping data from the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory showed cool-season forage production at only about 20% of normal, with total forage production at roughly 30% of normal. While that is one location and conditions vary across the state, it illustrates how far behind some pastures were heading into summer.

While cool season production can be significant, native range often contains a large amount of warm-season grasses, especially as we head east across the state. These plants make much of their growth during the heat of summer, so late-June and July rain can still produce meaningful forage.

However, that response is not automatic. Growth depends on how much rain falls, whether moisture continues, and how much plant vigor remains. With cool-season production already reduced, grazing pressure may also shift heavily toward warm-season grasses as they begin growing.

Do not estimate available forage from the road. Walk pastures and look at plant height, leaf area, residual forage, bare ground, and how evenly cattle are grazing.

Late moisture gives native range an opportunity, but it does not erase the earlier forage deficit. Protecting leaf area and allowing adequate recovery will help plants use the next rain and rebuild vigor heading into fall.

With today’s Pasture & Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman.

Here's today's pasture and forage minute:

What does it cost to rent pasture this year? The final 2026 Nebraska Cash Rental Rates Survey results are now available.

Average monthly pasture rental rates increased between 2% and 8% compared to last grazing season, continuing the upward trend across Nebraska.

The North reporting district, primarily the Sandhills, reported the highest average rate at $82.10 per cow-calf pair per month. The Northeast and Central districts followed at $77.35 and $74.60, while the Northwest district, including much of the Panhandle, had the lowest average at $56.45 per pair per month. Most other areas of the state averaged between $61 and $70 per pair each month.

Keep in mind these are averages. Actual rental rates depend on factors such as pasture quality, fences and water, management responsibilities, cattle size, and local demand.

Whether you're renting pasture or leasing it to someone else, a written lease is one of the best risk management tools available. Be sure it clearly outlines the stocking rate or number of cattle, grazing period, payment terms, and how unexpected events like drought will be handled.

To view the complete 2026 Nebraska Cash Rental Rates Survey, visit the Center for Agricultural Profitability website.

For today’s pasture and forage minute I am Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economist Shannon Sand

Here's today's pasture and forage minute:

With summer annual grasses like sorghum-sudan, pearl millet, and forage sorghum coming into their own, getting good hay put up can be a bit of a challenge — especially when you’re dealing with thick stems and drying delays. A few simple steps can go a long way in making sure your hay is both high quality and safe to feed.

First, timing is everything. Cutting before plants become excessively tall, ideally around 4 feet is key. At this stage, stems are thinner, digestibility is higher, and protein and energy levels are better. Smaller stems also mean quicker drying times. You’ll give up some yield on the front end, but early cutting leaves time for regrowth and a second harvest — which can make up for it in the long run.

Next, cut high — around 8 to 10 inches of stubble. That taller stubble does three things: it jumpstarts regrowth, keeps the windrow off the ground to improve airflow under the windrow improving drying, and helps keep nitrates concentrated in the base of the plant instead of your hay bale.

Finally, don’t forget to crimp. Even with smaller stems, the waxy coating on these plants can really slow drying. Crimping helps break open the stems so moisture can get out and dry down more quickly. Even when crimping, set the windrow as wide as possible to speed up dry down even more.

To sum it up: cut early, cut high, and crimp. Your hay will dry faster, be safer, and feed better.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman. 

Here's today's pasture and forage minute:

Heat stress is often talked about with feedlot cattle, but animals on pasture can be at risk too. All livestock can struggle when high temperatures, humidity, low wind, and warm nights stack together.

During a heat wave, water is the first place to start. During hot weather, livestock water demand can increase quickly. Check water sources before a heat event, not after animals are already stressed. Make sure tanks are clean, water flow is adequate, and animals have enough space to drink without crowding. Weak flow or limited tank space can lead to bunching, and bunching adds heat.

Shade can help, but only if it is used well. Natural shade from trees can be valuable, but it can also concentrate animals in one area. If shade is limited, cattle may bunch tightly, reduce airflow, damage grass, and avoid grazing. When possible, make sure water, shade, and grazing areas are not pulling livestock into one small spot during the hottest part of the day.

Air movement is also important. Wind helps animals cool themselves. Pastures with draws, heavy tree cover, or low areas may have less airflow, especially on still, humid days. Watch where animals are spending time and whether they have room to spread out.

Fly control also plays a role. Flies and other pests can cause cattle to bunch, stomp, and stand instead of grazing or resting. Good fly control will not eliminate heat stress, but it can reduce one more reason animals crowd together.

Finally, avoid handling, hauling, or rotating livestock during the heat of the day. If animals need to be moved or worked, do it early in the morning and keep it quiet and low stress.

Signs of heat stress include open-mouth breathing, heavy salivation, restlessness, bunching, and crowding around water or shade. Once severe signs appear, options are limited.

With today’s Pasture & Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman.

Here's today's pasture and forage minute:

Make plans now to attend the 2026 Nebraska Grazing Conference in Kearney on August 4^th and 5^th. 

For 26 years, the Nebraska Grazing Conference has served as a forum for advancing the science and practice of grazing management by bringing together producers, researchers, educators, conservation professionals, and industry leaders from across the Great Plains.

This year's conference will feature two keynote speakers. Gail Fuller will talk on regenerative management and how to incorporate it into a grazing strategy. Dr. Tom Noffsinger will present on the important role of stockmanship in grazing management. 

We will also have speakers and producer panels that will focus on carbon credits on rangelands, grazing for wildlife habitat, small ruminant grazing for defined objectives and emerging grazing technologies such as virtual fencing.

In recognition of the 2026 United Nations' International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), the conference will host a special evening celebration highlighting the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of Nebraska's grasslands through educational exhibits, displays, and networking opportunities.

For more information and to register for conference, log onto our website at grassland.unl.edu. to encourage the next generation of grazing managers, the Center for Grassland Studies will cover the registration fee for all high school or college students.

We look forward to seeing you there. 

For today's Pasture and Forage Minute, I'm Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist, Mitch Stephenson.

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

Clean water is critical for cattle health, especially during heat events.  However, dry conditions can make water quality worse. As water evaporates, salts and minerals become more concentrated. In some locations, this can cause cattle to limit intake, refuse water, or develop health issues.

Nitrates are another concern. They can come from groundwater feeding a pond, but runoff from fertilized fields, manure, or other nitrogen sources is often the bigger risk. Cattle can tolerate nitrate levels in water that would be unsafe for humans, but elevated nitrate water combined with high-nitrate feed or forage can push total intake into dangerous levels.

Blue-green algae, more accurately called cyanobacteria, is common in still water during summer. Warm temperatures, sunlight, low water levels, and excess nutrients can allow blooms to develop quickly. Blooms may look like green paint, pea soup, or surface scum, and wind can concentrate them along shorelines where cattle drink. Not every bloom is toxic, but when toxins are present, livestock losses can occur quickly.

Copper sulfate has traditionally been used to manage algae, but it must be used carefully and according to label directions. Treating an active bloom can release more toxin into the water, and repeated treatments may create environmental concerns. For recurring problems, limiting pond access, pumping water to a tank, reducing nutrient runoff, cleaning tanks, or providing another water source are better long-term options.

Don’t assume water is safe just because cattle have used it before. Dry weather, heat, runoff, and stagnant conditions can change quality quickly. If water quality is in question, remove access and provide clean water until the source can be evaluated or tested.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman. 
 

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

Summer thunderstorms can quickly turn good hay drying weather into wet windrows. That does not mean the hay is a total loss, but rain on cut forage can reduce both yield and quality.

How much is lost depends on the forage type, how dry the hay was, how much rain fell, and whether the forage was re-wetted multiple times. Losses are usually lower when rain comes soon after cutting and the hay is not repeatedly soaked.

Wisconsin research found that 1 inch of rain on alfalfa after one day of drying caused a 22% dry matter loss, compared to a 6% loss with no rain damage. When alfalfa received 1.6 inches over several days, losses increased to 44%. Grass hay usually has lower losses than alfalfa because it does not lose leaves as easily.

Rain may not reduce protein much unless leaf loss is high, but energy can take a bigger hit as carbohydrates decline. Rained-on hay also has greater risk of mold, heating, and heat damage, especially if baled too wet.

Once hay has been rained on, the priority is to reduce additional losses. Turn windrows only if it will help drying more than it will increase leaf loss. Chopping may be a better salvage option than waiting for dry hay, while severely damaged forage may be better used as mulch.

Finally, keep an eye on rained-on windrows for insect pressure and weed growth. Salvage what you can, store it safely, and let the hay test — not just appearance — guide how that forage gets used.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman. 

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

As we enter a period of hotter and drier weather, grasshoppers will begin to move into crops from field edges. In the coming weeks, be sure to scout your fields to ensure defoliation from grasshopper feeding is kept at a minimum. 

One of the best ways to scout for grasshoppers is to use the square foot method. Randomly select an area several feet away and visualize a one square-foot area around that spot. Walk toward this spot and count the number of grasshoppers you see in or jumping out of this area. Repeat this procedure 18 times and divide the total number of grasshoppers by two. This will give you the number of grasshoppers per square yard. Economic thresholds for grasshoppers range from 8 to 40 grasshoppers per square yard, depending on a variety of factors.

If grasshopper levels have reached threshold, treatment with an insecticide may be feasible as long as pre-harvest intervals are considered. Many insecticides used for other insects in alfalfa and other forages are also labeled for grasshoppers. For current insecticide recommendations for controlling grasshoppers in rangeland, forages, alfalfa, and other crops, please contact your county extension office.

It's also important to remember that our goal isn’t to completely eradicate grasshoppers from our fields, but to reduce their numbers to below threshold levels and give our crops a chance to “win the race” against pests until the first hard freeze of the season. 

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Crops & Water Educator, Samantha Daniel.

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

Sorghum, sorghum-sudangrass, and sudangrass can be valuable emergency forages in dry years, but they carry one major livestock risk: prussic acid, or hydrogen cyanide — HCN.

The compound behind that risk is dhurrin. Dhurrin is found naturally in all sorghum species and breaks down to release HCN when plants are stressed or damaged by drought, frost, wilting, or chewing. This toxin acts quickly and can cause difficult breathing, staggering, collapse, and death in livestock.

Risk is highest in young plants, drought-stressed forage, regrowth, and frost-damaged plants. Leaves, especially young upper leaves, tend to have higher dhurrin concentrations and such, are higher risk than stems and more mature leaves .

For grazing, wait until sorghum-family forages are at least 18 inches tall. After frost, wait seven days before grazing, and restart the clock if another frost occurs.  That’s all knowledge we’ve had for years.

However, there has been some newer research on sorghum hay.  Dr. Shelby Gruss at Iowa State has released research showing that dhurrin can remain in dried sorghum or sorghum/sudan hay and still release HCN during digestion. So hay made from drought-stressed, immature, or frost-damaged sorghum should not automatically be considered safe.

If conditions were risky when hay was put up, test before feeding. Remember, nitrates are a separate concern, so testing for both prussic acid potential and nitrates may be needed.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman.  
 

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

In Nebraska, there are two species of fly that cause the most economic injury to pasture and rangeland cattle. They are the horn fly and face fly. Selection of an appropriate control method for each will depend on the time of year; the efficacy, cost, and convenience of the treatment; and your herd management practices.

The horn fly is a major pest that is estimated to cause over $1 billion in economic losses in the U.S. annually. It is a blood feeding insect that is found on the back, sides, and poll area of the animal. The economic injury level of the horn fly is 200 flies per animal that, once surpassed, causes altered grazing patterns and behavior which lead to a reduction in both milk production and weight gain. In Nebraska, there are two population spikes of horn fly: one in early summer and the second in late-August through mid-September.

While the face fly is not a blood feeder it can cause extreme discomfort by feeding on animal secretions from the eyes, mouth, and muzzle. It is also a vector of the pathogen that causes pinkeye in cattle and feeding by the female fly causes eye tissue damage. Face fly populations usually peak in late July and August and are most common near waterways, in areas of significant rainfall, and in irrigated pastures.

Horn fly and face fly management options vary widely and include forced use methods such as dust bags, back rubbers, and traps as well as product application methods such as pour-ons, animal sprays, and insecticide ear tags. For more information on control methods contact your county Extension office.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Crops & Water Educator, Samantha Daniel.
 

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

Precipitation and temperature play major roles in pasture productivity, and knowing how to adjust grazing to match current conditions is key.  Are you shifting your management to meet pasture conditions?

Stocking and grazing management are not static things.  When production is limited, especially during a drought period, stretching forage resources is a high priority. In contrast during wet years, grass growth can get ahead of our grazing rotation and loose quality.

By this point in the year, our pastures have produced the vast majority of forage that we will get.  Using temporary electric fence to cross fence can increase utilization, slowing down a grazing rotation and stretching forage considerably during dry weather.

This is especially true when plants become dormant due to lack of precipitation or heat.  Typically, utilization seeks to balance animal demand and plant health, but taking more of a dormant plant without damaging the crown has little impact on overall plant health.

On the flip side, grass that is getting tall and lanky, ahead of a grazing rotation, could benefit from flash grazing.  Moving animals on and off quick can help keep plants from getting overly mature. Keep up this fast pace while growth is rapid.  Once growth slows, then the rotation can slow down as well.  

Speeding up grazing when things are wet and slowing down during dry times is a good rule of thumb to use as we adjust to the weather Mother Nature throws our way.  Doing so can help you find the perfect balance for your pasture and animal health.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman.  
 

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

In Nebraska, you can't predict the rain, however you can protect your bottom line.

If you plant annual forage or cover crops for livestock feed, dry weather doesn't have to mean a total loss. The USDA's Annual Forage Insurance Program shields your investment against lack of rainfall, covering crops planted between August 1st and July 31st of the following year.

But coverage requires action right now.

The USDA sign-up deadline is July 15th, and it is strictly enforced. Miss it, and your forage crops go uninsured for the entire next crop year. Government subsidies are available to help keep premiums affordable.

Don't leave your feed supply to chance. Call your local crop insurance agent today and lock in your protection before July 15th.

For today’s pasture and forage minute I am Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economist Shannon Sand

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

July traditionally means the beginning of the haying season for Sandhills subirrigated meadows.  A key point related to the quality of meadow hay is harvest date.  Crude protein and energy concentration decline as plants become stemmy and mature.  As this happens, the types of livestock that can be fed that hay with little or no supplements become more limited.  

A good practice can be to record harvest dates for different meadow fields.  Quality of hay cut in early July could vary significantly compared to hay cut in late-July or August.  Including notes if hay was impacted by rain before baling can also be useful.   This information, along with hay tests can be useful when making hay feeding decisions this winter and next spring.  Also remember that earlier meadow harvest will provide a longer regrowth period and extra growth for fall grazing.  

Within some meadows, there can be variation in hay quality depending on plant species that are present.  Sedges and rushes are most common in the wettest and lower parts of meadows and these species are lower in quality compared to grasses.  

The extra rain received in parts of Nebraska this year has been mostly welcome.  But excess rain can make some meadows impossible to even get in to cut the hay. When hay is in demand, waiting until the ground dries and firms up enough to drive haying equipment over it is an option, but the quality of this late cut hay will be lower.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman.  
 

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

Wheat harvest will be coming up soon and that leads us to think about some forage opportunities after harvest is complete.  There is plenty of growing season left this year and there are several forage possibilities; especially in a year where pasture or hay is short in some areas.

If the cropland is not irrigated, receiving some rains after wheat harvest is, of course, going to be necessary to grow that forage crop.

One dryland choice might be a high grain producing forage sorghum if chinch bugs and other insects are not a problem.  Sunflowers can be a surprisingly good choice for a short-season silage.  They survive light frost and yield well under many conditions.

If hay is preferred, plant sorghum-sudan hybrids, teff, or pearl or foxtail millet.  A hay crop exceeding two to three tons per acre can be grown easily if planted soon after wheat harvest.  Another hay or silage alternative is solid-seeded soybeans.  A couple tons of good forage can be grown from taller, full season varieties planted after wheat.  

Oats planted in late July to early August is another option.  Yields over two tons are common when moisture is good, fertility is high, and your hard freeze comes a little late.
Definitely consider turnips, as well as oats, for fall pasture planted into wheat stubble in late July or early August.  With a few timely rains in August and September, both oats and turnips produce much high-quality feed in a short time.  And, they are relatively inexpensive to plant.

Don't automatically let your wheat ground sit idle the rest of the year, especially if you could use more forage.  For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist, Jerry Volesky.
 

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

Summer annuals such as pearl millet, forage sorghum, sorghum-sudans, corn and BRM (brown midrib) forages can response well to fertilizer applications after their first cutting harvest. However, if moisture is a limiting factor, then fertilizer applications likely should be split and/or significantly reduced; since forage yields will only increase to the first limiting nutrient level. 

Under irrigation management, 40 to 60 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per acre may be applied after haying the first cutting or grazing of summer annual forages to stimulate regrowth. Sudangrass and sorghum-sudangrass will especially benefit from fertilizer applications after each cutting when irrigation reduces potential moisture stress. Further, average summer forage hay dry matter contains 15 pounds of phosphorus; 40 pounds of potassium and 25 pounds of sulfur per ton. Actual nutrient content can vary based on forage species; time of year and potential stress.

For rain-fed (dryland) forage production, high rates of nitrogen during drought stress may increase the risk of nitrate accumulation in the forages. So, dryland forage fertilizer rates this year’s drought conditions may be significantly lower. If dry weather conditions continue, growers may reduce normal fertilizer rates by over 50%. In some cases, producers may decide to split apply fertilizer and adjust rates based on rainfall amounts. 

In UNL on-ranch forage studies, pearl millet forage was higher in sulfur content compared to other summer forages. So, consider sampling forage leaves; field soil; and hay to determine if sulfur may be a limiting factor on long-term millet producing fields.

More details regarding summer annual forages management are available online at: https://cropwater.unl.edu.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Irrigation, Crops & Forage Educator, Todd Whitney

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

Have you noticed tall weeds with umbrella-like clusters of white flowers in pastures, ditch banks, and along roadsides? It may be poison hemlock, a plant highly toxic to people and livestock.

Poison hemlock commonly grows in moist soils along streams, roadsides, fencelines, and low areas in pastures. It has finely divided, fern-like leaves and smooth, hollow stems with distinctive purple spots. This biennial grows as a low rosette its first year before producing a tall flowering stalk during its second.

Scout pastures before turnout, especially when forage is short or low in palatability. Livestock generally avoid poison hemlock, but may consume it when desirable forage is limited or when turned into a pasture hungry. Adequate forage, water, salt, and minerals can reduce abnormal grazing behavior, but do not make an infested pasture safe.

All parts of poison hemlock are toxic, and relatively small quantities can cause severe poisoning or death. The plant also remains dangerous after drying, making contaminated hay a potential risk.

Control is most effective during the rosette stage in fall or early spring, before plants bolt and flower. Avoid mowing or spraying while livestock remain in the area. Cutting or herbicide injury may make plants more palatable and easier to consume, so exclude livestock until treated plants are dead and no longer accessible.

Pasture and rangeland herbicide options include products containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or both, along with DuraCor®, Chaparral®, Graslan® L, Cimarron® Plus, and Escort® XP. Streamline® is labeled for certain noncrop sites, but its label prohibits grazing or feeding forage or hay from treated areas.

Consider impacts on clovers and other desirable broadleaf plants, along with grazing, haying, manure, and reseeding restrictions. Always confirm that the product is labeled for the intended site and follow all label directions.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman. 

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

Summer annual forages such as sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids and pearl millet planted this spring soon could be ready to graze.  There are some grazing guidelines to help avoid potential hazards.

The first guideline is to never turn hungry animals into sudangrass or sorghum-type pastures.  The reason why is because they may eat so rapidly that they could get a quick overdose of prussic acid and die.  All sudangrass and sorghum-type hybrids can produce a compound called prussic acid that is potentially poisonous.  Prussic acid, which also is called cyanide, is nothing to fear, though, as long as you use a few precautions to avoid problems.

The highest concentration of prussic acid is in new young shoots, so let your grass get a little growth on it before grazing to help dilute out the prussic acid.  Let sudangrass get 15 to 18 inches in height before grazing.  Sorghum-sudan hybrids usually have a little more prussic acid risk, so wait until they are 18 to 24 inches tall.

Pearl millet does not contain prussic acid so if you planted millet these grazing precautions aren’t needed.  Pearl millet can be grazed when it reaches 12 to 15 inches tall.

Nitrates also can accumulate in these grasses, particularly when there are droughty conditions and/or excess nitrogen fertilization.  Avoid grazing these grasses too short, since nitrate concentration is highest in the lower parts of the stems.

Summer annual grasses respond best to a simple, rotational grazing system.  Divide fields into three or more smaller paddocks of a size that your animals can graze down to about eight or so inches of leafy stubble within 7 to 10 days.  Repeat this procedure with all paddocks.  If grass in some paddocks gets too tall, it could be cut for hay.

A well-planned start, a good rotation, and a little rain can give you good pasture from these grasses all the rest of the summer.  For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist, Jerry Volesky.
 

By mid-summer, summer annual grasses like foxtail, sandbur, and crabgrass are already up and growing—and they’re starting to cause issues in perennial hay or pasture fields.

At this point in the season, pre-emergent herbicides are no longer an effective control option for already growing summer annual weeds. Our best bet is to focus on post-emergent control and timely harvest management. In Roundup Ready® alfalfa, a labeled glyphosate product is a solid option—just be sure to treat while weeds are still small and before the alfalfa canopy blocks spray coverage.

In conventional alfalfa, grass-selective herbicides like Select®, Assure®, or Poast® can still work on smaller grasses. Follow the label closely for height limits and grazing or harvest restrictions.

If weeds are already well established, burn-down products like Gramoxone® may be your best shot. Apply immediately after cutting—before much alfalfa regrowth occurs—to knock back annual grasses with limited damage to the stand.

In mixed alfalfa-grass fields, your herbicide options are even more limited.  The only post emergent product we might consider is Pursuit®, which may stunt perennial grasses.  This doesn’t disqualify it as an option, but be aware it may open the door for more weed pressure.

This late in the season, cultural controls like adjusting harvest timing and maintaining a dense, vigorous stand may do more for long-term control than a spray pass. And remember—no herbicide will make up for poor timing.

Summer grasses are a challenge, but with a sharp eye and well-timed management, you can still limit their impact and protect your hay quality.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman.

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

Is your pasture paying its way? This is a question I have heard lately with regards to changing input costs. Before your cattle hit the field, here's a quick way to check if your pasture covers its costs. Let’s run the numbers:

Suppose you fertilize a subi-irrigated meadow on cool- or warm‑season grasses. Let’s assume after we fertilize, this will boost our forage yield by 0.75/ ton per acre. 

Let’s assume hay is valued at $120/ton, that extra 0.75 tons is worth $90/acre, so you must spend less than that on fertilizer to break even. If hay prices rise to $150/ton, your break-even fertilizer investment increases to $112.50/acre. 

But that’s just yield. In continuous grazing systems, livestock typically harvest only 25–35% of the forage, the rest is lost through trampling, fouling, or things of that nature. This dramatically eats into your return on your investment.

To get your money’s worth, combine fertilization with good grazing management, with things like rotational grazing across at least 4 paddocks. This not only improves forage utilization, it helps cover those fertilizer costs 

Here’s a quick formula, if your total cost per acre is $150 ($X), and your hay value is $120/ton (Y), then:

Break-even yield = $150 ÷ $120 or X÷Y or roughly 1.25 tons per acre

Make sure you're getting that much forage after accounting for utilization. If you're falling short, consider cutting costs, boosting efficiency, or renting extra grazing ground to balance the budget.

For additional information about this topic go to beef.unl.edu. For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I am Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economics Educator Shannon Sand.

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

Rained-on hay plagues all of us eventually.  The 'windrow disease' that often follows presents lingering problems.

Windrow disease — that’s the name given to the striped appearance in fields where alfalfa windrows remained so long that regrowth underneath was delayed.  Usually, it’s due to rained on hay.

Windrow disease presents special challenges.  Weeds often invade, requiring spraying to maintain quality and protect stands.  During the next growth period, plants that were not smothered regrow rapidly, while plants underneath the windrow suffer delays.  Part of the field often will begin to bloom while windrow-stressed plants are still short and tender.  So, when do you harvest?  When the first plants begin to bloom, or do you wait until injured plants are ready?

I suggest using two factors to tell you when you should cut — the health and vigor of your stand and the nutrient needs of your livestock.  For example, is your alfalfa stand young, healthy and regrowing well?  If not, wait to cut until stunted plants begin to bloom so you can avoid weakening them even more.

But, if your alfalfa is in good shape, then cut when it will best meet the needs of your animals.  Dairy cows need alfalfa that is cut early, so harvest when the first plants reach bud to early bloom stage.  Regrowth of injured plants may be slow after cutting, but this sacrifice is needed for profitable milk production.  Beef cows, though, do not need such rich hay.  So, if the hay will be fed to beef cattle, let stunted plants recover, and then cut when they are ready to bloom.

Hopefully, by next cut, growth will be more uniform, plants healthy, and production back to normal.  For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist, Jerry Volesky.
 

Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:

Since the first cutting of alfalfa has been completed in much of the state, Nebraska producers may be tempted to believe our troubles with alfalfa weevil are over. Unfortunately, this may not be the case. Alfalfa weevil feeding on regrowth has been reported in some fields, so scouting is highly recommended, particularly if you notice that regrowth doesn’t begin within 4-5 days after cutting.

Alfalfa plants usually suffer the most injury and economic damage before the first cutting, however, feeding on regrowth can have impacts as well. While larvae cause the most damage, adults can also cause damage by feeding along leaf margins and leaving irregular notches. Adult beetles are roughly 5mm in length with a blunt snout and a brown body covered in golden hairs. Larvae are 1.5mm to 8.5mm long with a black head, wrinkled green body, and white stripe along the back and will curl into a C-shape when disturbed.

Scouting for alfalfa weevil is simple and can help mitigate economic losses. Randomly select 5 sites across the field and collect 6 stems at each site, cutting the stems at ground level. Beat the stems into a deep sided white bucket and count the number of larvae to determine the average number per stem. Economic thresholds for alfalfa weevil can vary greatly from an average of 1-7 larvae per stem, depending on a variety of factors.

While there are several insecticides labeled for alfalfa weevil management, some Nebraska weevil populations may be losing susceptibility to the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin. Therefore, if you believe you have an infestation above threshold, contact your county Extension Office for further guidance.

For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Crops & Water Educator, Samantha Daniel.