Pasture and Forage Minute

Bean fields are opening up after harvest and cows may be moving in to get them off pasture when other forage options are unavailable. Soybean residue or stubble can occasionally be baled and used in rations. Before we use it however, we need to set expectations. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

When planted early, fall planted cereal rye can provide excellent cold-tolerant late fall grazing and more grazing again in the spring. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.

Southern rust has made noticeable impacts on corn fields in Nebraska this year.  As these fields open for grazing following harvest, many are wondering — does rust affect how we manage livestock on those acres? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

When corn and sorghum plants die pre-maturely due to drought stress, lower-quality stover residue may result. Both corn residue and sorghum stover can be good nutrition for mid-to-late-gestation cattle following fall grain harvest. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.

As fall progresses, temperatures continue to drop and chances of a freeze grows. When frost hits the Great Plains and Midwest, do you know the impact on forages and how livestock can be kept safe? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Every fall, there can be some situations where there can be the potential to graze alfalfa. In some cases, the alfalfa may not have been big enough to warrant haying or maybe you have an alfalfa field that is adjacent to some cornstalks. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

For livestock producers, managing risk often means using more than one tool. Three insurance programs Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF); Annual Forage (AF); and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) can be good options to complement each other to protect both feed supply and livestock value. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

Fresh forage options in the fall often come with strings attached. While the potential for high quality grazing is present, knowing the risks that may come along is critical to make the most out of these forage resources. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Fall is hear and hay season is wrapping up. As you bring in your round bales for winter feeding, are you storing them in a way to minimize weather losses? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Fall armyworms have been hitting pastures and alfalfa fields this fall, leaving producers wondering: will my forage recover? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Amid market volatility, some producers may be exploring additional income opportunities, such as hunting. This often raises the question: who holds the hunting rights when land is leased? Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

Pastures and hay meadows provide higher quality feed, are more productive, and require fewer inputs when they have good forage legumes growing in them. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Cheatgrass, sometimes called downy brome, or wild oats is an annual weedy grass that can be a problem in pastures, particularly in central and western Nebraska. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Allowing for alfalfa to winterize before dormancy is a key factor preventing winter kill across a stand.  Traditionally, my recommendation has been to time the last cutting for roughly 6 weeks before the first frost. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

After several dry falls in a row, this year may be shaping up a little differently. With recent rains and cooler weather, cool-season pastures like brome, bluegrass, and fescue could put on some extra growth. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Did you spray thistles this past spring and summer? If so, it would be a good idea to revisit those areas as there are likely some remaining or new growth that has occurred. Late September through early November is a key time to control thistles in pastures and hayland. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

In areas of eastern and south-central Nebraska, we have received reports of significant damage to fields from fall armyworm. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Southern rust has been moving quickly across the region this summer under warm, wet conditions, raising grower concerns for corn silage. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Do you know the quality of the hay that you harvested this past season? It is important to know how much protein and energy your cows will get when you start feeding, or how much supplement to feed. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

As we move into fall, many producers may be looking at harvesting forage from summer annuals like sorghum-sudan or other large-stemmed crops. While these can provide a valuable feed source, making dry hay this time of year comes with some real challenges. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Irrigating alfalfa now through November until the soil freezes can protect plants and improve fall yields. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.

Timing the last fall alfalfa cutting can be a difficult thing to plan for and varies among growers.  A balance between stand health, yield and quality must be maintained. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Silage is a cornerstone feed for livestock across Nebraska. Knowing its value is critical for making sound management decisions whether it be accurate budgeting for your own operation or selling to a buyer. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

There are a couple of leasing options for producers and landowners. Verbal leases are a common form of lease agreement. However, if someone is considering terminating a verbal lease, there are some dates and rules to remember for those with crops vs. pasture verbal lease agreements. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

Are you thinking about seeding a winter annual cereal grain to have some forage next spring? The possible choices are wheat, rye, or triticale; but which of these small grains should you seed this fall? Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.