Range and Forage

Do you know the quality of the hay you put up this summer? Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman and Cow/Calf Extension Specialist Rick Rasby, talk about why hay testing is a critical part of any operation to make feed decisions this winter.

Haying season is over, days are shorter, and cooler weather means winter isn’t far away. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman and Cow/Calf Extension Specialist Rick Rasby, say now is the time to get your winter hay quality tested, inventoried and organized so you have a feeding plan this winter.

Cool season pasture health has been a major concern over the past few years as dry conditions have persisted. Good rainfall this season has helped them recover, but Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says a little restraint today can mean more grass tomorrow. 

After several years of dry conditions limiting fall pasture growth, moisture and moderate temperatures are setting up the potential for some extra grass growth heading into the fall. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says produces should think through fall grazing strategies and long-term pasture needs.

The first frost may be welcome for knocking back flies, but for cattle grazing annual forages frost events can bring serious risks. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says, planning ahead, delaying grazing after frost, and using testing and supplements when needed can ensure that the welcome relief of fall frost doesn’t turn into a costly challenge for your herd.

After several years of dry conditions, moisture and moderate temperatures are setting up the potential for some extra grass growth heading into the fall. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says while it’s tempting to use this forage right away, taking time to think through fall grazing strategies can pay dividends for both short-term feed needs and long-term pasture health.

Hay forage is a traditional source of food for cattle, but there have been recent reports of a plant that could be toxic to livestock. Extension Educator Ben Beckman says whorled milkweed won’t be touched by cattle, but it could be a serious problem if it has been incorporated with hay that you’ve already put up for the season. 

The ideal timing for fall herbicide applications on pastures and rangelands is late September through early November. Nebraska Extension Educators Ryan Benjamin and Ben Beckman say timing is everything for targeting stubborn perennial and biennial weeds.

As the growing season winds down and pastures go dormant, weed management might not be top of mind, but fall can be one of the most effective times to control some of our toughest rangeland invaders. Nebraska Extension Educators Ryan Benjamin and Ben Beckman talk about why fall weed control is so important for pastures and rangelands.

When it comes to silage, producers often focus on yield and harvest timing—but one of the biggest losses can happen after the crop is already chopped and piled. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says producers should understand the cost of spoiled silage and make plans to keep that under control.

Cheatgrass has always been a challenge on our range pastures, especially out in the Panhandle. Extension Range Management Specialist Mitch Stephenson talks about some effective control measures that can greatly reduce invasive cheatgrasses. 

Pastures and rangelands are the backbone of Nebraska's beef industry, providing essential forage for livestock. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman and UNL Agronomy-Horticulture Research Manager Cheryl Dunn say the presence of weeds can significantly diminish both the quality and quantity of forage available, impacting herd health and productivity.

Producers looking for fall and winter grazing options have some quickly approaching planting deadlines. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski talks about species selection and some key management considerations for fall forages.

Having adequate grazing options during the summer heat is critical to cattle performance. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says producers needing reliable, drought resistant warm-season grazing, might need to take a second look at sudangrass.

Drought conditions are a normal part of the weather cycle, but cattle producers face serious challenges when regular feed supplies run low. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Josie Crouch says being prepared no matter the conditions is key to keeping your cattle fed properly during shortages.