Range and Forage

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. 

Most producers are familiar with sorghum-sudangrass, a popular warm-season annual known for its high yield, but one of its parents, sudangrass, often gets overlooked. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski talks about some of the advantages of grazing sudangrass. 

Drought conditions in the Nebraska Panhandle region persist, with many areas receiving limited precipitation in April. Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Aaron Berger says weak market prices have made grazing wheat an alternative forage option this spring. 

Early blooming leafy spurge in pastures has become a serious problem for many producers across the state. Nebraska Extension Forage Educator Ben Beckman says leafy spurge is an abundant seed producer and control actions should be taken now before weed populations get out of control.

Wildfire is a natural component of Northern Great Plains grassland ecosystem, and most pastures and rangelands will comeback with proper management. Nebraska Extension Educator Bethany Johnston talks timing and grazing management, following a fire.

Grasshopper populations can vary from season to season, with the highest numbers expected in areas with little rainfall or prolonged drought. Nebraska Extension Educator Dave Boxler talks about grasshopper damage and what producers should be thinking about for the 2025 growing season to help control them. 

Eastern red cedar trees can quickly take over pasture and rangeland if not monitored properly. Extension Educator Bethany Johnson talks about how red cedar trees spread and what farmers can do to stop the takeover. 

Winter drought conditions have left many pastures struggling to green up this spring. Extension Educators Ben Beckman and Ryan Benjamin say landowners and renters should consider a drought or disaster clause in this year’s lease agreements. 

Drought conditions in central and western Nebraska have made it ideal for Yucca plants commonly known as “Soap Weed” to thrive. Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist Jerry Volesky talks about controlling Yucca in rangeland and how to reclaiming it with grasses.