Pasture and Forage Minute

This spring has already been a historic one for wildfires in Nebraska. Our thoughts are with the producers impacted, and our thanks go out to the fire crews and first responders who have put in long hours protecting lives, livestock, and property. As producers are able to assess damage and plan next steps, grazing management will be an important part of pasture recovery. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

With recent wildfires affecting parts of Nebraska, many producers are feeling overwhelmed and wondering what the first steps are after everything settles. Once everyone is safe and accounted for, there are two important steps to take right away. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

The incredibly mild winter we’ve experienced this year has accelerated the accumulation of growing degree days for one of our most significant forage pests: the alfalfa weevil. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

With a new growing season just around the corner, it is time to finalize the coming spring and summer’s grazing and forage plans. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

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.