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.