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

The UNL U.S. Drought Monitor pegged September as abnormally dry to severe drought in the majority of Nebraska. Grazing drought stressed crop residue and moisture-stressed pivot corners may be an alternative feed option despite possible risk of nitrates. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

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.

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.

Producers and landowners have a few leasing options to choose from. One common approach is the use of verbal agreements, though there are important rules and dates to keep in mind when considering the termination of such leases, especially for crop and pasture arrangements. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension 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.

With dry conditions this fall, Nebraska livestock producers face several challenges, particularly regarding pasture health, alfalfa harvest timing, and late-seeded annual forages. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

As we move into fall, two common questions arise: "What is the current price of hay?" and "Where can I find information on hay costs?" Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension 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.

While dry conditions can result in high nitrates in annuals, drought isn’t the only thing that may cause nitrate issues. frost, hail, and herbicide damage can all contribute to high nitrate levels. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.