Pasture and Forage Minute

August always seems to be a time when certain weeds can become quite noticeable in pastures. That is especially true this summer where many parts of Nebraska have had abundant summer rains. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Keeping clean water in front of animals during the the summer is important. However, sunlight and warm temperatures can often lead to stock tanks overrun by algae. Let’s look at how we can address these issues. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

In previous years, portions of eastern Nebraska have seen significant numbers of fall armyworm caterpillars feeding on alfalfa, brome regrowth in pastures, and newly seeded small grain crops. While reports of armyworm damage have not been received so far this year, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for this insect. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Corn silage harvest success rests on proper harvest, packing, and storage practices. When we need a boost, adding an inoculant at harvest time can help improve fermentation and storage, but we need to know what products to use to get the best result. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Corn silage harvest may seem like a long way off, but preparation for a successful harvest begins now. Improper silage storage and fermentation can result in losses up to 20% prior to feeding. Plan your storage now to keep excessive storage losses from happening to you. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Do you have a thinning and low producing alfalfa stand; but are not quite ready to do a complete reseeding? These stands can be rejuvenated by interseeding grasses to increase hay production in subsequent years or to convert them to pasture. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Forages vary greatly in water-use efficiency defined as pounds of forage produced per inch of water applied. In general, warm-season forage crops are more water-use efficient than cool-season crops. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.

When it gets hot, alfalfa plants grow more slowly and moisture stress becomes common, even in moist soil. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Common mullein is an invasive biennial weed that can spread rapidly into pastures. Due to recent mild winters, mullein winter survival has been high. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.

As we enter a period of hotter and drier weather, grasshoppers will begin to move into crops from field edges. In the coming weeks, be sure to scout your fields to ensure defoliation from grasshopper feeding is kept at a minimum. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.