In previous years, portions of eastern Nebraska have seen unprecedented numbers of fall armyworm caterpillars feeding on alfalfa, brome regrowth in pastures, and newly seeded small grain crops such as wheat, triticale, and rye. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Silage harvest for fully irrigated full-season corn usually begins 45 days or 800 GDD’s after the tassel / silking growth stage. However, growing conditions and the season length of the plant itself can make predictions based on the calendar fuzzy at best. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

August always seems to be a time when certain weeds can become quite noticeable in pastures. There can be a variety of common annual weeds like sunflowers, lambs quarters, or kochia. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

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.

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.

Verbal leases are a common form of lease agreement. However, if someone is considering terminating a verbal lease, there are some dates and rules to remember for those with crops verses pasture verbal lease agreements. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Agricultural Economist.

When it gets hot, alfalfa plants grow more slowly and moisture stress becomes common, even in moist soil. Production of high-quality hay is nearly impossible due to the high temperatures, especially when the heat does not subside at night. 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.

Summer annual grasses can pose weed problems even in perennial systems like pasture or hay fields. Once foxtail, grassy sandbur or crabgrass are established, these annual grasses can be hard to control in later summer. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

Tall white flowers in your hay meadow may be pretty to look at, but beware—they could be water hemlock, one of the most toxic plants to livestock in Nebraska. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.