Pasture and Forage Minute

Yucca plants, which are also called soapweed, can be quite common on rangeland in western and central Nebraska. They are especially noticeable here in June when flowering. In some areas, they can be quite thick and significantly reduce grass production. There are ways, though, to reclaim those grazinglands. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

With drought conditions forecast across much of Nebraska this summer, now is the time to make a grazing plan that builds in flexibility. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

As we approach the first cutting for alfalfa across the state of Nebraska, it is important to continue to monitor your fields for pest insect activity. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

While poisonous plants are generally not as problematic in Nebraska compared to other western states, they can exact their toll on livestock enterprises, and many times the losses are unrecognized. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

As we work our way through spring, many small grains are maturing fast and nearing harvest windows. Are you ready to make the most out of these forage options? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

As late spring and summer temperatures begin to heat up and cattle are on pasture, it’s important to make sure there is adequate water for livestock. How much do cattle need and where should it come from? Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Now is the time to plant summer annuals especially due to welcome rains. Summer annuals are typically warm season grasses planted in western Nebraska prior to June 1st to provide grazing or harvested as feed for beef cattle. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

As pastures begin to green up, now is the time to scout pastures for two persistent problems—leafy spurge and nonnative thistles like musk, plumeless, and Canada thistle. Both are Nebraska noxious weeds, and early spring is the best opportunity for control.

Managing pastures that contain both cool- and warm-season grasses takes a bit of strategy, but done right, it can result in productive and healthy pastures across the grazing season. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Smooth bromegrass and other cool-season grass hay fields are growing rapidly with seedheads beginning to appear. When do you typically cut your grass hay? Ideally, cutting your grass hay so the grass nutrient content matches with the nutritional needs of your livestock is best.