Pasture and Forage Minute

Last fall and this winter has been dry leaving most parts of the state in some level of drought. We are a few weeks away from another growing season and who knows how much moisture lies ahead. Today I’ll suggest some ways you can limit the forage problems drought could cause. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Good cow nutrition is crucial following calving to get cows rebred. Today, let's look at the reason for using our top tier hay after calves hit the ground. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Acid Detergent Fiber or ADF and Neutral Detergent Fiber or NDF both show up on forage tests, but measure different aspects of digestibility. Today, let’s look at the difference. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

In Nebraska, February is typically the halfway mark through winter. As we move toward the later half of the season, now may be a good time to take stock of feed resources. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Are you looking to increase production from pastures or hay fields? Frost seeding or interseeding legumes might just work in your operation. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

While water demands in the winter may be less than summer, keeping water available can be difficult. Having animals eat snow may be tempting, but requires an experienced herd, plenty of fresh snow, and healthy animals. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

As pasture grazing leases are getting finalized for the 2025 season, it is important to make sure that some of the key details are clear and in writing. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Farmers and ranchers regularly pay for services from individuals who are not their fulltime employees. Under IRS regulations, a 1099 form should be issued to certain non-employees who perform services and are paid over $600 in a calendar year. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

Grass tetany and nitrate poisoning are issues that we typically associate with animals grazing. However, both issues can be a problem in winter when animal diets are limited by what they are fed. Is your herd safe from possible hay worries? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

With forecasted bitterly cold temperatures across Nebraska, producers may be wondering if overwintering insect pests could be killed, and their populations reduced. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.