Pasture and Forage Minute

Grain sorghum stover compares favorably to corn stalks as a forage resource. Both, corn residue and sorghum stover can be good nutrition for mid-to late-gestation cattle following fall grain harvest. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

While we as producers do all we can in season to store up quality hay, nutrient value in hay can change drastically from year to year. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Corn residue is a valuable resource for grazing, but some producers believe cattle performance has declined with the rise of Bt corn hybrids. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Soybean fields are opening up after harvest and cows may be moving in to get them off pasture when other forage options are unavailable. Soybean residue or stubble can occasionally be baled and used in rations. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Every fall, there can be some situations where there can be the potential to graze alfalfa. In some cases, the alfalfa may not have been big enough to warrant haying or maybe you have an alfalfa field that is adjacent to some cornstalks. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Amid market volatility, some producers may be exploring additional income opportunities. One potential option they’re considering is hunting. A common question for those leasing land is: who holds the hunting rights? Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

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.