Pasture and Forage Minute

Producers and landowners have a few leasing options to choose from. One common approach is the use of verbal agreements, though there are important rules and dates to keep in mind when considering the termination of such leases, especially for crop and pasture arrangements. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

Cheatgrass, sometimes called downy brome, or wild oats is an annual weedy grass that can be a problem in pastures, particularly in central and western Nebraska. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

With dry conditions this fall, Nebraska livestock producers face several challenges, particularly regarding pasture health, alfalfa harvest timing, and late-seeded annual forages. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

As we move into fall, two common questions arise: "What is the current price of hay?" and "Where can I find information on hay costs?" Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

Did you spray thistles this past spring and summer? If so, it would be a good idea to revisit those areas as there are likely some remaining or new growth that has occurred. Late September through early November is a key time to control thistles in pastures and hayland. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

While dry conditions can result in high nitrates in annuals, drought isn’t the only thing that may cause nitrate issues. frost, hail, and herbicide damage can all contribute to high nitrate levels. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Allowing for alfalfa to winterize before dormancy is a key factor preventing winter kill across a stand. Traditionally, my recommendation has been to time the last cutting for roughly 6 weeks before the first frost. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Do you know the quality of the hay that you harvested this past season? It is important to know how much protein and energy your cows will get when you start feeding, or how much supplement to feed. This may be especially important if your hay crop was affected by rain, drought or significant delays in harvest. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Irrigating alfalfa now through November until the soil freezes can protect plants and improve fall yields. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

Timing the last fall alfalfa cutting can be a difficult thing to plan for and varies among growers. A balance between stand health, yield and quality must be maintained. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.