Pasture and Forage Minute

Since the first cutting of alfalfa has been completed in much of the state, Nebraska producers may be tempted to believe our troubles with alfalfa weevil are over. Unfortunately, this may not be the case. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Continued rain this year is a blessing to keep pastures and fields growing and green. However, short drying windows may make alfalfa harvest tricky. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Rained-on hay plagues all of us eventually. This year maybe more than usual. The 'windrow disease' that often follows presents lingering problems. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

A survey of last year’s adult grasshopper populations and below average rainfall amounts are leading to economic levels of grasshoppers in some pastures. Areas most at risk are southwest, southcentral, and western Nebraska. Samantha Daniels, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Have you noticed tall weeds with umbrella-like white flowers in pastures, ditchbanks and along the roadsides? It may be poison hemlock a toxic plant to both people and livestock. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

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.

Irrigation season usually is in full swing during early June. However, spring rains have reversed drought conditions across most of Nebraska for the first time in four years. So, what are alfalfa irrigation suggestions for summer? Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

When hailstorms hit, row crops often get the most attention, but perennial forages can take a beating too. So, what should you do when hail strikes your pasture or hay field? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems 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.

Pasture grass root injury caused by drought and/or wildfire can extend into the next grazing season. If grass stands have only been slightly damaged, then recovery can be quick, especially with proper weed control, fertility and deferred grazing management. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.