Pasture and Forage Minute

With the recent bitterly cold temperatures across Nebraska, producers may be wondering if overwintering insect pests could be killed, and their populations reduced. Although we’ve seen temperatures in the single or negative digits with wind chills reaching -30 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, insects have adapted to survive winter’s chill. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Are you considering establishing a new alfalfa stand this coming spring? Site selection, proper weed management, good fertilization and seedbed preparation are all crucial steps for a successful stand. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

It's that time of year again. Time when we need to start preparing for taxes. Most people probably know that farmers and ranchers' last day to file taxes is March 1st. So it’s important to make sure we have everything together. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

Last year was a difficult year for pasture and forage production. In a minute, I'll give you some strategies for improving your pastures in 2024. Daren Redfearn, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Specialist.

As the new year begins, I can’t help to look back at pasture and forage management production conditions to understand what to focus on this year. Stick around and I’ll give you my thoughts looking back at 2023. Daren Redfearn, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Specialist.

Low supply and high costs mean some less-than-ideal feedstuffs may be used this winter. Low quality, mold, and even mycotoxins can all be a risk for poor quality feeds. Can we still make use of these forage options. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Here in mid-winter, cornstalks remain a great forage resource for livestock producers. So far, snow cover on cornstalks has been minimal, or what snow has fallen has mostly melted off. While cattle can graze with snow cover, remember that if an icy crust develops on the snow, this will limit grazing and supplemental feed may need to be provided. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

While daytime temperatures have been mild so far this December, bitter cold and negative wind chills are undoubtedly on the horizon. This is a good time to consider how we can best protect our cattle since livestock performance and survival is affected by wind and temperature. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Did difficult weather this year cause your hay to be baled too wet or silage chopped too dry. Now that hay and silage has heated and turned brown. How should you feed these forages? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Recently I have been asked about how much the cost of accessing water for grazing cattle on cornstalks should be. This is difficult to answer because of factors such as distance from the field, who is going to pay for pipes to go from the well to the cattle, and maintenance costs just to name a few. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.