Pasture and Forage Minute

Do you have a thinning, low-producing alfalfa stand but aren’t quite ready for a complete reseeding? These stands can sometimes be rejuvenated by interseeding grasses to increase hay production in subsequent years or convert the field to pasture. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Corn silage harvest may seem like a long way off, but preparation for a successful harvest begins now. Improper silage storage and fermentation can result in losses up to 20% prior to feeding. Plan your storage now to keep excessive storage losses from happening to you. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Common mullein is an invasive biennial weed that can spread rapidly into pastures. Due to recent mild winters, mullein winter survival has been high. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

There is a saying “take half and leave half” with regard to grazing. However, with the weather events this past year, some producers are concerned about long-term overgrazing since this can reduce grass production and profits for years. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

Summer rain can turn a smooth brome pasture from brown to green, but it cannot replace spring forage production that was missed. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

When it gets hot, alfalfa plants grow more slowly and moisture stress becomes common, even in moist soil. Maintaining high-quality hay is very difficult due to the high temperatures, especially when the heat does not subside at night.

Yucca, also called small soapweed, is a common weed in western and central Nebraska rangelands. In some areas, high plant density can significantly reduce grass production; so, yucca may need to be managed to reclaim grazing lands. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

As we move through midsummer, it’s time to evaluate our forage situation. Depending on your location, meadow hay harvest might be starting, you could be on your second cutting of alfalfa, or preparing to cut warm-season annual crops soon. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Late rains have improved the appearance of native range across parts of Nebraska, but green is not always the same as growth. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

What does it cost to rent pasture this year? The final 2026 Nebraska Cash Rental Rates Survey results are now available. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.