Pasture and Forage Minute

Many cattle producers acknowledge that corn stalks grazing is not meeting the needs of their cows compared to past decades. So, what are those contributing factors? 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. Even in the same field cut at a similar time, annual swings of 5% crude protein content and 10% TDN are not uncommon. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Grazing stockpiled winter range or pastures has several benefits. It is much less costly compared to feeding hay. On native range, there is little risk of damage to the grasses because they are dormant and winter stocking rates can be somewhat higher compared to the summer. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Corn harvest is starting. That means corn residue will soon be available for grazing. How should grazing be managed to get the most out of Corn Residue? Daren Redfearn, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Specialist.

There are sizeable acres of sorghum residue available for grazing this year and, similar to corn, sorghum stover can be a valuable winter forage. Daren Redfearn, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Specialist.

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.

A dry end to summer and start of fall is great for producers needing to get crops harvested. However, these conditions don’t do our alfalfa fields any favors as they prepare for winter. Can fall irrigation help with stand stress? 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. Before we use it however, we need to set expectations. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Colder temperatures have already caused some freezing in the Great Plains and Midwest. What have those temperature done to the forages and how can livestock be kept safe? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

With the volatility in the markets some producers may be asking what optional income opportunities are available to them. One of the things some producers have been thinking about is hunting. The question for those leasing is who has the hunting rights. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.