Pasture and Forage Minute

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. October and early November is a key time to control thistles in pastures. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

There are a couple of leasing options for producers and landowners. Verbal leases are a common form of lease agreement. However, if someone is considering terminating a verbal lease, there are some dates and rules to remember for those with crops vs. pasture verbal lease agreements. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

Grazing drought stressed crop residue and moisture stressed pivot corners can be a feed source opportunity; but may also have possible nitrate concerns and rapidly declining residue quality. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

Pastures and hay meadows provide higher quality feed, are more productive, and require fewer inputs when they have good forage legumes growing in them. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

In previous years, portions of eastern Nebraska have seen unprecedented numbers of fall armyworm caterpillars. While reports of armyworm damage have not been received so far this year, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for this insect. 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.

Was cheatgrass, sometimes called downy brome, or wild oats abundant in your pastures this spring? Although difficult, they can be controlled and your pasture revitalized.

As fall harvest season approaches, crop canopies are starting to open and allowing more sunlight penetration into the ground between rows. Additional sunlight will provide an opportunity for aerial seeding cover crops like oats, wheat, triticale and cereal rye. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

While dry conditions can result in high nitrates in annuals, drought isn’t the only thing that may cause nitrate issues. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water 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. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.