Pasture and Forage Minute

Widespread dry conditions across the area earlier in the year with persisting drought in some locations have caused brome pastures to take a beating.Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Field days provide a great opportunity for producers to see and learn about new research and practices that they might apply to their operations. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist.

Assessing the quality of chop as the harvest comes in can mean the difference between quality silage and a subpar harvest. Are you prepared for silage harvest? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Weather this year has been quite the roller coaster, resulting in many producers dealing with adverse conditions when harvesting and putting hay up. Do you know the impact these conditions will have on the final product? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Hay is a very valuable commodity this year. So, as you bring in your round bales for winter storage and feeding, store them to minimize weather losses. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Silage harvest for fully irrigated full-season corn usually begins 45 days or 800 GDD’s after the tassel / silking growth stage. However, corn maturity can hasten due to drought, heat stress and shorter-season hybrid breeding. Therefore, ear kernel milk line development and accumulated growing degree days may be better predictors for timing silage harvest than following a calendar especially for drought impacted corn. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

Corn silage harvest success rests on proper harvest, packing, and storage practices. When we need a boost, adding an inoculant at harvest time can help improve fermentation and storage, but we need to know what products to use to get the best result. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Do you have a thinning and low producing alfalfa stand; but are not quite ready to do a complete reseeding? These stands can be rejuvenated by interseeding grasses to increase hay production in subsequent years or to convert them to pasture. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Hail is a four-letter word that causes high anxiety. If you get hail this late in the season the best alternative options may be to move from a summer grain production mindset to possible forage options. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

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.