Pasture and Forage Minute

All hay is not created equal. Two major values we often judge hay quality on are protein and energy, both of which vary from year to year and between crops. So how do we use these values when deciding what and how much hay to feed? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Making, transporting, and feeding hay is a large investment in time, equipment, and money. How can you reduce loss of hay during feeding to make that investment go further? Brad Schick, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Educator.

Drought conditions usually occur 1 out of every 5 years in Nebraska especially in the western regions. Further, when severe drought conditions occur in one year, the majority of the time...another extreme drought subsequentially follows in the next growing season. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

Here in mid-winter, cornstalks remain a great forage resource for livestock producers. Snow cover on cornstalks is generally not a problem for cattle as they are adept at digging their way through to get at the leaves, husks, and remaining corn that they are seeking. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

As 2023 begins, we need to look back at 2022 to appreciate what grazing and forage improvements may be needed in 2023. Stick around and I will give you my thoughts on 2023 pasture management needs. Daren Redfearn, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Specialist.

As humans, we often like to try and compare things to average or normal. Was the precipitation received within the expected normal range? Were temperatures for a particular season outside of normal? Was our pasture or hay production in the range we consider normal? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

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.

Having hay tested for nutrient quality is critical in getting the most out of the feedstuffs you have. Once the results come back, the next step is understanding the report you’ve received. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Livestock performance and survival is affected by wind and temperature. When this occurs, is determined by the lower critical temperature (LCT), or the threshold at which point animals need to start using energy to maintain body heat. Brad Schick, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

For alfalfa, snow is a winter gift, and the large winter storm that recently impacted most of western Nebraska brought anywhere from several inches to a few feet of the white stuff. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.