Pasture and Forage Minute

Allowing for alfalfa to winterize before dormancy is a key factor preventing winter kill across a stand. 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? Brad Schick, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Welcome rains have occurred in many Nebraska regions; but our hot and dry summer impacts are extending into the fall. These conditions along with shorter than normal grass pastures may be motivating livestock producers to begin fall crop residues grazing earlier. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

So, what happened to forage plants during a drought? Nearly three-fourths of Nebraska’s pastures are classified in poor or very poor condition from the drought. Daren Redfearn, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Specialist.

Last year, portions of eastern Nebraska saw an unprecedented number of fall armyworm caterpillars feeding on alfalfa, brome regrowth in pastures, and newly seeded small grain crops such as wheat, triticale, and rye. While we may not see similar numbers this year, it is a good idea to be “Fall armyworm aware” and keep an eye out for this insect. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Forage Educator.

Pastures and hay meadows provide higher quality feed, are more productive, and require fewer inputs when they have good forage legumes growing in them.

Did you spray thistles this past spring and summer? If so, it would be a good idea to revisit those areas and even though it has been dry, there are likely some remaining or new growth that has occurred. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

With many pastures short, high hay prices, and drought-stressed crops maturing more quickly, harvesting some corn a little early could provide corns stalks for grazing or baling. Brad Schick, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Are you looking to buy hay? Can’t find anything local? When you finally do find hay, don’t also bring undesired pests to your farm or ranch along with that imported hay.

Do you know the quality of the hay or silage 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.