Pasture and Forage Minute

As we work our way through spring, many small grains are maturing fast and nearing harvest windows. Are you ready to make the most out of these forage options? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

The 2026 rangeland grasshopper risk map from the USDA indicates there may be increased grasshopper activity in the eastern panhandle and southwestern Nebraska. Keeping an eye on fields this spring and summer can help mitigate economic loss from grasshopper feeding. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Oats, spring triticale or barley planted early this spring will soon be ready for grazing. The potential seems great, but you may be disappointed if you don’t graze it right. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

As spring temperatures rise across Nebraska, now’s the time to plan your first alfalfa cutting. Getting that first cut right is more important than many realize—it sets the pace for the entire season. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Spring is busy getting crops in the ground, but if much needed moisture keeps you from the field, take some time to maintain your haying equipment and prevent costly downtime later. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

It is close to the ideal time to plant a summer annual grass, maybe to replenish your hay supply or have some extra grazing. Which one will you plant? Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

As spring green-up begins, producers may feel the urge to turn animals out to pasture. But the right time to start grazing often comes later than we might think. Before turnout, we need to answer two key questions: when should we start grazing, and which pastures should be grazed first? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Grazing winter annuals such rye, winter wheat, or triticale commonly begins in April. All three of these forages can be very high in quality and reduce the need for feeding expensive hay while allowing additional time for spring growth of our perennial summer pastures. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

There are many producers looking at looking at ways to grow more forage for hay or pasture. Double cropping annual forages on irrigated cropland can be an option. With timely and adequate moisture, this can also be successful dryland as well. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Want a simple spring move that can boost early forage while quietly setting your pastures up for a better season? Consider flash grazing. Ben Beckman - Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.