As pastures green up this spring, there may be an opportunity for producers to get some early forage and manage weeds, flash grazing. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

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.

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.

As the weather continues to warm across Nebraska, it is important to keep an eye on alfalfa fields for signs of Army Cutworm. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

I've had several producers ask what to do in the event of a drought. In addition to monitoring trigger dates, it’s crucial to plan for potential forage shortfalls. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.

Wheat can be grown for dual purpose (forage and grain) production in plains states. Grain production can be preserved if the grazing animals are removed from fields just prior to the jointing growth stage. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

Spring is a critical time to control weeds in alfalfa especially for thin alfalfa stands with fields older than four years. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

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.

Fertilizing cool-season grass pastures or hayfields is something producers do each year while accounting for forage needs, the value of the forage, and fertilizer costs. Very important to remember this year is precipitation and soil moisture status as that moisture is needed to realize the grass response to the fertilizer. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Fresh spring growth is a welcome sight for producers looking for animal forage. However, lush spring growth may be the perfect condition for a case of grass tetany. While turn out may be a ways off, mitigating this risk starts now. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.