Pasture and Forage Minute

With the arrival of spring comes the impending return of insects, including pest species like the alfalfa weevil. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Spring flash grazing in pastures can be a way to capitalize on some of the early weeds that may be growing. For those areas in eastern Nebraska that had drought conditions in 2023, it is likely that many pastures will have more spring and summer weeds than usual this year. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Alfalfa is a tough perennial with established rooting depths down eight feet or more. Depending on deep soil profile moisture, some varieties can extend Spring dormancy and survive up to 45 days without rainfall. 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.

Alfalfa fields usually are fully productive for at least 4 or 5 years after seeding before fields need converted to another crop. So, what should producers do when their alfalfa stands fall below 10 plants per square foot or the annual forage yields drop off below half? Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

Are you interested in learning more about annual forage systems? Cattle and Coffee is an upcoming early morning webinar series about this very topic. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.

Now is the time to control winter annual weeds in alfalfa. Thinned alfalfa stands combined with open soil and adequate moisture can result in weed pressure. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.

Drought damage to a pasture is easy to notice while moisture is lacking, however, the harm done can last, even when rain returns. What can you do to aid in recovery? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.

Producers face a variety of challenges when managing livestock herds and the forage crops grown to feed them. In many ways, technology can help streamline management improving operation efficiency and productivity. An important and increasingly popular example of this technology is drones. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.

Cereal grains like wheat can be grown for dual purpose production in central and southern plains states. Usually, wheat can be grazed without reducing grain yields when animals are removed from fields just prior to the jointing growth stage when immature wheat heads move up the stems if nutrients and water are not limited. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.