Bruce Anderson - Emeritus Extension Forage Specialist

Bruce Anderson

emeriti
Work Keim Hall (KEIM) 314
Lincoln NE 68583-0915
US
Work 402-472-6237 On campus, dial 2-6237

Faculty Bio

Raise Cutting Height When First Alfalfa Harvest Is Delayed

May 24, 2017

Rain has delayed the first alfalfa cutting for many folks. If you haven’t taken the first cutting yet, you may want to make some adjustments in how you cut it. Even if it is not blooming heavily, you might be surprised to find it already has started to grow your next cutting.

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Harvesting Small Grain Cereals for Hay or Silage

May 12, 2017

The rye, triticale, and other small grains you planted last fall are starting to grow tall and should be harvested for hay or silage soon. While they may not be as good feed as corn silage or alfalfa hay, they can provide good feed when harvested and fed correctly.

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Time First Alfalfa Cutting to Best Fit Your Needs

May 12, 2017
Timing of hay harvest is important whether your needs are for high quality or for high yield. With alfalfa becoming ready to cut soon this spring, don’t miss your best time.

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Assessing Freeze Injury to Alfalfa

April 28, 2017

While several areas of the state experienced lows below 28°F this week, widespread alfalfa losses are not expected at this time.

If you're concerned about whether your alfalfa may have suffered frost injury, remember that frozen alfalfa usually needs some time to recover before damage can be estimated.

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Postemergence Weed Control in Alfalfa

April 21, 2017

Are you finding weeds in your new alfalfa?  Vigorous weed growth this spring may make it extra tough for your seedlings as weeds reduce growth of new alfalfa by shading and competing for moisture. 

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Putting Carryover Hay to Good Use

April 11, 2017

If you were left with more hay than you expected after the open winter, save some in case of drought and then plan how to use the rest strategically to extend its value. 

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Wrapping Hay to Beat the Weather

April 10, 2017

If rain damage often plagues your hay making, you might consider using plastic wrap this year. Try baling it tough, then wrapping it with stretch plastic wrap to keep water and air out while keeping nutrients in.

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Firm Seedbeds For Planting Grasses And Alfalfa

April 10, 2017

Before planting alfalfa or grass this spring, take time to ensure that your seedbed is firm and ready to nurture seedlings.

Walk acoss the field, looking back at your footprints.  Do you sink in more deeply than the soles of your shoes or boots?  If so, your seedbed may be too soft.

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