Jerry Volesky - Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist

Alfalfa field — Spring is a critical time to control weeds in alfalfa, as weeds grow faster than stressed alfalfa, leading to thin stands, weakened plants and lower yields.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Increasing Alfalfa Productivity with Grass Mixtures, Spring Weed Control

March 9, 2023

Interseeding cool-season perennial grasses into alfalfa and applying herbicides in early spring are reliable methods of improving alfalfa production and health this growing season.

Cattle grazing ryegrass — After intense drought conditions and heavily grazed pastures last year, producers may want to consider strategies like reducing stocking rates, delaying spring turnout and seeded annual forages in their forage plans for 2023.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Understanding TDN Values, Planning Summer Grazing

February 21, 2023

A review of the impact of TDN values in hay tests, and considerations for spring and summer forage plans following the severe drought conditions and heavy grazing experienced in 2022.

Oat ryegrass mixture — A spring pasture mix of oats and ryegrass. (Photo by Jerry Volesky)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Planning Spring Annual Forages, More on Deciphering Hay Tests

January 31, 2023

Extension educators review considerations for spring annual forages in Nebraska, and analyze RFV and RFQ estimates in hay tests.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Mid-winter Cornstalk Grazing, Pasture Lease Drought Considerations

January 13, 2023

Extension educators discuss to how best graze cornstalks during the winter, and how to approach pasture leases when severe drought has affected forage production.

Prescribed burn image — A prescribed burn continues to be the most economical approach to controlling Eastern red cedar trees. (Photo by Troy Walz)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Controlling Cedar Trees, Net Wrap Health Concerns

December 14, 2022

In this installment of Pasture and Forage Minute, extension educators review the most effective strategies for controlling Eastern red cedar trees, and managing net wrap and twine issues for livestock.

Cattle eating hay — Choosing the right protein may help bring the cost of feed down and more accurately meet the needs of your cattle.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Cornstalk Quality after Precipitation, Alfalfa for Protein

November 22, 2022

This week, Jerry Volesky reviews cornstalk feed quality after rain and snow, and Brad Schick discusses the pros and cons of alfalfa as a supplemental protein.

Cattle grazing cornstalks — To safely graze corn residue after fertilizer applications, it's ideal to wait until after a rain or snowmelt.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Winter Range, Fertilized Cornstalks

November 8, 2022

Extension educators discuss ways to graze winter pastures and fertilized corn residue fields without risking livestock health or nutrition.

Soybean field — Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication

Pasture and Forage Minute: Soybean Residue Forage Benefits, Safe Fall Alfalfa Grazing

November 2, 2022

Extension educators assess the value of soybean residue as livestock forage and share management recommendations for grazing alfalfa to avoid bloat.