Weed Management

Alfalfa field
Early spring is a good time to evaluate alfalfa stands to assess reseeding needs, and begin control measures on winter annual weeds like pennycress, downy brome and cheatgrass to get the best quality out of your first cutting of alfalfa.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Weed and Stand Management, Grazing Winter Annuals

April 10, 2023
This week — Tips on controlling winter annual weeds for optimum first cutting hay quality, evaluating alfalfa stands with a hay square, and grazing rye, winter wheat and triticale during a cool start to spring.

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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.

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Manure truck

Managing Weed Seeds in Manure

December 9, 2022
Weed seeds in manure can be problematic when they result in overgrown, weedy fields after manure application. Luckily, there are some measures that reduce the viability of those weed seeds.

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Dead Palmer and kochia weeds

Wiping Paraquat as a Rescue or Salvage Treatment in Sugarbeet

November 9, 2022
To manage glyphosate-resistant Palmer in low-growing crops like sugarbeet, wipers filled with paraquat can be adapted by using the right speed, wiper height and wiper saturation.

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Yucca plants
If yucca covers too much rangeland to effectively control with herbicides, winter grazing can reduce its impact without compromising your grasses.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Yucca Control and Fall Irrigation

October 24, 2022
Extension educators explain why winter grazing can be an effective tool to reduce yucca stands in rangeland and how to plan late fall irrigation in winter annual crops.

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Palmer amaranth

Nebraska Extension Weed Science School on Nov. 9 Near Mead

October 13, 2022
University and industry speakers will address current weed science issues and recommendations for improving herbicide applications for management of herbicide-resistant weeds.

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Soybean harvest residue
With higher hay prices and forage shortages this year, interest has grown in baling soybean residue; however, it's important for producers to weigh the costs — including potential erosion and nutrient removal — against current market value to calculate the cost effectiveness for their operations.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Baling Soybean Residue, Winterizing Alfalfa by Growing Degree Days

October 11, 2022
Higher hay prices and forage shortfalls have many producers considering baling soybean residue, but it's important to first analyze the cost effectiveness. Plus — concerns on nightshade and winterizing alfalfa.

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Fall armyworm caterpillar

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing for Interseeding, Controlling Thistles and Fall Armyworms

September 27, 2022
Following last year's atypical infestation of fall armyworm caterpillars, extension educators urge preparedness in the event of a reoccurrence this fall. Plus — why overgrazing is a good strategy prior to interseeding legumes.

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