Fall Thistle Control

By Jerry Volesky

Did you spray thistles this past spring and summer? If so, it would be a good idea to revisit those areas as there are likely some remaining or new growth that has occurred. Late September through early November is a key time to control thistles in pastures and hayland.

There are several biennial thistles, but musk, plumeless, Scotch and bull thistles are our most problematic. Biennials require portions of two growing seasons to flower/reproduce. They develop from seed the first season into a flat rosette. When trying to control biennial thistles, destruction of rosettes prior to flowering (bolting) is an effective means of preventing seed formation and subsequent spread.

Another thistle to look out for is Canada thistle. Canada thistle is a creeping perennial that can be controlled with fall spraying, in conjunction with other management options in the spring.

While in the rosette stage, thistles are more effectively controlled using herbicides. It is important to note that fall spraying of thistles is not a silver bullet, and effective control often needs repeated applications. It will take several years of timely control before the soil seed bank is reduced. There are many herbicides labeled for thistle control. Take care when purchasing products and always read/follow label directions before use.

GrazonNext® HL, Milestone®, Chaparral®, Graslan® L, Stinger®, Overdrive® and Tordon 22K® are all products that are labeled for use on biennial thistles, as well as Canada thistle. 2,4-D mixed with dicamba is also an effective option but should be sprayed when temperatures are warmer for the highest efficacy. When using Tordon 22K® or Graslan® L, both products are restricted use and contain picloram. Use extreme caution around other vegetation — especially trees, as both products will kill woody plants.

Fall Hay Prices

By Shannon Sand

As we move into fall, two common questions arise: "What is the current price of hay?" and "Where can I find information on hay costs?" In Nebraska, hay prices fluctuate throughout the year due to several factors, including weather, supply and demand, and quality.

There are a few resources available in Nebraska to track hay prices. The USDA regularly reports prices by location, type and quality of hay. Additionally, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture offers a Hay Hotline, which features a seller’s sheet listing prices, type and quantity of hay available.

Several key factors can influence hay prices:

• Weather: Drought conditions can significantly reduce hay yields, driving up prices. Conversely, favorable weather can lead to increased supply and lower prices.
• Supply and Demand: The balance between hay production and livestock demand plays a crucial role in pricing.
• Quality: Factors such as protein content, digestibility, and overall condition of the hay impact its value. Higher-quality hay typically commands a higher price.
• Market Conditions: Broader economic factors, including the state of the agricultural economy and global trade, can also affect hay prices.

Hay prices can vary widely depending on location, season, and specific market conditions. Staying informed about these factors is essential for producers and buyers alike when making decisions.

Dry Fall

By Ben Beckman

With dry conditions this fall, Nebraska livestock producers face several challenges, particularly regarding pasture health, alfalfa harvest timing, and late-seeded annual forages.

Drought reduces forage growth and quality, making pastures more vulnerable to overgrazing. This causes long-term damage to plant health and slows regrowth. To avoid this, adjust grazing rotations to allow pastures more recovery time and consider reducing herd size or pulling animals to prevent overgrazing. While dormant plants can handle more grazing pressure than those actively growing, the impact will still be felt next spring and care needs to be taken to adjust management as moisture patterns shift. Finally, keep an eye out for invasive species, which tend to thrive in stressed pastures.

Timing the final alfalfa harvest is another key concern in dry conditions. Without sufficient moisture, alfalfa regrowth slows, and harvesting too late can weaken the stand as it heads into winter dormancy. Producers must balance the need for forage with the plant's ability to recover, ensuring that alfalfa has time to store energy reserves for the winter. Missing this window could result in weaker stands and reduced yields next spring.

One last consideration: Late summer or fall-seeded annual forages may struggle to establish due to dry soil, which limits their growth and grazing potential. Producers depending on these forages should consider irrigation, if available, or consider back-up forage sources.

By managing pastures carefully, timing alfalfa harvests strategically, and planning for potential forage shortfalls, we can better navigate the challenges of dry conditions this fall.

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