Aaron Berger - Beef Extension Educator

Aaron Berger

faculty
Work
209 E 3rd St Kimball NE 69145
US

Corn field
Having the experience and facilities to put up silage is one of many important considerations for producers faced with forage shortage concerns this year. (UNL Beef photo)

Is That Corn Crop Worth More as Silage or Grain?

August 16, 2023
When evaluating whether to harvest a field for silage or grain, there are several factors to consider. Both methods of harvest have advantages and disadvantages depending upon an operation’s goals and objectives.

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Hailed field
Hail on July 8 took corn down to the stalk in some areas of Nebraska. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Annual Forage Options After Hail

July 14, 2023
Before planting forages in fields where your crop was destroyed by hail, take a moment to review these financial management and cropping system considerations.

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Cattle grazing
Grazing wheat or harvesting it early in the boot stage for hay could also open a window of opportunity to plant a summer annual forage into the wheat stubble as a second crop if good moisture conditions are present. (Photo by Troy Walz)

Winter Wheat May Have More Value as Forage Than Taking It to Grain

May 4, 2023
Due to current cattle market conditions, and the price and availability of hay, Nebraska Extension Educator Aaron Berger evaluates the value of grazing or haying winter wheat this year.

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Summer annual forage test plot - Aaron Berger
Figure 1. Foxtail millet is a summer annual frequently grown for hay in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Summer Annual Forages Following a Failed Wheat Crop

May 10, 2019
With a good soil moisture profile but a failing wheat crop, planting summer annual forages may be a good alternative. The summer annual forage that is the best fit will depend on the production system and goals of the producer.

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Given market prices, grazing winter wheat rather than harvesting for grain may be more profitable for some growers this year.
Grazing winter wheat rather than harvesting for grain may be more profitable for some growers this year.

Evaluating Winter Wheat for Use as Forage or Grain

April 29, 2019
Current market conditions for wheat along with the price and short availability of hay is setting up a scenario where the winter wheat crop may have more value for grazing or as a hay crop this spring than harvesting it for grain.

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Adjusting Pasture and Hay Ground Leases for 2019

April 11, 2019
Where there is significant flood damage to pastures, hayland, or alfalfa, should the rental rate be adjusted for 2019? This article provides guidance on adjusting rental rates, depending on individual circumstances.

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Soybeans

Can Damaged or Discolored Soybeans be used as Cattle Feed?

October 24, 2018
Quality issues with soybeans this year are leading some growers to seek alternative markets. Damaged or discolored whole, raw soybeans can be a good protein source for cattle and provide a market option for growers.

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Podcast icon
Podcast icon

Podcast: A Row Crop Farmer's Perspective on Cover Crops and Cattle Grazing

September 27, 2018
Chad Dane, a farmer from Clay County, Nebraska, discusses his experience using cover crops in a corn-soybean rotation on this week's UNL BeefWatch podcast.

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