Brad Schick - Former Extension Educator

Pasture landscape — Fertilization of smooth bromegrass pastures should begin soon, by late March through April

Pasture and Forage Minute: Winter Survival in Alfalfa, Fertilizing Cool-Season Grass

March 16, 2023

Tips on choosing winter survival traits in alfalfa without compromising yield, and timing and application rates for fertilizing cool-season grass pastures.

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.

Hay — In a hay test, Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) measure the sample’s fiber content, affecting digestibility and forage intake, which help predict animal performance.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Understanding ADF and NDF, Hay Quality After Calving

February 16, 2023

The series on hay test readings continues with a review of ADF and NDF; reviewing the importance of feeding high quality hay after calving is done.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hay Protein and Energy Values, Reducing Hay Losses

January 19, 2023

Breaking down the importance of protein and energy values in hay tests, and tips on reducing fed hay losses.

Cattle in snow — Studies have shown that providing windbreaks for cattle leads to increased calving success and improved body condition.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Snow Cover for Alfalfa, Critical Cold Considerations

January 5, 2023

Extension educators review ways to maximize the benefits of snow cover on alfalfa and maintain animal health during periods of extreme cold and wind.

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.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Snowy Grazing Concerns, Nutrient Loss in Baled Cornstalks

December 5, 2022

Extension educators focus on crop residue, including livestock grazing challenges after a snow or ice event, and calculating nutrient loss in baled cornstalks.

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.