Jerry Volesky - Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist

Alfalfa field irrigated by center pivot — Early season irrigation linked with first cutting alfalfa can potentially lower water use sharply, as transpiration is lower when the leaf foliage is removed.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Early Season Irrigation, Controlling Alfalfa Weevil

April 23, 2024

This week, extension educators discuss strategies for early season irrigation of alfalfa to lower water use, controlling alfalfa weevil and flash grazing in spring to control early weeds in cool- and warm-season grass pastures.

Cow in tall grass — Making a decision on when to graze winter annuals such rye, winter wheat or triticale in the spring should depend on plant growth — ideally, the best time to graze is when the plants are about five to six inches tall.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Annual Forage Webinar Series, Improving Alfalfa Stands

April 17, 2024

Extension educators introduce a new webinar series for producers interested in adding an annual forage rotation to their operation, plus insights on grazing spring cereal grains and options for thin alfalfa stands.

Cattle grazing pasture during spring — Lush spring growth brings with it the risk of grass tetany, due to its low magnesium levels. To avoid tetany issues, it’s best to wait until grass in pastures has grown to at least six inches high before grazing.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Double Cropping Forages, Wheat Grazing vs. Grain Value

April 3, 2024

Insights on double cropping annual forages in irrigated cropland, avoiding grass tetany, and making the decision to use wheat as forage or grain this year.

Green alfalfa field — Evaluating your alfalfa stand in the spring is key to planning management and setting expectations for this year.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Evaluating Alfalfa Stands, Fertilizing Cool-season Grass

March 26, 2024

Recommendations on getting an accurate assessment of alfalfa stands this spring and fertilizing cool-season grass pastures and hayfields for optimal forage yields.

Alfalfa field — Even before plants begin to green up, individual plant assessments can be done. While assessment before green-up occurs may seem a bit preemptive, pre-scouting now can focus scouting efforts to problem areas later on when time becomes precious during spring planting.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Strategies to Increase Alfalfa Health, Productivity

March 19, 2024

Extension educators review options for interseeding grasses into alfalfa and assessing alfalfa stand health.

Wildfire spreads across open pasture — Although the immediate aftermath of a fast-moving fire can look quite devastating, perennial pasture grasses are resilient and will recover, especially since they are still dormant.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Management Following Wildfire, Spring Planted Alfalfa

March 7, 2024

Grazing management recommendations for producers affected by wildfire in central Nebraska in late February, and considerations for establishing new alfalfa stands this spring.

Cattle grazing pasture under storm clouds — While most areas in Nebraska have received good snowfall or rain this winter, there is always some uncertainty for spring and summer precipitation. So, the key first step in devising a successful spring and summer grazing and forage strategy is to develop or adjust a good drought plan for your operation.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Understanding Fall Dormancy in Alfalfa, Planning Summer Grazing

February 27, 2024

Extension educators share growth impacts of fall dormancy in alfalfa and recommendations for building your spring and summer grazing and forage plans.

Hereford cow and calf in field eating hay — A cow's energy requirements increase about 30% and protein needs nearly double after calving. Because of this, it's important to use your best quality forages with any needed supplements to provide adequate nutrition.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Considerations for Feed After Calving, Adding Legumes to Pastures

February 12, 2024

Tips on meeting nutrient requirements of cows after calving season and improving pasture production by frost seeding or interseeding legumes.