Todd Whitney - Extension Educator

Todd Whitney

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1308 2nd St Holdrege NE 68949-2803
US
Work 308-995-4222
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Area: Furnas, Gosper, Harlan & Phelps Counties
Extension Focus: Cropping systems, soil nutrients and manure management, water quality
Programming: Statewide Primary Issue Team – Protecting Water Quality and Soil Resources for Agriculture, Businesses and Communities; Other programs – Private Applicator Certification Training; Commercial Pesticide Re-Certification Training; Chemigation Certification Training; Nebraska Extension On-Farm Research Regional Network; Manure Management Field Day; Weed Resistance; Crop Recovery from Harsh Environmental Factors

Grasshopper on plant leaf
Monitoring grasshopper populations using the square-foot method can help prevent damage to late summer alfalfa and forage crops, with insecticide treatments considered if thresholds are exceeded.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Irrigation and Last Cutting, Grasshopper Management

September 12, 2024
Extension insights on fall alfalfa irrigation for improving yields, strategies for timing the last cutting to ensure winter survival, and grasshopper management to protect late summer forage from pest damage.

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Alfalfa field during summer
Fall-planted alfalfa needs at least four to six weeks of growth before the first frost to establish a strong root system, with proper seeding depth and weed control being key to its success.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Fall Planting Alfalfa and Winter Annual Forages

September 3, 2024
Tips for selecting suitable alfalfa varieties for successful establishment before winter, and deciding between rye, triticale and wheat for fall seeding.

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Cow drinking water from stocktank
Producers have a multitude of options for keeping stock tank algae at bay, from algicides and bleach to barley straw and goldfish.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Heat Effects on Alfalfa, Stock Tank Algae Control

August 5, 2024
Extension educators outline options for mitigating weeds in summer annual grasses and algae growth in stock tanks, as well as challenges that summer heat may create for alfalfa plants and harvest.

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Bale in field of stubble
When preparing to harvest summer annual grasses, remember this mantra for best results: "Cut it early, cut it high, crimp the stems and they will dry."

Pasture and Forage Minute: Forage Harvest, Pasture Rental Rates and Controlling Yucca

July 24, 2024
Considerations for harvest of slow-to-dry summer annual grasses, setting 2024 pasture rental rates, and controlling yucca on Nebraska rangelands. 

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Cattle walking through pasture below storm clouds
Speeding up grazing during wet conditions and slowing down during dry times is a reliable way to adjust grazing to match current conditions.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hay Harvest, Weather Impacts on Forage Growth and Grazing Strategies

July 1, 2024
Nebraska Extension educators share tips on adjusting grazing strategies for summer weather and forage growth, and targeting the best date for sub-irrigated meadow hay harvest.

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Cattle stand in pasture below thunderstorm
Despite their resiliency, perennial forages can experience significant yield loss from hailstorms. Damage assessment and timing are key to the recovery process for pastures and hay fields.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hail Damage to Pasture and Hay, Alfalfa Irrigation After a Wet Spring

June 11, 2024
Extension recommendations on reducing the risk of toxic plant consumption for grazing animals, hail damage recovery for pasture and hay fields, and summer alfalfa irrigation following a wet spring.

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Harvested alfalfa falls from combine
First cutting of alfalfa is a great time to assess your field conditions — producers should take time to scout for disease, insects, weeds and other issues that may need corrective action.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Harvest Checklist, Managing Pasture Weeds After Drought

June 6, 2024
It's time for first cutting of alfalfa, which is a prime opportunity to assess field condition. Keep these factors in mind during harvest to get ahead of crop issues.

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Leafy spurge closeup
Leafy spurge spreads aggressively and is difficult to control once established. Several herbicides are labeled for control of this weed, but continued monitoring and retreatments are necessary for best results.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Controlling Leafy Spurge and Alfalfa Weevil, Planting Warm-season Annuals

May 28, 2024
Strategies for reducing spread of leafy spurge and scouting for alfalfa weevil, plus insights on selecting and planting warm-season annuals.

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