Alfalfa

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.

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.

Fall armyworm on damaged leaf — Early detection of fall armyworm caterpillars is crucial, as they can cause significant crop damage once they reach ¾-inch in size. (CropWatch file photo)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Tips for Fall Armyworm Scouting and Corn Silage Harvest

August 20, 2024

Recommendations on scouting and treatment thresholds for fall armyworm, control of late summer pasture weeds, and best practices for corn silage harvest and storage.

Corn field at sunset — Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.

Nebraska Crop Production Report for August 2024

August 14, 2024

Nebraska's 2024 corn production, currently estimated at 1.88 billion bushels, is on track to set a new record high for the state.

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.

Cattle grazing spring pasture — The 2024 Forage Field Day is free to attend online, beginning at 12:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

2024 Forage Field Day Moving Online

August 1, 2024

The 2024 Forage Field Day webinar will feature discussion and interactive sessions on sustainable forage practices, optimizing forage quality and quantity, safe silage harvest procedures, alfalfa pests and more.