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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Extension reports map

Extension Crop and Pest Reports (May 27-31)

May 30, 2024
Extension educators share their observations in fields across the state this week.

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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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Extension educator county map

Extension Crop and Pest Reports (May 20-24)

May 24, 2024
Extension educators share their observations in Nebraska fields this week.

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Flooded field at ENREEC
Heavy rains in late May 2024 flood the fields of the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center. (Photo by Jenny Rees)

Q/A: What Impact Does Flooding and Saturated Soils Have on Wheat and Alfalfa?

May 24, 2024
Extension insights on crop recovery, disease and harvest considerations for flooded wheat and alfalfa fields.

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Alfalfa weevil damage to plant

Extension Crop and Pest Reports (May 13-17)

May 16, 2024
Extension educators report on what they are seeing in the fields this week in Colfax, Butler, Polk, Adams, Kearney, Franklin and Webster counties, and the Panhandle.

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Tractor and grain truck harvesting silage
Though delaying small grain harvest can produce higher yields, it also decreases crude protein content. Producers should consider the animal being fed and feeding method before harvesting to get the most out of these crops.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Preparing for First Cutting Alfalfa, Small Grain Harvest Strategies

May 14, 2024
With the first harvest of 2024 beginning soon, producers should take this time to perform equipment maintenance and strategize the timing of alfalfa and small grains harvest based on operational needs.

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