Cattle Feed

Hay bale sits in field — Nebraska hay stocks are substantially higher than last year, and coupled with low demand, there's currently downward pressure on forage prices. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Staying Current on Forage Prices

June 18, 2024

There are several resources that Nebraska producers can use to stay up to date on current hay prices. Use these sites to stay informed throughout the forage production season.

Haybales in field — Bales of hay are stored for winter along the fence line. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Drought Plans Should be Updated, as Weather Predictions Could Impact Forage

June 7, 2024

With significantly lower hay prices and concerns about reduced forage production this summer, producers should consider securing a portion of the expected needed hay supplies for next fall and winter now.

Silage pit on farm covered with tires — Once silage is exposed to oxygen, its quality can decrease quickly. For best results, don’t expose more than three days’ worth of a pile at a time.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Retaining Silage Quality During Feedout, Grasshopper Management

May 21, 2024

Tips on retaining silage condition during feedout, planning the optimal time for grass hay harvest, and controlling grasshopper in rangeland and forages.

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.

Closeup of man preparing tax forms — IRS Section 180 allows landowners to treat the residual fertility present in the soil at the time of purchase as a deductible cost. Though the deduction should be filed during the year of land purchase, landowners may be able to file an amended tax return for a previous tax year. It’s important to consult your CPA or tax advisor to understand your options and file accordingly.

Pasture and Forage Minute: A Closer Look at Section 180, Forage Inventory Season

February 6, 2024

With recent land purchases, many Nebraska producers are seeking to better understand IRS Section 180 tax deductions. This article provides a review of the tax code and its potential financial implications for landowners of newly acquired land.

Cattle eating hay during winter — Properly testing hay and adjusting mineral and livestock diets during the winter are important steps in minimizing the risk of issues like tetany and nitrate poisoning.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Considerations for Pasture Leases and Winter Hay Nutrition

January 30, 2024

Extension educators review factors that affect the success of pasture grazing leases, and how to avoid toxicity and malnutrition through livestock feed during the winter.

Cattle in snow-covered corn residue — While fall and winter weathering can reduce its nutritional quality, cornstalks are still a great and economical winter feed source if supplementation is managed appropriately.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Tips for Cornstalk Grazing, Using Bad Hay and Silage

December 26, 2023

Considerations for grazing cornstalks with snow cover and utilizing low-quality hay and silage during periods of low supply and high feed costs.

Cattle grouped during snowstorm — For every degree of cold stress a cow faces, they increase their energy requirements by 1%. It's important to provide shelter and adjust feed to help cattle meet these energy requirements and avoid body condition loss.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Cold Stress Preparation, Feeding Brown Hay and Silage Safely

December 19, 2023

Extension educators provide recommendations on preventing body condition loss in cattle during low temperatures and ways to safely feed heat-damaged hay and silage.

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