Cool-Season Grasses

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.

Annual forage field — This webinar reviews the pros and cons of adding an annual forage into crop rotations, with insights from Mary Drewnoski, extension beef systems specialist, Jay Parsons, extension farm and ranch management specialist, and Daren Redfearn, extension crop residue specialist. (USDA NRCS photo)

Measuring Up: Annual Forage vs. Row Crop

May 10, 2024

This webinar highlights the economics and production benefits of incorporating annual forage systems into crop rotations for producers interested in diversifying their operation.

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.

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.

Oat field in summer — While taking stock of your operation for the new year, it’s also a good time to start planning spring annual forages. While oats are probably the most common cool-season annual forage planted in Nebraska, spring triticale or spring barley are also good options, with comparable forage yield and quality.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Preparing Your Operation for 2024, Planning Spring Annual Forages

January 23, 2024

Winter brings time to take stock of our current operations and plan for the future, which can make a significant impact on success in the upcoming year.