Crop Residue

Please note: Nebraska Extension's Crop Residue Exchange was discontinued in 2024. Producers interested in locating or advertising crop residue acreage are encouraged to utilize the Nebraska Grazing Exchange.

Cow grazes in corn residue — Cattle graze on nutrient-rich corn residue after harvest, maximizing forage resources before winter feed is needed.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Strategies for Residue and Winter Feed Considerations

November 6, 2024

Grazing grain sorghum stover, cornstalks and winter pastures can reduce feed costs and support cattle health, provided there's careful management to address risks like prussic acid and declining protein.

Stacks of hay — Hay quality varies yearly, impacting cattle feed needs and supplemental strategies. Accurate hay testing helps producers avoid underfeeding or overfeeding during winter, which can affect herd health and fertility and help manage costs effectively.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Bt Corn Residue and Testing Hay

October 29, 2024

Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Ben Beckman weighs in on the importance of informed feed management to optimize cattle health and productivity this fall and winter.

Mature soybean field — While soybean residue can be grazed to move animals off overused pasture, it has low feed value and should always be accompanied by supplemental feed.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Fall Alfalfa and Soybean Residue Grazing

October 23, 2024

Extension insights on lower bloat risk for animals grazing fall alfalfa, and the pros and cons of grazing soybean residue.

Cattle grazing corn residue — This year, earlier residue grazing of corn and sorghum residue soon after grain harvest may provide good nutrition for mid- to late-gestation cattle.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Drought-stressed Crop Residue and Fall Forages

October 9, 2024

Best practices for producers looking to graze crop residue due to drought-related shortages, and managing risk factors with fall forages.

Pillbugs Causing Injury to Soybean Crops in Nebraska

May 23, 2024

Management of pillbugs is challenging. While some insecticides and planting strategies may help control pillbug populations, producers should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each approach.