thinning alfalfa

Evaluating Alfalfa Stands Part 1 - Using the Hay Square Method

August 5, 2020
Were you expecting more from your alfalfa yields? Is it time to renovate, start over, or move on? Typically, evaluating stands occurs in the spring, but evaluating this fall will give you a better idea going forward and allow more time for future options.

Read more

wheat being cut for forage
Cutting and windrowing forage wheat in south central Nebraska for processing into wheatlage. (Photos by Todd Whitney)

Estimating a Fair Value for Standing Forage

July 29, 2020
Several things need to be considered when deciding what value to place on standing forage. Forage prices reflect current inventories, demand, expected current season production and associated yield risk, and quality characteristics.

Read more

insurance tools for forage production webinar graphic

July 2 Webinar: Insurance Tools for Managing Forage Production Risk

June 25, 2020
Forage production varies greatly from one season to the next depending upon weather. In the last 15 years, several new insurance tools have become available to Nebraska producers to help manage this risk. This webinar provides an overview of all that is available and examples of how they can be used to mitigate weather risk.

Read more

Sorghum-sudan cover crop plant damaged by a light frost

Forage Hazards Following a Freeze Event

October 6, 2023
Freezing temperatures cause metabolic and cellular changes to our forage crops — prussic acid formation and nitrate poisoning are the biggest concerns. Learn more about these issues and how to avoid them.

Read more

Which One do I Want? Rye or Ryegrass?

August 1, 2019
What's the difference between forage rye and ryegrass? Annual ryegrass and Italian ryegrass?

Read more

Oats - An Excellent Fall Forage in 6-8 Weeks

August 1, 2019
If you have good soil moisture, consider planting oats for fall forage. It grows fast, thrives under cool fall conditions, and can produce over 2 tons of hay or pasture yet this year.

Read more

How Summer Heat Affects Forage Growth

July 18, 2019
High heat can stress forage growth, especially with cool-season varieties. Adjusting management to allow increased time for recovery may be needed.

Read more

Seed Supply of Summer Annual Forages May be Short

May 22, 2019
Several factors this spring may be limiting alfalfa and hay production, making summer annual forages a good option to ensure livestock feed is available later. If you're consider this, be sure to obtain the seed you want before supplies tighten.

Read more