Oat ryegrass mixture
A spring pasture mix of oats and ryegrass. (Photo by Jerry Volesky)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Weed Control, Planting Oats for Extra Forage

July 22, 2021
This week, extension educators review summer weed control strategies for alfalfa, the benefits of using oats as a fall forage crop, plus the latest information on the 2021 Nebraska Grazing Conference.

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Pasture in Nebraska

2021 Forage Field Day Events Planned for Nebraska, South Dakota

July 22, 2021
This year’s program will focus on both annual and perennial forage systems, looking at traditional corn silage, more novel options like small grain silage, and managing alfalfa survivability. Certified Crop Advisor continuing education units are available.

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Cattle grazing pasture

Pasture and Forage Minute: Harvesting Quality Hay, Weather Stress on Forages

July 14, 2021
Tips for harvesting quality hay, assessing hail damage in perennial forages, and heat stress effects on alfalfa harvest.

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Hail damaged corn
Corn around V10-11 with leaves stripped due to hail damage. (CropWatch file photo)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Making Decisions on Weather-damaged Crops, Summer Grazing Precautions

July 7, 2021
Considerations for selling wheat straw during increased demand, avoiding hazards that accompany grazing summer annual forages, and options for crops that have been severely damaged by wind and hail.

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Corn forage

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Management Strategies for Weather Issues, Wheat Harvest

June 29, 2021
This week, extension educators highlight the importance of adjusting your grazing strategies for weather setbacks and wheat harvest, plus best practices for controlling bluegrass in irrigated alfalfa.

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Field of forage crop
USDA NRCS Montana (Flickr/Public Domain)

Managing Risk with Annual Forages

June 24, 2021
Annual forages are a useful tool to help manage erosion risk and build more resilient soil profiles. When planting annual forages to manage risk, producers may want to consider purchasing a crop insurance policy under the Annual Forage Insurance Plan (AFIP). 

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Pasture grass
Photo by Ben Beckman

Pasture and Forage Minute: Toxic Plants and Grass Hay Timing

June 23, 2021
This week, extension educators review some of the common toxic plants found in Nebraska pastures, what to do when cool-season grasses mature ahead of grazing rotations and how to determine the right time for your grass hay cutting. 

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New seeding alfalfa

Pasture and Forage Minute: Management Strategies for Alfalfa Insects, Irrigation

June 17, 2021
This week, extension educators review seasonal issues for alfalfa — scouting practices for alfalfa pests, when and how to correctly irrigate alfalfa, and harvest guidelines for first-year alfalfa.

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