Forage

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.

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.

Cattle in snow — While water demands in the winter may be less than summer, keeping water available can be difficult. Having animals eat snow may be tempting but requires an experienced herd, plenty of fresh snow and healthy animals.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Winter Insect Mortality and Livestock Water Needs

January 16, 2024

Extension educators review the effects of subzero temperatures on overwintering insects and whether snow can adequately be used as a water source for cattle.

Calculator on top of tax paperwork — The last day for farmers and ranchers to file taxes is Friday, March 1, 2024.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Record-keeping for Taxes, Selecting Alfalfa Varieties

January 9, 2024

It's time for another tax season. Agricultural Economics Extension Educator Shannon Sand shares tips on getting prepared for the March 1 deadline. Plus, considerations for selecting alfalfa varieties.

Pasture landscape — For some areas of Nebraska that struggled with drought in 2023, pasture and forage production could be challenging, especially in early 2024. One strategy for improving production early in the season is frost-seeding legumes like red clover from February to mid-March.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Reflecting on 2023, Improving Pastures in 2024

January 2, 2024

Extension Forage Crop Residue Specialist Daren Redfearn shares his observations on pasture and forage production throughout 2023, and what producers can do to enhance plant growth in 2024.

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.

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