Forages

Life cycle of the black grass bug in western Nebraska

Scouting Recommended in Wheatgrass for Black Grass Bugs April 27, 2018

In western Nebraska when wheatgrass, especially crested wheatgrass, starts growing, it’s time to begin monitoring for black grass bugs. Feeding damage caused by these insects can substantially reduce wheatgrass forage production.

Plan Herbicide Use Now to Allow for Annual Forages Later March 29, 2018

Don't limit your planting options later due to your herbicide selection this spring. Consider whether you can control weeds and maintain the flexibility to plant any forage later just by making a small change in the herbicides you use now.

Figure 1. Grazing cover crops planted after corn harvest can be a win-win situation for both crop and livestock producers. An April 4 Nebraska Extension field day will explore some of the challenges and opportunities and showcase recent university research on implementing the system in eastern Nebraska.

April 4 Conference to Focus on Capturing Value of Cover Crops as Forages March 7, 2018

A Nebraska Extension conference and field day, “Capturing Value in Cropping Systems using Cattle,” will offer a unique learning and networking opportunity for cattle and crop producers in eastern Nebraska.

Economics of Annual and Perennial Forages Webinar Feb. 13 February 4, 2018

With current corn prices and the limited availability of perennial grass, some producers are asking themselves if growing forages on cropland might be the answer to feeding the cow herd. A webinar to address these questions in addition to showing economic examples will be held Tuesday evening, February 13, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. CST.

Forage Options with Damaged Corn July 18, 2017

Spotty rains and drought conditions in some areas of the state as well as hail and wind damage are leading growers to seek alternative uses for rainfed corn fields. Fortunately, there are several forage alternatives.

Adjusting Forage Management for Summer Heat July 18, 2017

The current heat wave is taking a toll on forage plants, particularly cool-season plants. Alfalfa and clovers, bromegrass, orchardgrass, fescues, needlegrasses, and wheatgrasses all struggle during hot weather, but adjusting your management can limit the stress from stressful weather.

UNL agronomy student and researcher Sarah Morton examining perennial grasses.

Student Research: Do Winter Annual Small Grains Reduce Perennial Grass Establishment? November 4, 2016

Undergraduate Sarah Morton shares the results of her study on whether planting perennial grasses into small grain residue after grain harvest has an effect on establishment. Morton, an undergraduate student in the UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, conducted the study for her Research and Extension Experiential Learning Fellowship in summer 2016.

Figure 1. Thick, dense, upper canopy of sorghum-sudangrass, taken in late September in Lincoln. (Field photos by Martina LaVallie)

Student Research: Potential Benefits of Sorghum-Sudangrass as a Companion Crop to Establish Forage and Native Legume Species October 5, 2016

Student research fellow Martina LaVallie shares the results of her study on the potential of using drought-tolerant sorghum-sudangrass as a companion crop to establish forage and legume species. LaVallie, who graduated from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D., and is now a graduate student in the UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, conducted the study as part of a UNL Research and Extension Experiential Learning Fellowship in summer 2016.