Grass Management

Alfalfa field
Even before plants begin to green up, individual plant assessments can be done. While assessment before green-up occurs may seem a bit preemptive, pre-scouting now can focus scouting efforts to problem areas later on when time becomes precious during spring planting.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Strategies to Increase Alfalfa Health, Productivity

March 19, 2024
Extension educators review options for interseeding grasses into alfalfa and assessing alfalfa stand health.

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Wildfire spreads across open pasture
Although the immediate aftermath of a fast-moving fire can look quite devastating, perennial pasture grasses are resilient and will recover, especially since they are still dormant.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Management Following Wildfire, Spring Planted Alfalfa

March 7, 2024
Grazing management recommendations for producers affected by wildfire in central Nebraska in late February, and considerations for establishing new alfalfa stands this spring.

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Cattle grazing pasture under storm clouds
While most areas in Nebraska have received good snowfall or rain this winter, there is always some uncertainty for spring and summer precipitation. So, the key first step in devising a successful spring and summer grazing and forage strategy is to develop or adjust a good drought plan for your operation.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Understanding Fall Dormancy in Alfalfa, Planning Summer Grazing

February 27, 2024
Extension educators share growth impacts of fall dormancy in alfalfa and recommendations for building your spring and summer grazing and forage plans.

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Cattle grazing pasture
Cattle graze in tall grasses. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Grass and Grazing Webinar Series Scheduled in October and November

October 12, 2023
The webinar series will cover topics of grass species selection, calculating stocking rates, developing grazing plans, understanding insurance as a drought risk management tool, and more.

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Nebraska grassland

USDA Announces Grassland Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023

April 21, 2023
Farmers and ranchers have until May 26 to sign up for the Grassland CRP through their local USDA Service Center.

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Cattle in pasture
If there are changes to your animal intake or pasture productivity, it can disrupt the balance of your stocking rate. Annual evaluation is necessary to maintain an equitable distribution of animals on your pastures.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Adjusting Stocking Rates, Baleage Equipment and Summer Annual Grass Control

April 15, 2021
Extension Educators Ben Beckman and Brad Schick review the importance of analyzing and adjusting stocking rates, equipment required for proper haylage and baleage, and controlling pesky summer annual grasses.

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A New NebGuide: Perennial Grass or Grass-Legume in Rotation with Annual Crops

March 29, 2019
Including perennial grass or a grass-legume mixture in up to a nine-year rotation may help improve soil productivity and profitability while achieving other benefits.

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Field of cover crops

Native Warm-Season Grass Management and Planting Decisions for Alternative Forages

January 9, 2019
One of the most important drivers of productivity and cost effectiveness of annual forages is planting date. Having realistic planting date expectations is one key to proper species selection.

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