Hay

Cattle walking through pasture below storm clouds — Speeding up grazing during wet conditions and slowing down during dry times is a reliable way to adjust grazing to match current conditions.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hay Harvest, Weather Impacts on Forage Growth and Grazing Strategies

July 1, 2024

Nebraska Extension educators share tips on adjusting grazing strategies for summer weather and forage growth, and targeting the best date for sub-irrigated meadow hay harvest.

Hay bale sits in field — Nebraska hay stocks are substantially higher than last year, and coupled with low demand, there's currently downward pressure on forage prices. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Staying Current on Forage Prices

June 18, 2024

There are several resources that Nebraska producers can use to stay up to date on current hay prices. Use these sites to stay informed throughout the forage production season.

Cattle stand in pasture below thunderstorm — Despite their resiliency, perennial forages can experience significant yield loss from hailstorms. Damage assessment and timing are key to the recovery process for pastures and hay fields.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hail Damage to Pasture and Hay, Alfalfa Irrigation After a Wet Spring

June 11, 2024

Extension recommendations on reducing the risk of toxic plant consumption for grazing animals, hail damage recovery for pasture and hay fields, and summer alfalfa irrigation following a wet spring.

Haybales in field — Bales of hay are stored for winter along the fence line. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Drought Plans Should be Updated, as Weather Predictions Could Impact Forage

June 7, 2024

With significantly lower hay prices and concerns about reduced forage production this summer, producers should consider securing a portion of the expected needed hay supplies for next fall and winter now.

Tractor and grain truck harvesting silage — Though delaying small grain harvest can produce higher yields, it also decreases crude protein content. Producers should consider the animal being fed and feeding method before harvesting to get the most out of these crops.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Preparing for First Cutting Alfalfa, Small Grain Harvest Strategies

May 14, 2024

With the first harvest of 2024 beginning soon, producers should take this time to perform equipment maintenance and strategize the timing of alfalfa and small grains harvest based on operational needs.

Hay in stacks — Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.

Nebraska Crop Production Report for May 2024

May 13, 2024

Nebraska's hay stocks are currently up 79% from last year.

Annual forage field — This webinar reviews the pros and cons of adding an annual forage into crop rotations, with insights from Mary Drewnoski, extension beef systems specialist, Jay Parsons, extension farm and ranch management specialist, and Daren Redfearn, extension crop residue specialist. (USDA NRCS photo)

Measuring Up: Annual Forage vs. Row Crop

May 10, 2024

This webinar highlights the economics and production benefits of incorporating annual forage systems into crop rotations for producers interested in diversifying their operation.

Dry peas in field — Historical prospective plantings data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Nebraska 2024 Prospective Plantings

March 28, 2024

Dry edible pea acreage is anticipated to skyrocket in 2024, at a 129% increase over 2023. More sorghum and dry edible bean acreage is also expected in Nebraska this growing season.

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