Hay

Farmer in wheat field — Historical prospective plantings data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Nebraska 2023 Prospective Plantings

April 6, 2023

According to survey results, Nebraska winter wheat acreage is expected to increase by 17% in 2023, soybeans will remain unchanged, and corn acreage will be slightly down from 2022.

Cattle grazing ryegrass — After intense drought conditions and heavily grazed pastures last year, producers may want to consider strategies like reducing stocking rates, delaying spring turnout and seeded annual forages in their forage plans for 2023.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Understanding TDN Values, Planning Summer Grazing

February 21, 2023

A review of the impact of TDN values in hay tests, and considerations for spring and summer forage plans following the severe drought conditions and heavy grazing experienced in 2022.

Nebraska 2022 Crop Values Down 10%

February 28, 2023

The value of Nebraska's crop production is down for all major crops, with deficits ranging from 9% deficit in corn to 22% in winter wheat.

Cattle eating hay — If your grass, alfalfa or cereal grain feed tests low in magnesium, switching to a high calcium or magnesium mineral will ensure better animal health and milk production.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Avoiding Tetany, Nitrate Issues, Calculating Pasture Rental Rates

February 7, 2023

Extension educators review the importance of testing winter hay and monitoring animals for tetany and nitrate poisoning, and factors to consider while calculating pasture lease rates.

Hay — In a hay test, Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) measure the sample’s fiber content, affecting digestibility and forage intake, which help predict animal performance.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Understanding ADF and NDF, Hay Quality After Calving

February 16, 2023

The series on hay test readings continues with a review of ADF and NDF; reviewing the importance of feeding high quality hay after calving is done.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing with Snow Cover, Forage Inventory

January 31, 2023

Insights on the importance of snow cover for pastures and its impacts on livestock, and taking inventory of feed resources for the remainder of winter.