Livestock

Cattle grazing rye cover crop near Tecumseh — Figure 1. Cattle grazing cereal rye cover crop near Tecumseh. Often grazing poses less of a nitrate toxicity risk than haying and feeding. (Photo by Mary Drewnoski)

Reducing Nitrate Concerns When Grazing Forage Cover Crops

July 22, 2020

Nitrate toxicity can be a concern when planting cover crops for forage in hail-damaged crop fields. With proper management of haying and grazing, the risk can be reduced.

Figure 1. The Crop Residue Exchange continues to expand to better connect livestock producers with available forage resources. (Photo by Troy Walz)

Crop Residue Exchange Updated and Available for Listings

September 20, 2019

Interested in making your corn residue available or grazing? New updates make the Crop Residue Exchange even easier to use to link cattle producers and available grazing resources.

Grazing an additional 10% of available acres of corn residue could increase income for crop producers by more than $6 million. (Photo courtesy of USDA)

The Value of Grazed Corn Residue for Crop and Cattle Producers

July 31, 2019

It's estimated that a 10% increase in grazing utilization of corn residue could add $6.4 million to the bottom line of crop producers in Nebraska.

Fencing Guidance for Flooded Land

May 15, 2019

For land being put back into pasture or other grazed fields, this is the time to consider how to use fencing and water systems to achieve more productive grazing. Before you invest in materials and put on the gloves, consider your options for grazing a site and select a system appropriate to your needs.

Examining the Capacity of Nebraska Rangelands for Cattle Production

May 1, 2019

University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers evaluate the forage production of Nebraska’s perennial grazing land systems and the potential to increase cow/calf production in Nebraska.

Given market prices, grazing winter wheat rather than harvesting for grain may be more profitable for some growers this year. — Grazing winter wheat rather than harvesting for grain may be more profitable for some growers this year.

Evaluating Winter Wheat for Use as Forage or Grain

April 29, 2019

Current market conditions for wheat along with the price and short availability of hay is setting up a scenario where the winter wheat crop may have more value for grazing or as a hay crop this spring than harvesting it for grain.

USDA Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funds may be available for fixing fences damaged by spring storms, as seen here.

Rebuilding Fences After Flood/Blizzard Damage

April 23, 2019

Following spring blizzards and flooding in many areas of Nebraska, fencing repairs and new fences are a priority for many livestock producers. This looks at considerations when you assess fence damage, the fence law, and available assistance.

Nebraska Crop Residue Exchange now lists pastures

Crop Residue Exchange Now Available For Listing Pasture Rentals

April 15, 2019

Nebraska's Crop Residue Exchange can now list pastures available for rent. If you are in need of grazing resources, check out this website to identify opportunities.