Noxious Weeds

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.

Read more

Leafy spurge closeup
Leafy spurge spreads aggressively and is difficult to control once established. Several herbicides are labeled for control of this weed, but continued monitoring and retreatments are necessary for best results.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Controlling Leafy Spurge and Alfalfa Weevil, Planting Warm-season Annuals

May 28, 2024
Strategies for reducing spread of leafy spurge and scouting for alfalfa weevil, plus insights on selecting and planting warm-season annuals.

Read more

Poison hemlock
Extremely toxic to both animals and humans, poison hemlock can be found statewide in Nebraska and is most toxic right before the fruits mature. (Photo courtesy Oregon Department of Agriculture)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Low Hay Stocks, Grazing Shifts, Toxic Pasture Plants

June 13, 2023
With the lowest level of hay stocks since 1974, extension educators stress the importance of taking inventory of feed and hay resources, and to begin planning for next year's needs right now. 

Read more

N Field logo

This Week on N Field: Leafy Spurge Management

June 1, 2023
Leafy spurge is on the move — Nebraska Extension's Amy Timmerman shares tips on identifying and managing this invasive weed as it spreads to new areas of the state.

Read more

Leafy spurge
Leafy spurge is an aggressive noxious weed that is difficult to remove once established. For optimum control, early detection and herbicides are recommended. (Photo by Ben Beckman)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Controlling Leafy Spurge, Timing Grass Hay Harvest

June 1, 2022
Extension educators share tips on determining water needs for cattle, options for controlling leafy spurge, and a grass hay harvest timeline.

Read more

Combine collage
Top: Combining weedy dry beans. Bottom left: Palmer amaranth in dry beans. (Photo by Gary Stone). Bottom right: Combine cleanout. (Photo by Meaghan Anderson)

Combine Clean Out Can Help Reduce Weed Spread

August 25, 2021
With increasing pressure from herbicide-resistant weeds such as kochia and introduced herbicide-resistant weeds such as Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, it is important to reduce spreading of weed seed. Doing a limited cleaning between fields and choosing which fields to harvest first can be an important factor in this endeavor.

Read more

Dalmation Toadflax
Photo 1. Dalmatian toadflax. (Photos by Gary Stone)

Dalmation Toadflax: Prevention Key to Management

June 13, 2018
Dalmatian toadflax is a perennial herb that spreads quickly in disturbed pastures and rangelands. Prevention is the best and cheapest management option; once established, mechanical, biological and chemical measures may help achieve control.

Read more

Field tour of purple loosestrife management study
Figure 1. Nebraska research showed the need for multiple years of treatment to achieve complete control of purple loosestrife. Choosing the right herbicide for the job and practicing patience and persistance were key to success. (Photos by Stevan Knezevic)

Research Update: Control of Perennial Invasive Weeds Requires Repeated Herbicide Applications

June 4, 2018
Research shows the need for patience and persistence when battling perennial weeds such as purple loosestrife over multiple years. The younger the stand the faster the control was achieved.

Read more