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.

Read more

Cattle in snowstorm

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.

Read more

Oat ryegrass mixture
A spring pasture mix of oats and ryegrass. (Photo by Jerry Volesky)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Planning Spring Annual Forages, More on Deciphering Hay Tests

January 31, 2023
Extension educators review considerations for spring annual forages in Nebraska, and analyze RFV and RFQ estimates in hay tests.

Read more

Hay

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hay Protein and Energy Values, Reducing Hay Losses

January 19, 2023
Breaking down the importance of protein and energy values in hay tests, and tips on reducing fed hay losses.

Read more

Cattle in snowy cornstalks

Pasture and Forage Minute: Mid-winter Cornstalk Grazing, Pasture Lease Drought Considerations

January 13, 2023
Extension educators discuss to how best graze cornstalks during the winter, and how to approach pasture leases when severe drought has affected forage production.

Read more

Rancher with cattle

Pasture and Forage Minute: Preparing for a Productive 2023

January 12, 2023
Ben Beckman and Daren Redfearn of Nebraska Extension share some predictions and recommendations on grazing and forage production in 2023.

Read more

Hay bales

Pasture and Forage Minute: Deciphering a Hay Test, Using Bad Hay and Silage

January 5, 2023
Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman explains how to accurately read and use a hay test, and options for using low-quality hay and silage.

Read more

Cattle in snow
Studies have shown that providing windbreaks for cattle leads to increased calving success and improved body condition.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Snow Cover for Alfalfa, Critical Cold Considerations

January 5, 2023
Extension educators review ways to maximize the benefits of snow cover on alfalfa and maintain animal health during periods of extreme cold and wind.

Read more