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. 

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Dry bean field
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Crop Progress: Sorghum, Dry Bean Planting Back on Track

June 13, 2023
Sorghum and dry edible beans have returned to near-average planting pace thanks to a surge in fieldwork last week, and more than 90% of planted corn and soybeans have emerged in Nebraska.

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Black grass bug
Whitish spots (stippling) are an indication of black grass bugs feeding, which can be managed by intense spring and fall grazing, hay removal, and foliar insecticides for severe infestations. (Photo courtesy Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Irrigating First Cutting Alfalfa, Black Grass Bugs and Short Pastures

June 9, 2023
This week — irrigation strategies for moisture-stressed alfalfa prior to first cutting, controlling black grass bugs in wheatgrass, and techniques for stretching pasture.

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Sorghum field
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Sorghum, Dry Bean Planting Falls Further Behind in Nebraska

June 7, 2023
As of June 4, progress on sorghum and dry edible bean planting was significantly behind last year's pace, and soybean planting was nearly finished.

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Corn field
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Corn Planting Wraps Up, Winter Wheat Condition Declines

June 1, 2023
As of May 28, planting was at 96% complete for corn and 90% for soybean in Nebraska, while winter wheat conditions continued a slow decline.

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Leafy spurge
An effective strategy for controlling leafy spurge is to pair spring applications that prevent seed production with a fall treatment to control new growth.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Controlling Alfalfa Weevil and Leafy Spurge, First Cutting Alfalfa

June 1, 2023
With first cutting alfalfa to begin soon, extension educators discuss the importance of scouting for alfalfa weevils to mitigate yield losses and strategies for timing harvest, plus control options for leafy spurge.

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Hay harvest
The best time to cut grass hay is when the grass nutrient content matches the nutritional needs of your livestock — before heads begin to emerge for young animals, and before seeds develop for mature animals.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Small Grains and Grass Harvest, Fencing Costs

May 23, 2023
This week — Nebraska Extension educators share target protein levels of small grains and grass hay for the upcoming harvest, and analyze the cost of various fencing options.

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Dry bean field
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Crop Progress: Dry Edible Bean Planting Begins

May 22, 2023
Dry edible bean planting was at 4% complete as of May 21, and corn planting was nearing 90% complete.

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