Corn silage harvesting
Target silage storage moisture content should be 65%-70% moisture, as drier silage can overheat and spoil, and higher moisture content may cause loss of nutrients.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Corn Silage Harvest and Storage, Rejuvenating Thin Alfalfa

August 3, 2023
Extension educators share recommendations on strategies for silage harvest and storage, and ways to improve thinning alfalfa fields to delay the need for a complete reseeding.

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Cattle in pasture during storm
As replanting severely hailed corn or soybeans fields are likely not good options at this point in the growing season, producers may want to consider planting forage by first contacting their insurance company to discuss options.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Forage Considerations for Hail, High Temperatures

July 26, 2023
Extension educators review warm- and cool-season grass production during periods of extreme heat, preparing for corn silage harvest and forage options for corn and soybean fields with severe hail damage.

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When planted in early July, sorghum-sudangrasses can produce three to four tons by early to mid-September. (Photo by Troy Walz/UNL Beef)

Annual Forage Options for July or August Planting

July 13, 2023
UNL Beef provides information on forage species selection and key management considerations based on desired use.

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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.

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Droughty soybeans
Grazing and ensiling may be the easiest ways for growers to handle drought-stressed soybeans this year.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Salvaging Drought-stressed Soybeans as Forages, Grasshopper Control

August 30, 2022
Nebraska Extension educators review forage considerations for growers faced with droughty soybeans, tips on measuring stands and assessing alfalfa field health, and thresholds where grasshopper control may be warranted.

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Pasture in Nebraska
CropWatch file photo

Forage Field Day on Aug. 4 at Haskell Ag Lab

July 12, 2022
This year's Forage Field Day will feature numerous sessions geared toward forage growers in Nebraska, including silage production and harvest, nitrogen management, cover crops and alternative forages.

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Sorghum-sudangrass
When selecting a summer annual forage to plant, base your choice primarily on whether you plan to use it for pasture, hay or silage. For example, this sorghum-sudangrass would be best used as hay, due to its yield and feed value. (CropWatch file photo)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Cool-season Annuals and Alfalfa Harvest, Selecting Summer Forage

May 24, 2022
The time to harvest cool-season annuals, perennial forages and alfalfa first cutting is quickly approaching. Read these extension tips to get prepared for spring harvest and summer forages.

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Silage making

Pasture and Forage Minute: Small Grain Harvesting for Forage, Management Strategies for Musk Thistle, Pasture Fertilizer

May 18, 2022
Extension educators review the pros and cons of harvesting small grains for forage this year, and share tips on how to control musk thistle and fertilize warm-season grass pastures. 

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