Alfalfa field during summer
Fall-planted alfalfa needs at least four to six weeks of growth before the first frost to establish a strong root system, with proper seeding depth and weed control being key to its success.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Fall Planting Alfalfa and Winter Annual Forages

September 3, 2024
Tips for selecting suitable alfalfa varieties for successful establishment before winter, and deciding between rye, triticale and wheat for fall seeding.

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Tractor and grain truck harvesting silage
Though delaying small grain harvest can produce higher yields, it also decreases crude protein content. Producers should consider the animal being fed and feeding method before harvesting to get the most out of these crops.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Preparing for First Cutting Alfalfa, Small Grain Harvest Strategies

May 14, 2024
With the first harvest of 2024 beginning soon, producers should take this time to perform equipment maintenance and strategize the timing of alfalfa and small grains harvest based on operational needs.

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Roller crimper
Crimping rye at a mild angle using a roller crimper. (CropWatch file photo by Rich Little)

Farmers Invited to Attend Roller Crimper Workshop June 5

May 10, 2024
This short program will include a roller crimper demo, discussion on what conditions must be met to be successful with this termination method, and insights from farmers on their experiences with crimping.

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Cow in tall grass
Making a decision on when to graze winter annuals such rye, winter wheat or triticale in the spring should depend on plant growth — ideally, the best time to graze is when the plants are about five to six inches tall.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Annual Forage Webinar Series, Improving Alfalfa Stands

April 17, 2024
Extension educators introduce a new webinar series for producers interested in adding an annual forage rotation to their operation, plus insights on grazing spring cereal grains and options for thin alfalfa stands.

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Oat field in summer
While taking stock of your operation for the new year, it’s also a good time to start planning spring annual forages. While oats are probably the most common cool-season annual forage planted in Nebraska, spring triticale or spring barley are also good options, with comparable forage yield and quality.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Preparing Your Operation for 2024, Planning Spring Annual Forages

January 23, 2024
Winter brings time to take stock of our current operations and plan for the future, which can make a significant impact on success in the upcoming year. 

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Grain truck in field
NU Horizon Genetics now supplies UNL-developed small-grain seed varieties. (IANR News image)

NU Horizon Genetics Now Supplies UNL-developed Small-grain Seed Varieties

July 13, 2023
NU Horizon Genetics will promote, market and commercialize the certified seed of wheat, barley and triticale varieties developed by UNL, including the recently released irrigated wheat variety Epoch.

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Triticale
For successful double cropping, small grains like triticale should be planted now through early April, grazed from the third week of May to early June, and then followed by a summer annual grass.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Double Cropping Forages, Alfalfa Dormancy

March 21, 2023
In this installment: Strategies and tips for successfully double cropping annual forages this year, and a breakdown on what fall dormancy means for alfalfa growth during the next growing season.

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Yucca plants
If yucca covers too much rangeland to effectively control with herbicides, winter grazing can reduce its impact without compromising your grasses.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Yucca Control and Fall Irrigation

October 24, 2022
Extension educators explain why winter grazing can be an effective tool to reduce yucca stands in rangeland and how to plan late fall irrigation in winter annual crops.

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