Harvest

Oat plant droops in front of sunset — Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Oat Harvest Begins

July 8, 2024

Despite the onset of summer heat, the condition of most Nebraska crops in 2024 continues to be well above last year. Harvest for winter wheat and oats is also advancing above average pace.

Cattle walking through pasture below storm clouds — Speeding up grazing during wet conditions and slowing down during dry times is a reliable way to adjust grazing to match current conditions.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hay Harvest, Weather Impacts on Forage Growth and Grazing Strategies

July 1, 2024

Nebraska Extension educators share tips on adjusting grazing strategies for summer weather and forage growth, and targeting the best date for sub-irrigated meadow hay harvest.

Golden wheat field — Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Winter Wheat Harvest Underway

July 1, 2024

Dry bean planting has come to an end in Nebraska, and producers are now working on winter wheat harvest.

Alfalfa windrow being collected by harvester — To minimize nutrient loss from rain events during alfalfa harvest, spread windrows as wide as possible and condition at harvest, which can reduce dry down from two days to half a day.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Considerations for Alfalfa Disease, Harvesting During Wet Summers and Weevil Feeding on Regrowth

June 25, 2024

Recommendations for alfalfa producers on managing windrow disease, navigating rain issues during harvest, and estimating alfalfa weevil thresholds when regrowth feeding has been observed.

Harvested alfalfa falls from combine — First cutting of alfalfa is a great time to assess your field conditions — producers should take time to scout for disease, insects, weeds and other issues that may need corrective action.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Harvest Checklist, Managing Pasture Weeds After Drought

June 6, 2024

It's time for first cutting of alfalfa, which is a prime opportunity to assess field condition. Keep these factors in mind during harvest to get ahead of crop issues.

Silage pit on farm covered with tires — Once silage is exposed to oxygen, its quality can decrease quickly. For best results, don’t expose more than three days’ worth of a pile at a time.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Retaining Silage Quality During Feedout, Grasshopper Management

May 21, 2024

Tips on retaining silage condition during feedout, planning the optimal time for grass hay harvest, and controlling grasshopper in rangeland and forages.

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.

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

Crop Progress: Corn, Sorghum Harvest at 95% Complete

November 20, 2023

As of Nov. 19, corn and sorghum harvest reached 95% complete. While pasture conditions remained unchanged, soil moisture supplies improved slightly.

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