Friday April 26, 2024
Alfalfa Weevil Control
With the arrival of spring comes the impending return of insects, including pest species like the alfalfa weevil. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.MP3
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Wednesday April 24, 2024
Spring Grazing to Control Weeds
Spring flash grazing in pastures can be a way to capitalize on some of the early weeds that may be growing. For those areas in eastern Nebraska that had drought conditions in 2023, it is likely that many pastures will have more spring and summer weeds than usual this year. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.MP3
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Monday April 22, 2024
Early Season Alfalfa Irrigation
Alfalfa is a tough perennial with established rooting depths down eight feet or more. Depending on deep soil profile moisture, some varieties can extend Spring dormancy and survive up to 45 days without rainfall. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.MP3
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Friday April 19, 2024
Grazing Winter Annuals
Grazing winter annuals such rye, winter wheat, or triticale commonly begins in April. All three of these forages can be very high in quality and reduce the need for feeding expensive hay while allowing additional time for spring growth of our perennial summer pastures. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.MP3
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Wednesday April 17, 2024
Thin Stand Alfalfa Options
Alfalfa fields usually are fully productive for at least 4 or 5 years after seeding before fields need converted to another crop. So, what should producers do when their alfalfa stands fall below 10 plants per square foot or the annual forage yields drop off below half? Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.MP3
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Monday April 15, 2024
Annual Forage Systems
Are you interested in learning more about annual forage systems? Cattle and Coffee is an upcoming early morning webinar series about this very topic. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.MP3
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Friday April 12, 2024
Controlling Winter Annual Weeds
Now is the time to control winter annual weeds in alfalfa. Thinned alfalfa stands combined with open soil and adequate moisture can result in weed pressure. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.MP3
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Wednesday April 10, 2024
Drought Recovery
Drought damage to a pasture is easy to notice while moisture is lacking, however, the harm done can last, even when rain returns. What can you do to aid in recovery? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.MP3
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Monday April 8, 2024
Pasture And Livestock Management Using Drones
Producers face a variety of challenges when managing livestock herds and the forage crops grown to feed them. In many ways, technology can help streamline management improving operation efficiency and productivity. An important and increasingly popular example of this technology is drones. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.MP3
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Friday April 5, 2024
Wheat Grazing vs Grain Value
Cereal grains like wheat can be grown for dual purpose production in central and southern plains states. Usually, wheat can be grazed without reducing grain yields when animals are removed from fields just prior to the jointing growth stage when immature wheat heads move up the stems if nutrients and water are not limited. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.MP3
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Wednesday April 3, 2024
Double Cropping Forage
There are many producers looking at looking at ways to grow more forage for hay or pasture. Double cropping annual forages on irrigated cropland can be an option. With timely and adequate moisture, this can also be successful dryland as well. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.MP3
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Monday April 1, 2024
Grass Tetany
Fresh spring growth is a welcome site for producers looking for animal forage. However, lush spring growth may be the perfect condition for a case of grass tetany. While turn out may be a ways off, mitigating this risk starts now.Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.MP3
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Wednesday March 27, 2024
Evaluating Alfalfa Stands – Stand Counts
Were you expecting more from last year’s alfalfa yields? Did your plants get enough time to winterize in the fall? Do you have concerns about stand winter kill? Evaluating your alfalfa stand in the spring is key to planning management and setting expectations for this year. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.MP3
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Monday March 25, 2024
Fertilizing Cool-Season Grass
Fertilizing cool-season grass pastures or hayfields is something producers do each year while accounting for forage needs, moisture, the value of the forage, and fertilizer costs. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.MP3
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Wednesday March 20, 2024
Spring Alfalfa Plant Evaluation
As temperatures begin to rise, don’t’ forget to take a bit of time to assess alfalfa stand health going into this year’s growing season. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.MP3
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Monday March 18, 2024
Grass and Alfalfa Mixtures
Inter-seeding cool-season perennial grasses into older alfalfa stands has been a good option to increase the productivity of that field. If planning a new alfalfa seeding this year, using a grass and alfalfa mixture can also have some advantages. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.MP3
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Wednesday March 13, 2024
Alfalfa Weevil Prep
As spring approaches, it is a good idea to start thinking about the insects that will be emerging and subsequently feeding on alfalfa, particularly alfalfa weevil. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.MP3
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Monday March 11, 2024
Farm and Ranch Stress
Farming and ranching occupations are among the most stressful jobs in America, based on factors that affect a producer’s financial, physical, and mental health. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.MP3
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Wednesday March 6, 2024
Spring Planting Alfalfa
Alfalfa can be successfully seeded in the Spring or Fall depending on field weed pressure; moisture conditions; and timing. Once established, perennial alfalfa plants can complete well with weeds. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.MP3
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Monday March 4, 2024
Grazing Management After A Wildlife
There have been several wildfires this spring that have affected range and pasturelands across Nebraska and that threat will continue until we have new, green grass growth later this spring. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.MP3