Pasture and Forage Minute University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.