Nebraska Extension in Knox County

Every year I field questions from landowners and renters about pasture leases.  It’s often an inquiry about the UNL land value survey and what this year’s going price is.  At this point, I always have to ask a clarifying question, do you want the per-acre or per-pair rate? Both accurately put a value on a pasture, but in my opinion, only one goes above and beyond this to provide additional benefit to the landowner and renter, a per-pair rate.

Stormy conditions have impacted crop fields across the state recently. With the potential for severe weather with us until the end of summer, what impact do strong storms and hail have on your alfalfa crop?

Strong storms, especially those that bring hail events, have the potential to completely strip and lodge alfalfa fields depending on their severity.  The actual impact will vary depending on damage done, but alfalfa due to its growth form is particularly vulnerable to hail damage.  Because alfalfa plants grow from the terminal or highest potion of the plant, any damage or defoliation can result in terminated growth and the plant having to start growth again from new shoots.