Cows that are unsound, came up empty this year, or have other problems that make them a drag on the herd are the typical targets of fall culling. With dry conditions this year, pasture grass has been scarce and we may decide to be a bit more critical of our animals when making the decision about who stays and who goes this year.
Local Interest
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.
Cover the pile. Cover the silage pile with plastic.
The time and money spent on chopping silage for feed does not go unnoticed. But if the pile isn’t covered, the loss of feed will be noticeable. Even after the silage is packed correctly, air and water can penetrate the outer layers and severely damage the quality and quantity of silage. Additionally, molds, mycotoxins, and fungi have a prime place to grow in uncovered silage.
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.
Dry conditions mean lower pasture production and difficult decisions ahead for producers. One option to consider is providing supplemental feed to stretch a pasture’s use. Can this management strategy save your pasture during a drought?
Cattle on drought impacted pasture face the double hit of low amounts of available forage as plants stop growth, and low quality as plants pull back nutrients in an effort to make it through tough times. In these conditions where plants have essentially gone dormant, a little excess grazing than what is normal can be tolerated
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Oct. 22 lectures to illustrate value of social science in environmental research
October 10, 2024
Lincoln, Neb. — The Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has teamed up with Rural Prosperity Nebraska and the Agricultural Research Division to bring a visiting social scientist to East Campus to present her research on surveying rural communities to highlight voices often overlooked when it comes to environmental issues. Jessica Schad, an associate professor of sociology at Utah State University, will present three lectures on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the Dinsdale Family Learning Commons.
Adam Leise appointed as new director of Nebraska On-Farm Research Network
October 8, 2024
Lincoln, Neb. — Adam Leise has been selected as the new director of the On-Farm Research Network. Leise, a recent graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, brings both academic expertise and personal experience to the role, having grown up on a farm and ranch in Hartington.
Nebraska’s Natural Resource Districts honor Paul C. Hay and Randy Pryor with Water Conservation Award
October 4, 2024
Lincoln, Neb. —Nebraska’s Natural Resource Districts have awarded the Outstanding Water Conservation of the Year Award to Paul C. Hay (posthumous), Emeritus Extension Educator, alongside Randy Pryor, also an Emeritus Extension Educator. The two long-time educators were nominated by the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) for their nearly 40 years of service to agricultural sustainability in Southeast Nebraska.
4-H service project will update courthouse garden in 2025
October 4, 2024
The Scotts Bluff County Court House garden in Gering will be undergoing an update in the spring of 2025. Spearheading the update will be the Nebraska Master Gardeners of Scotts Bluff County with funds from A Watchable Wildlife Grant, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, or Keno Funds.