LINCOLN — As the year comes to an end, it can help to look back at forage management production and learn what to improve to make it better next year. Stick around and I’ll give you some ideas.
Did last spring come in so fast that before you knew it, thistles were already blooming? This spring, make it a point to spray just as corn planting begins and you should have good success.
When did your pastures run out? Mid-summer? Late-summer? Fall? You have plenty of annual forage options to fill any gaps – forages like sudangrass, pearl millet, oats, and turnips are few of the common ones that can be very productive. Plant and use these annual forages when your other pastures have slow growth and are stressed so you have plenty of grazing for your cattle. Your regular pastures will bounce back quicker as well.
Did you take an extra late cutting of alfalfa in the fall because of good September and October growth? That hay was high quality, so either sell it for a premium price or use it only for special feeding situations. This coming spring, though, it may start to grow a little slower. If so, let it start to bloom before cutting.
We all can do better next year than we did this year. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to look back to learn what we hope to do better in the future. Have a Happy New Year!
— Daren Redfearn, Nebraska Extension
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