Ben Beckman

Tall white flowers in your hay meadow may be pretty to look at, but beware — they could be water hemlock, one of the most toxic plants to livestock in Nebraska.

Pastures and rangelands are the backbone of Nebraska's beef industry, providing essential forage for livestock. However, the presence of weeds can significantly diminish both the quality and quantity of forage available, impacting herd health and productivity. Invasive species, in particular, pose a formidable challenge, requiring proactive management strategies to mitigate their spread and detrimental effects. This article aims to explore effective methods for controlling weeds in pastures and rangelands, focusing on new invasive species to look out for.

Land prices and rental rates are among the highest expenses a producer must face annually. Every summer, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center of Agricultural Profitability (CAP) releases the Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market survey. Those wanting to check it out themselves may find a pdf version at

Silage harvest for fully irrigated full-season corn usually begins 45 days or 800 GDD’s after the tassel / silking growth stage. However, growing conditions and the season length of the plant itself can make predictions based on the calendar fuzzy at best.

Silage season is just around the corner but even before anything is cut, proper preparation now can improve chances of a successful harvest. Improper silage storage and fermentation can result in losses up to 20% before feeding.

Late summer always seems like a time when weeds can become quite noticeable in pastures. While they may be an eyesore, control methods now are limited. Proper ID may help with making the right management call.

With any forage crops, the risks associated with utilizing them as supplemental forage, especially as our environmental conditions begin to change, are important to understand and manage for. This becomes critical as we move into fall.

While the first frost of the year isn't here yet, how we manage pastures in the fall can affect plant health through the winter and ultimately production next spring. Are you giving your pastures proper care this fall?

Corn residue is a valuable resource for grazing, but some producers believe cattle performance has declined with the rise of Bt corn hybrids. While Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) traits protect corn against pests like corn borer, it has led some to question whether these hybrids affect the nutritional quality of corn residue.

With any forage crop, the risks associated with utilizing them as supplemental forage, especially as our environmental conditions begin to change, are important to understand and manage for. This becomes critical as we move into fall.