Despite their name, stable flies can now be found beyond the barn and in the field. Historically an issue for dairies and feedlots, these pests have emerged as a problem in pasture systems to the detr

One of the redeeming values of alfalfa is that it has a deep root system, which allows it to reach subsoil moisture and stay relatively productive when topsoil moisture starts to become limited. But e

Unless you run a John Deere tractor or root for the Green Bay Packers, yellow and green don’t make the best color combination by most standards. It’s especially an eyesore in pastures and hayfield

I’m usually the one posing questions to farmers, but I recently found myself on the receiving end of such an exchange. The conversation led me to consider one step of the haymaking process that seem

Over time, what once was a monoculture of perennial grass may turn into a mixed stand of grasses, legumes, and even some unwanted species. But just because a pasture isn’t what it used to be doesn�

As haymakers tackle first cutting and grazing livestock relish in lush pastures, it may seem a bit early to think about seeding summer annuals, let alone harvesting them. But having a plan for these f

Waiting days for a good-quality hay crop to dry and then have it rained on just as it was getting close to baling moisture can be demoralizing. It’s like losing a baseball game with two outs in the

Horse hay has its own set of standards that are exclusive to equine. Many of these standards fall under the physical attributes of the bale, followed by the nutritive qualities of the forage, but clea

Natural water sources in pastures are only as valuable to a grazing system as the quality of water they contain. In other words, the health and performance of livestock will suffer if animals are subj

Grazing fall corn stalks is a common practice throughout the Midwest and Great Plains. But what if we could improve that brown crop residue with green and growing forage? Interseeding annual fora

It’s that time of year when grass paints the landscape in green and grows like it’s on a designer steroid. As temperatures warm, cool-season grasses are well rested and ready to take advantage

Like any grazing practice, the merits of bale grazing will vary with each individual farm. These merits can be in the form of more grazing days, lower feed costs, and less equipment use, which can tra

“Three findings highlight fescue’s history” detailed the early events that contributed to tall fescue’s infamous reputation as a toxic forage. Although these events paved the path

Photo: University of NebraskaRangeland pastures are difficult enough to keep productive throughout the growing season without the encroachment of woody species. The problem, according to Bethany Johns

Wildfires throw a wrench into grazing plans in regions prone to such disasters. Even though pasture and rangeland fires delay forage regrowth and set back grazing schedules, perennial grasses typicall

Aphids are a bane in alfalfa fields, especially considering the rapid rate of reproduction and range of toxicity among the species. Damage from aphids feeding on plant sap as well as their injection o

As part of annual crop rotation systems, sorghum-sudangrass has become more widely used by dairy and beef producers who are looking for moderate to good-quality forage with good yield potential when managed

Managing the spring flush of forage growth often involves flirting with the fine line between grazing too early and being swallowed by the surplus. As cool-season grasses start to green up, it may be

The philosopher Socrates was sentenced to death in 399 B.C. for not believing in the popular Greek gods of his time and place. Without the option of an electric chair or firearm, the philosopher’s

Custom rate guides are welcomed resources in those states that continue to do the survey legwork; unfortunately, many do not. Each year, eHay Weekly offers readers a one-stop shop for accessing custom