As a cropping systems Extension educator or public agronomist for the University of Nebraska in Saline, Jefferson and Gage counties, you would assume that I get many calls about corn and soybean production given it makes up a bulk of the acres. However, questions related to pasture, grass hay, and alfalfa production are actually the most frequent ones that I receive from farmers and acreage owners.
One of my key roles as an extension educator is teaching, and like any good teacher, a textbook is a fundamental part of teaching. Books are also a good long-term reference to refresh our memories as learners. I want to empower and enable Nebraskans to take ownership of their lifelong learning. Therefore, I am going to highlight three great Nebraska Extension publications related to pasture management that I think you should own a copy of, whether in print or as a digital version (pdf).
At the top of my list is Extension Circular 130: Guide for Weed, Disease, and Insect Management in Nebraska. The 356-page guide is provided to all attendees at the private pesticide applicator trainings. This is an annual publication, so you can get an updated version each year. There are several sections that pasture managers will find useful including weed control in non-crop areas, noxious weeds, and troublesome weeds and woody plants, and grazing restrictions for pasture and range herbicides. A 2020 digital or print copy can be purchased online for $15 (additional tax and postage applies). Given we are half way through the year and we still have some locally in stock, you can get a print copy for a reduced price at the Saline, Jefferson, or Gage County Extension office starting on August 1.
Second on my list is Extension Circular 118: Common Forbs and Shrubs of Nebraska Rangeland, Prairie, and Pasture published in 2017. This extension publication is not small either at 260 pages, but it helps you identify all the common broadleaf plants in your pasture. The publication provides key information about each species including a distribution map of the plant in Nebraska, when it flowers, how tall it gets, where it prefers to grow, uses and values, and other important information. The publication is free to download as a pdf to be stored on your computer or a print copy can be ordered for $12.50 plus applicable tax and shipping.
To round out my top 3 pasture management publications is Extension Circular 3037: Nebraska Plants Toxic to Livestock including bloat-causing plants. The publication is 196-pages and is free to download as a pdf to be stored on your computer or a print copy can be ordered for $12.50 plus applicable tax and shipping. Published in 2018, this resource categorizes plants into toxic, occasionally toxic, potentially toxic, and crops potentially toxic to livestock. The circular helps with plant identification, known distribution in Nebraska, and known toxicology of each plant species.
All three of these extension publications can be downloaded or print copies ordered online at extensionpubs.unl.edu. For more information about how you can order print copies of these publications over the phone, contact Nebraska Extension on East Campus in Lincoln at 402-472-2966. Know your crop, know your tech, know your bottom line.
