Grazing Alfalfa in Fall or Winter

Brad Schick, Nebraska Extension EducatorBen Beckman, Nebraska Extension Educator Winter alfalfa stands will seldom provide enough nutritional value to be a primary forage source for animals. Photo credit Troy Walz. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS: Alfalfa needs 6 weeks of growth, uninterrupted by grazing or hayingFall grazing should maintain 8 inches of stubble height; Winter grazing should maintain 4 inches of stubble heightBloat risk can be reduced by making sure livestock are full prior to grazingFeed…

Continue ReadingGrazing Alfalfa in Fall or Winter

Grazing Corn Stalks or Corn Residue?

Brad Schick, Nebraska Extension Educator Grazing corn residue can be very beneficial to the cow and the producer’s bottom line. Photo credit Troy Walz. There are 8 lbs of grazable dry matter per bushel of corn.Leaf and husk make up 39.6% of the dry matter in corn residue.Intake on corn residue fields will be close to 2% of bodyweight.Check questionable fields for excessive corn before grazing. Having corn stalks to graze is a…

Continue ReadingGrazing Corn Stalks or Corn Residue?