News
Planting forages could provide several advantages if crops have been hailed out
An extension beef specialist says producers should consider planting forages if their crops were severely damaged by hail this summer.
Aaron Berger with the University of Nebraska says hay is in extremely high demand across parts of cattle country. “We’ve got record low stocks. People are looking for feed and we don’t have much for carryover hay.”
He tells Brownfield producers need to consult their insurance agent and then know what their crop management strategies were. “What are the herbicides that they applied to the crop that got destroyed? Then if they were to comeback and plant something, are any restrictions in terms of what they can plant and harvest it for forage that would be for grazing or a harvested crop?”
Berger says summer annuals are a good option. “Something like corn, sorghum or sorghum sudan sure could work. In late July or first of August, you should think about spring annuals. Oats, spring triticale or a spring barley can produce quite a bit of forage.”
He says producers should determine what crops will be planted next spring and if they have a reaction to any annuals planted this summer.
Aaron Berger, UNL Beef Systems Specialist:
Add Comment