Every forage cropping year presents challenges to both growers and users of forages; however, 2019 has been much more challenging than normal. In many areas of the country, much of the alfalfa suffered winterkill.

At the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, we have had an interesting year. In late July, a severe thunderstorm moved through central Nebraska and pounded away at the center with heavy rain and hail and wind gusts that may have reached 100 mph.

I was recently talking to one of my local farmers who uses precision agriculture to manage his corn and soybean crops. His combine, sprayer and planter are all connected to the cloud, and he uses the data from the last 10 years to manage next year’s crop.

In its fourth generation, the Lauwers family has tried a bit of everything when it comes to farming but have found their place in baleage, specialty straw production and a thriving sheep business.

Focus on high-quality forage, secure a long-term market Eric Sheffer knew he wanted to make his life in agriculture.

Any crop with the title “hemp” seems to be a hot topic in our industry, and sunn hemp proves to be no different. If you are looking to diversify your cover crop or grazing programs, sunn hemp may be an option for you.

Bale grazing can be more cost-effective than hauling hay to cattle, since cows are feeding themselves. The bonus is free fertilizer; it concentrates cattle temporarily where they are eating a row of bales, and you gradually move manure deposits across the field as you let them into the next row.

Fall is a busy time of year on farms. Besides harvesting crops, never-ending field operations and routine chores, timely decisions are needed.