By Scout Nelson
As Nebraska steps into April 2024, farmers across the state are gearing up for the new grazing season with a close eye on rangeland and pasture conditions. Following a year of mixed precipitation, the overall soil moisture and weather outlook appear promising for most parts of the state, despite some areas still recovering from last year's drought.
Recent climate maps from the High Plains Climate Center as of March 26, 2024, show that Nebraska has received near-normal precipitation levels since the start of the current water year in October. The southern and eastern counties, hit hard by drought last summer, report drier conditions.
Soil moisture, especially in the top three feet, is a critical indicator of water availability for plant growth at the season's start. Current data suggests that most areas are near normal, but some regions show drier or wetter conditions than average.
Temperature and precipitation forecasts for April through June 2024 suggest normal to above-normal conditions for much of Nebraska. This balanced weather outlook offers a favorable scenario for spring and early summer pasture and rangeland forage production, which is crucial for planning grazing strategies.
Forage production is significantly influenced by the timing and amount of precipitation, alongside factors like soil health and previous management practices. Recognizing this, farmers are encouraged to utilize trigger dates to adjust stocking rates in response to changing weather conditions, ensuring sustainable grazing and forage utilization.
Specifically, different stages of the growing season present unique opportunities and challenges for both cool- and warm-season grass species.
Given the unpredictable nature of weather and its impact on forage availability, setting trigger dates for adjusting grazing plans is advised. These dates range from early April, when assessing soil moisture and previous season's precipitation, to late June and July, critical periods for evaluating grass growth and deciding on stocking rates.
Areas still recovering from drought will require careful management to allow pasture plants to rebuild energy reserves. Keeping a lower stocking rate can aid in this recovery, maintaining the long-term health and productivity of Nebraska's rangelands.
As the grazing season approaches, Nebraska's farmers remain careful, ready to adapt their management practices to ensure their land remains productive and sustainable, benefiting from the state's vast renewable resources and fostering the health of their agricultural operations.
Categories: Nebraska, Crops