By Scout Nelson
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Extension in its latest Pasture and Forage Minute shares practical advice for livestock producers and landowners on managing cheatgrass, improving forage productivity, and understanding hunting lease rights.
Controlling Winter Annual Bromes
Cheatgrass, also known as downy brome or wild oats, remains a problem weed in pastures across central and western Nebraska. It typically invades thin or overgrazed pastures during fall and early spring, creating large patches that livestock often avoid once they mature.
UNL research found that herbicides containing rimsulfuron and imazapic (Plateau®) can effectively control cheatgrass with a single application, though results vary depending on timing and weather. To reduce the seedbank, control efforts must be near 100% and repeated for several years.
A new herbicide, Rejuvra, from Bayer, offers up to two years of control when applied before seed germination in early fall. For warm-season grasses, glyphosate may also be used after frost when grasses are dormant. With proper herbicide use and grazing management, desirable grasses can thrive.
Grazing for Interseeding
Strong pastures often benefit from forage legumes, which add nitrogen naturally and improve feed quality. Producers are encouraged to graze selected pasture areas heavily this fall to weaken grasses before interseeding legumes like clover or alfalfa next spring. Overgrazing reduces competition and helps new seedlings establish. Soil testing and proper phosphorus and pH levels are key to success.
Hunting Rights and Land Leases
As producers explore additional income from hunting leases, understanding property rights becomes important. In written cropland or pasture leases, hunting rights belong to the tenant unless specifically reserved by the landowner.
In most verbal grazing agreements, leases end before hunting season, returning rights to landowners. Reviewing written leases helps prevent future disputes.
Through this Pasture and Forage Minute, UNL continues to guide producers with research-based strategies for sustainable forage production and responsible land use.
Photo Credit:nebraska-extenstion
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Hay & Forage, Alfalfa, Sustainable Agriculture