LINCOLN, Neb. — With dry conditions this fall, Nebraska livestock producers face several challenges, particularly regarding pasture health, alfalfa harvest timing, and late-seeded annual forages.
Drought reduces forage growth and quality, making pastures more vulnerable to overgrazing. This causes long-term damage to plant health and slows regrowth. To avoid this, adjust grazing rotations to allow pastures more recovery time and consider reducing herd size or pulling animals to prevent overgrazing. While dormant plants can handle more grazing pressure than those actively growing, the impact will still be felt next spring and care needs to be taken to adjust management as moisture patterns shift. Finally, keep an eye out for invasive species, which tend to thrive in stressed pastures.
Timing the final alfalfa harvest is another key concern in dry conditions. Without sufficient moisture, alfalfa regrowth slows, and harvesting too late can weaken the stand as it heads into winter dormancy. Producers must balance the need for forage with the plant’s ability to recover, ensuring that alfalfa has time to store energy reserves for the winter. Missing this window could result in weaker stands and reduced yields next spring.
One last consideration: Late summer or fall-seeded annual forages may struggle to establish due to dry soil, which limits their growth and grazing potential. Producers depending on these forages should consider irrigation, if available, or consider back-up forage sources.
By managing pastures carefully, timing alfalfa harvests strategically, and planning for potential forage shortfalls, we can better navigate the challenges of dry conditions this fall.
— Ben Beckman, Extension Educator
UNL Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
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