KEY RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Alfalfa needs 6 weeks of growth, uninterrupted by grazing or haying
• Fall grazing should maintain 8 inches of stubble height; Winter grazing should maintain 4 inches of stubble height
• Bloat risk can be reduced by making sure livestock are full prior to grazing
• Feed additives such as poloxalene and ionophores can limit bloat risk, but require regular consumption to be effective

The goal of any grazing operation is to introduce the cow or calf to forage in adequate quality and quantity for their needs.  A majority of cattle operations in Nebraska use pasture or native range for grazing during the growing season and crop residues or harvested purchased feed for the remainder of the year. Alternatives may include grazing cover crops in the production of traditional commodity crops, irrigation of grazed forages, and introduction of grasses into existing crop rotation and crop residues. 

A review of articles on hunting leases. 

Landowners seeking additional income options for their operation might consider leasing out their land for wildlife activities. The potential income can be considerable. Leases could be for hunting, fishing or birding.

• There are 8 lbs of grazable dry matter per bushel of corn.
• Leaf and husk make up 39.6% of the dry matter in corn residue.
• Intake on corn residue fields will be close to 2% of bodyweight.
• Check questionable fields for excessive corn before grazing.