Extension Circular 72-189 contains forage balance sheets for Nebraska

Burzlaff, D. F.

Moline, W. J.

Moser, L. E.

English

UNL | Libraries

University of Nebraska - Lincoln
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-
Lincoln Extension Extension
1972
EC72-189 Forage Balance Sheets for Nebraska
W. J. Moline
L. E. Moser
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, lmoser1@unl.edu
D. F. Burzlaff
Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for
inclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of
Nebraska - Lincoln.
Moline, W. J.; Moser, L. E.; and Burzlaff, D. F., "EC72-189 Forage Balance Sheets for Nebraska" (1972). Historical Materials from
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 4137.
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/4137
~RI 
s 
8s- EC 72-189 
&7 
~7)?- /8/ Forage Balance Sheets For Nebraska 
C - I A GUIDE FOR PLANNI NG AND ANALYZ ING A YEAR-ROUND FOR ~~VJE1I]) 
W. J. Mo line FEB 1 \972. Ext. Agronomist (Forage Crops) 
L. E. Moser 
CO LLEGE. OF AGRIC ULTURE 
II) I y 
Assoc. Prof., Agronomy 
D. F. Burzlaff 
Prof., Range Management 
In planning a forage program for farm or ranch, 
you'll need to know the carrying capacity of 
available pastures and the productivity of forages. 
Carrying capacity is expressed in terms of 
Animal-Unit-Month (AUM). An AUM is the amount 
of forage required to feed a mature animal for 30 
days. You need to know the numbers of AUMs of 
forage your livestock need for the full year. 
There are about 3 AUM's of feed in one ton of 
hay. The production levels reported in the tables 
are average levels. With higher production you may 
use higher AUM values. 
Ea ch forage calendar has been designed for a 
specific area. These are: The Panhandle and 
Southwest, Sa ndhills, South Central and Eastern 
section of Nebraska (Fig. 1 ). 
lf iHBAU 
To calculate the productivity of your forages: 
1. Enter the number of acres for each different 
type of forage crop in the "Acres" column of your 
worksheet. Then multiply the number of acres 
times the total AUM's of production per acre (from 
forage calendar) and enter in AUM column. This is 
the carrying capacity. 
2. Enter the carrying capacity in the worksheet 
columns. Do this by multiplying the carrying 
capacity per month times the AUM. Enter the 
product in the column for each month. Do this for 
each type of forage. 
3. For hay and silage calculate the total 
production for the year. You'll feed this as needed. 
Fig. 1. Areas of Nebraska. I. Panhandle and So uthwest, II. 
North Central. Ill. South Central. IV. Eastern. 
E XTE N S IO N SE RVI C E 
UNIVE RSITY O F NEBRASKA CO LLEGE O F A GRICULTURE 
COO PERATING WITH T H E U .S . D EPARTM E NT O F A G RI C ULTURE 
A ND THE COLLEG E O F HOM E ECON O MI CS . 
E. F. FRO LIK, D EAN ; ..J. L . A DAMS, DIRECTOR 
4. Now add the carrying capacity columns for 
each month and enter the total in the last line on 
the worksheet (total AUM's available). This will 
give you the total AUM of grazing forage available. 
To calculate the AUM of forage your livestock 
need: 
1. Enter the number of each kind of livestock 
that you have under "Number." 
2. Multiply the number of livestock by the 
"Animal Unit Factor" (first column), and then 
insert the product under "Animal Units" and also 
for each appropr iate month. 
3. Total your "Animal Unit" column and you 
will have the total amount of AUM forage needed. 
You may find that surp luses and shortages 
exist. These problems can be adjusted by changing 
your livestock numbers or forage acreages. In many 
cases, using new forage crops will fill in when 
you're short on feed and will complement your 
major forage resources. 
Choose crops that will supply feed when you 
need it- then plan to use this in your management 
program. 
Using Grazing Resources 
Cool-Season Grasses 
Cool -season grasses grow mostly during the 
early summer (April, May and June). About 80% of 
the annual production of vegetative growth of the 
cool -season grasses is made during the early 
summer. Dormancy during mid-summer restricts 
the use of these grasses. A look at the bromegrass 
and Kentucky bluegrass fields in July and August 
demonstrates this point. Some growth is made again 
each fa II when cool temperatures and moisture 
return. 
Warm-Season Grasses 
These are the grasses that grow tall during the 
warm summer months. To maximize their use you 
will want to delay turn-on until June and finish 
grazing by mid-September. IViost all of the group are 
called "natives." If over-grazed and abused, these 
grasses soon become unproductive. 
Each of these grasses has a best time for use. 
For example: Given a choice amo ng the big 
bluestems, indiangrass and switchgrass in mid-June, 
trial steers preferred switchgrass. Given a choice in 
late July, the steers preferred indiangrass and big 
bluestem. 
If you have switchgrass in your pasture 
mixtures, your turn-on date should be earlier than 
on pastures that have only bluestems and 
indiangrass. 
Sorghums 
Within this group are the popular sudangrasses, 
sorghum sudangrass crosses and hybrids and forage 
sorghums. There are many types, kinds and varieties 
available. 
Some concern must be given to the lag between 
seeding and use- about six weeks. Also, concern 
must be given to prussic acid and nitrate contents 
whenever dry weather or frost restricts plant 
growth. 
Small Grains 
Emphasis among the small grains (wheat, oats, 
rye and bar ley) has been toward grain production. 
However, additional pasture can be produced using 
these small grains. In Nebra ska excellent grazing can 
be produced in wheat, oats, rye and barley. 
Examples of innovative use of small grains for 
pasture by Nebraska farmers and ranchers are 
numerous. Excellent fall pasture combinations of 
oats and corn stubble, or acreages of fa II and spring 
rye are used for grazing in October, November, 
March and April. 
Stubble Land 
Corn and milo stubble have proven to be 
valuab le grazing and can comp lement the farm and 
ranch unit by adding to the feed resources for 
livestock . Corn and sorghum stubble are resources 
that can be used more extensively. In some 
instances, chopping these crop residues · for 
shucklage or silage will increase the amount of low 
cost feed for beef cows. Remember that many of 
these types of feeds are low in protein and need 
supplementation for a balanced ration. 
Management of Livestock and Forage Crops 
Balanced programs are complex. They involve 
the major forage crop resources on your farm and 
ranch. Any changes made shou ld complement what 
is available and in general use. In many cases sma ll 
changes in management can increase your carrying 
capacity and provide a balanced feed program 
through forage crops. The details of each step 
shou ld be carefully planned. 
T 
Fertilizers can be profitable. Using 100 pounds 
of nitrogen (plus phosphorus based on soil taken) 
for cool-season grasses can double carrying 
capacity. Fertilize these cool-season grasses in the 
fall or spring. 
In regions getting 20 inches or more of rainfall, 
use of fertilizer on warm-season prairie grasses is 
recommended. Timely application during the first 
week of June with 40-60 lb . of nitrogen (plus 
phosphorus based on soil test) can double carrying 
capacity. 
Rotational grazing will increase the productivity 
of grasslands by letting them recover and regrow 
after they have been used. Rotation and different 
grazing systems need not be elaborate. The schedule 
should take advantage of each grazing resource for 
peak production. 
Weed control is also essential for better 
pastures. Check with your County Agent for 
current recommendations for chemicals. Weeds 
usually occur in over-grazed pastures and must be 
eliminated for maximum production. 
Renovation and replanting are frequently 
necessary in grasslands that have been seriously 
over-grazed. Of course, in developing new pasture 
you can select the improved varieties of grasses. Use 
certified seed. Check with your County Agent or 
Soi I Conservation Service technician for help and 
latest recommendations. There may be government 
programs that can be of help in reseeding, 
restoration or developing new grass seedings. 
Your Farm and Ranch Forage Calendar for Eastern Nebraska 
Total animal unit 
KIN D OF FORAGE Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. months (AUM) available/acre 
Pasture 
Bluegrass .2 .6 .6 .4 .2 2.0 
Warm-Season Tall Grass .2 .6 .6 .4 .2 2.0 
Warm-Season Mid Grass .2 .4 .4 .2 .2 1.4 
Bromegrass .2 .8 .8 .4 .2 2.4 
Bromegrass and Alfalfa 1.0 1.0 .6 .4 .6 3.6 
Intermediate W hea tgrass .2 .8 .8 .4 .2 2.4 
Inter. W heatgrass and Alfalfa 1.0 1.0 .6 .4 .6 3.6 
Irrig. Pasture (legumes and grass) 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 13.0 
Winter Wheat1 .6 .2 .4 .4 1.6 
Spring-Seeded Oats .8 1.6 2.4 
Fall-Seeded Oats .8 .8 1.6 
Sudangrass & sorghumj sudangrass hybrids 2.0 2.0 .4 4.4 
R ye .6 1.0 .4 .4 2.4 
Cornstalks2 .3 .3 .7 .7 2.0 
Sorghum stubble .2 .2 .5 .5 1.4 
Hay and Silage 
Alfalfa Hay 10.0 
Grass Hay 6.0 
Silage (corn and sorghum) 18.0 
Silage (small grains) 4.0 
Other 
YOUR WORKSH EET 
T otal need 
T otal animal unit 
KIND OF FORAGE Acres AUM Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. ()(:t. Nov. De<. months (AUM) available/acre 
Total AUM's Available 
KIND OF An imal 
Your Livestock FoTagc Needs 
LIVESTOCK Number AU Factor Units J an. Febr. Mar. Apt·. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. NO\', Dec. 
Mature cattle 1.0 
Yearlings . .7 •. 
Calves (over 3 mos) .3 
Horses and mules 1.0 
Ewes .2 
Swine .I 
Total AUM's of forage needed 
N otes for program change---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 More production can be obtained from wi nter wheat although lower grain yields may rcsull. 
2 T his value is for 80 bu./ A. If 120 bu ./ A. was prod uced , usc .3.0 AUM . 
Your Farm and Ranch Forage Calendar for South-Central Nebraska 
KIND OF FORAGE Jan. Febr. Jllar. Apr. lllay June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 
Pasture 
Warm Season Shortgrass .I .I .I .I 
Watm Season Mid Grass .2 .2 .2 . I 
Warm Season Tall Grass .2 .3 .3 .2 .2 
Bromegrass1 .4 .4 .2 . I 
Intermediate wheatgrass1 .4 .4 .2 .I 
Irrigated Pasture 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 
Winter W h eat2 .4 .2 .2 
Sudangrass .8 1.2 .4 
Cornstalks3 .3 .3 
Sorghum stubble .2 .2 
Hay and Silage 
Alfalfa Hay 
Grass Hay 
Silage (irriga ted corn and sorghum) 
O ther 
YOUR WORKSHEET 
Total need 
KIND OF FORAGE Acres AUJ\1 Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. Jllay June July Aug. Sept. Oct. 
Total AUM's Ava ilable 
KIND OF Animal Your Livestock Forage Needs 
LIVESTOCK Number AU Factor Un its Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. 
Mature Cattle 1.0 
Yearlings .7 
Calves (over 3 mos) .3 
Horses and Mu les 1.0 
Ewes .2 
Swine . I 
Total AUM's of forage neec eel 
Notes for program change 
1 N itrogen fertili zer on cool-season grasses will increase production. Using 60-80 lb. N/A wi ll essenti ally double carrying c;~pacity. 
2 More prod uction can be taken from winter wheat although a reduction in grain yie ld may follow. 
:tThis is approximately 80 bu./A. IC 120 bu. of corn was produced the total should be 3.0 AUM. 
1.0 
.2 
.7 
.5 
Nov. 
Nov. 
Total animal unit 
Dec. months (AUJ\1) available/acre 
.4 
.7 
1.2 
1.1 
1.1 
13.0 
.2 1.2 
2.4 
.7 2.0 
.5 1.4 
9,0 
4.5 
12.0 
Total animal unit 
Dec. rnonths (AUJ\1) availablejacre 
Dec. 
Your Farm and Ranch Forage Calendar for the Sandhills and North Central Nebraska 
Total animal unit 
KIND OF FORAGE Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. months (AUM) available/acre 
Pastures 
Bluegrass .3 .3 .2 .2 1.0 
Warm Season Tall Grass .4 .6 .4 .2 1.6 
Warm Season Mid Grass .2 .2 .2 .2 .8 
Warm Season Shortgrass .1 .1 .l .1 .4 
Bromegrass1 .4 .4 .2 .2 1.2 
Intermediate Wheatgrass .4 .4 .2 .2 1.2 
Irrigated Pasture 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 13.0 
Winter Wheat2 .4 .2 .2 .2 1.0 
Rye .6 1.0 .2 .4 2.2 
Rye and Vetch .2 1.0 .4 .2 .4 2.2 
Sudangrass 1.0 1.4 .2 2.6 
Cornstalks" .3 .3 .7 .7 2.0 
Sorghum stubble .2 .2 .5 .5 1.4 
Hay and Silage 
Subirrigated Hay 3.0 
Subirrigated Alfalfa 10.0 
Silage (irrigated corn and sorghum) 18.0 
Silage (small grains) 4.0 
Other 
YOUR WORKSHEET 
Total need 
Total anbnal unit 
KIND OF FORAGE Acres AU~I Jan. Febr. Mru:. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. months (AUM) available/acre 
Total AUM's Available 
KIND OF Animal 
Your Livestock Forage Needs 
LIVESTOCK Nwnber AU Factor Units Jan. Febr. i\lar. Apr. ~lay June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 
Mature qHtle 1.0 . 
Yearlings .7 
Calves (over 3 mos) .3 
Horses and mules 1.0 
Ewes .2 
Swine . I 
T otal AUM's of forage needed 
Notes for program change _____ __________________________ _ ___________________ _ 
1 N itrogen fertilizer on cool-season grasses wi ll increase productivity. Using 60-80 lb. N I A will essentially double carrying capacity. 
2 More production can be taken from winter wheat although a reduction iu grain yie ld m.a y follow. 
3 This is for approximately 80 bu ./ A. If 120 bu. of corn was produced the tota l shou ld be 3.0 AUM. 
Your Farm and Ranch Forage Calendar for the Panhandle and Southwestern Nebraska 
Total animal unit 
KIND OF FORAGE Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. months (AUM ) available/acre 
Pasture 
Warm Season Midgrass .! .2 .2 .I .6 
·warm Season Shortgrass .I .I .I .I .4 
Crested Wheatgrass .I .3 .3 .7 
Intermedia te Wheatgrass .4 .4 .8 
T all Wheatgrass .3 .5 .8 
Irrigated Pasture 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 13.0 
Sudangrass .6 .8 .6 2.0 
W inter Wheat' .4 .2 .2 .2 1.0 
Rye .4 .6 .2 .2 1.4 
Corns talks" .3 .3 .7 .7 2.0 
Sorghum stubble .2 .2 .5 .6 1.5 
Hay and Silage 
Prairie Hay 2.0 
Alfalfa Hay 4.03 
Silage (corn and sorghum) 9.03 
Silage (small grains) 4.0 
Other 
YOUR WORKSHEET 
Total need 
Total animal unit 
KIND OF FORAGE Acres AUM Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. months (AU~I) available/acre 
Total A liM's Ava ilab e 
KIND OF Anim al 
Your Livestock Fot·agc Needs 
LIVESTOCK Number AU Factor Units Jan. Fcbr. Mar. Apr. May June J uly Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 
Ma Lure cattle 1.0 
Yearlings .7 
Calves (over 3 mos) .3 
Horses and m ules 1.0 
Ewes .2 
Swine .I 
Total A liM's of forage needed 
Notes for program change 
1 More pasture can be taken from whea t although a red uction in grai n yie ld may follow. December production is possible in southwestern Nebr. only. 
2 T his is approximately 80 bu. corn per acre. If 120 bushe ls was produced the total shou ld be 3.0 AUM. 
:I If irrigated th is cou ld be 14 AUM for a lfalfa and l6 -20 AUl\>£ fo r corn si lage. 


EC72-189  Forage Balance Sheets for Nebraska

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska - LincolnDigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - LincolnHistorical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension1972EC72-189 Forage Balance Sheets for NebraskaW. J. MolineL. E. MoserUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, lmoser1@unl.eduD. F. BurzlaffFollow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhistThis Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted forinclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University ofNebraska - Lincoln.Moline, W. J.; Moser, L. E.; and Burzlaff, D. F., "EC72-189 Forage Balance Sheets for Nebraska" (1972). Historical Materials fromUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 4137.http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/4137~RI s 8s- EC 72-189 &7 ~7)?- /8/ Forage Balance Sheets For Nebraska C - I A GUIDE FOR PLANNI NG AND ANALYZ ING A YEAR-ROUND FOR ~~VJE1I]) W. J. Mo line FEB 1 \972. Ext. Agronomist (Forage Crops) L. E. Moser CO LLEGE. OF AGRIC ULTURE II) I y Assoc. Prof., Agronomy D. F. Burzlaff Prof., Range Management In planning a forage program for farm or ranch, you'll need to know the carrying capacity of available pastures and the productivity of forages. Carrying capacity is expressed in terms of Animal-Unit-Month (AUM). An AUM is the amount of forage required to feed a mature animal for 30 days. You need to know the numbers of AUMs of forage your livestock need for the full year. There are about 3 AUM's of feed in one ton of hay. The production levels reported in the tables are average levels. With higher production you may use higher AUM values. Ea ch forage calendar has been designed for a specific area. These are: The Panhandle and Southwest, Sa ndhills, South Central and Eastern section of Nebraska (Fig. 1 ). lf iHBAU To calculate the productivity of your forages: 1. Enter the number of acres for each different type of forage crop in the "Acres" column of your worksheet. Then multiply the number of acres times the total AUM's of production per acre (from forage calendar) and enter in AUM column. This is the carrying capacity. 2. Enter the carrying capacity in the worksheet columns. Do this by multiplying the carrying capacity per month times the AUM. Enter the product in the column for each month. Do this for each type of forage. 3. For hay and silage calculate the total production for the year. You'll feed this as needed. Fig. 1. Areas of Nebraska. I. Panhandle and So uthwest, II. North Central. Ill. South Central. IV. Eastern. E XTE N S IO N SE RVI C E UNIVE RSITY O F NEBRASKA CO LLEGE O F A GRICULTURE COO PERATING WITH T H E U .S . D EPARTM E NT O F A G RI C ULTURE A ND THE COLLEG E O F HOM E ECON O MI CS . E. F. FRO LIK, D EAN ; ..J. L . A DAMS, DIRECTOR 4. Now add the carrying capacity columns for each month and enter the total in the last line on the worksheet (total AUM's available). This will give you the total AUM of grazing forage available. To calculate the AUM of forage your livestock need: 1. Enter the number of each kind of livestock that you have under "Number." 2. Multiply the number of livestock by the "Animal Unit Factor" (first column), and then insert the product under "Animal Units" and also for each appropr iate month. 3. Total your "Animal Unit" column and you will have the total amount of AUM forage needed. You may find that surp luses and shortages exist. These problems can be adjusted by changing your livestock numbers or forage acreages. In many cases, using new forage crops will fill in when you're short on feed and will complement your major forage resources. Choose crops that will supply feed when you need it- then plan to use this in your management program. Using Grazing Resources Cool-Season Grasses Cool -season grasses grow mostly during the early summer (April, May and June). About 80% of the annual production of vegetative growth of the cool -season grasses is made during the early summer. Dormancy during mid-summer restricts the use of these grasses. A look at the bromegrass and Kentucky bluegrass fields in July and August demonstrates this point. Some growth is made again each fa II when cool temperatures and moisture return. Warm-Season Grasses These are the grasses that grow tall during the warm summer months. To maximize their use you will want to delay turn-on until June and finish grazing by mid-September. IViost all of the group are called "natives." If over-grazed and abused, these grasses soon become unproductive. Each of these grasses has a best time for use. For example: Given a choice amo ng the big bluestems, indiangrass and switchgrass in mid-June, trial steers preferred switchgrass. Given a choice in late July, the steers preferred indiangrass and big bluestem. If you have switchgrass in your pasture mixtures, your turn-on date should be earlier than on pastures that have only bluestems and indiangrass. Sorghums Within this group are the popular sudangrasses, sorghum sudangrass crosses and hybrids and forage sorghums. There are many types, kinds and varieties available. Some concern must be given to the lag between seeding and use- about six weeks. Also, concern must be given to prussic acid and nitrate contents whenever dry weather or frost restricts plant growth. Small Grains Emphasis among the small grains (wheat, oats, rye and bar ley) has been toward grain production. However, additional pasture can be produced using these small grains. In Nebra ska excellent grazing can be produced in wheat, oats, rye and barley. Examples of innovative use of small grains for pasture by Nebraska farmers and ranchers are numerous. Excellent fall pasture combinations of oats and corn stubble, or acreages of fa II and spring rye are used for grazing in October, November, March and April. Stubble Land Corn and milo stubble have proven to be valuab le grazing and can comp lement the farm and ranch unit by adding to the feed resources for livestock . Corn and sorghum stubble are resources that can be used more extensively. In some instances, chopping these crop residues · for shucklage or silage will increase the amount of low cost feed for beef cows. Remember that many of these types of feeds are low in protein and need supplementation for a balanced ration. Management of Livestock and Forage Crops Balanced programs are complex. They involve the major forage crop resources on your farm and ranch. Any changes made shou ld complement what is available and in general use. In many cases sma ll changes in management can increase your carrying capacity and provide a balanced feed program through forage crops. The details of each step shou ld be carefully planned. T Fertilizers can be profitable. Using 100 pounds of nitrogen (plus phosphorus based on soil taken) for cool-season grasses can double carrying capacity. Fertilize these cool-season grasses in the fall or spring. In regions getting 20 inches or more of rainfall, use of fertilizer on warm-season prairie grasses is recommended. Timely application during the first week of June with 40-60 lb . of nitrogen (plus phosphorus based on soil test) can double carrying capacity. Rotational grazing will increase the productivity of grasslands by letting them recover and regrow after they have been used. Rotation and different grazing systems need not be elaborate. The schedule should take advantage of each grazing resource for peak production. Weed control is also essential for better pastures. Check with your County Agent for current recommendations for chemicals. Weeds usually occur in over-grazed pastures and must be eliminated for maximum production. Renovation and replanting are frequently necessary in grasslands that have been seriously over-grazed. Of course, in developing new pasture you can select the improved varieties of grasses. Use certified seed. Check with your County Agent or Soi I Conservation Service technician for help and latest recommendations. There may be government programs that can be of help in reseeding, restoration or developing new grass seedings. Your Farm and Ranch Forage Calendar for Eastern Nebraska Total animal unit KIN D OF FORAGE Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. months (AUM) available/acre Pasture Bluegrass .2 .6 .6 .4 .2 2.0 Warm-Season Tall Grass .2 .6 .6 .4 .2 2.0 Warm-Season Mid Grass .2 .4 .4 .2 .2 1.4 Bromegrass .2 .8 .8 .4 .2 2.4 Bromegrass and Alfalfa 1.0 1.0 .6 .4 .6 3.6 Intermediate W hea tgrass .2 .8 .8 .4 .2 2.4 Inter. W heatgrass and Alfalfa 1.0 1.0 .6 .4 .6 3.6 Irrig. Pasture (legumes and grass) 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 13.0 Winter Wheat1 .6 .2 .4 .4 1.6 Spring-Seeded Oats .8 1.6 2.4 Fall-Seeded Oats .8 .8 1.6 Sudangrass & sorghumj sudangrass hybrids 2.0 2.0 .4 4.4 R ye .6 1.0 .4 .4 2.4 Cornstalks2 .3 .3 .7 .7 2.0 Sorghum stubble .2 .2 .5 .5 1.4 Hay and Silage Alfalfa Hay 10.0 Grass Hay 6.0 Silage (corn and sorghum) 18.0 Silage (small grains) 4.0 Other YOUR WORKSH EET T otal need T otal animal unit KIND OF FORAGE Acres AUM Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. ()(:t. Nov. De<. months (AUM) available/acre Total AUM's Available KIND OF An imal Your Livestock FoTagc Needs LIVESTOCK Number AU Factor Units J an. Febr. Mar. Apt·. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. NO\', Dec. Mature cattle 1.0 Yearlings . .7 •. Calves (over 3 mos) .3 Horses and mules 1.0 Ewes .2 Swine .I Total AUM's of forage needed N otes for program change---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 More production can be obtained from wi nter wheat although lower grain yields may rcsull. 2 T his value is for 80 bu./ A. If 120 bu ./ A. was prod uced , usc .3.0 AUM . Your Farm and Ranch Forage Calendar for South-Central Nebraska KIND OF FORAGE Jan. Febr. Jllar. Apr. lllay June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Pasture Warm Season Shortgrass .I .I .I .I Watm Season Mid Grass .2 .2 .2 . I Warm Season Tall Grass .2 .3 .3 .2 .2 Bromegrass1 .4 .4 .2 . I Intermediate wheatgrass1 .4 .4 .2 .I Irrigated Pasture 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 Winter W h eat2 .4 .2 .2 Sudangrass .8 1.2 .4 Cornstalks3 .3 .3 Sorghum stubble .2 .2 Hay and Silage Alfalfa Hay Grass Hay Silage (irriga ted corn and sorghum) O ther YOUR WORKSHEET Total need KIND OF FORAGE Acres AUJ\1 Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. Jllay June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Total AUM's Ava ilable KIND OF Animal Your Livestock Forage Needs LIVESTOCK Number AU Factor Un its Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Mature Cattle 1.0 Yearlings .7 Calves (over 3 mos) .3 Horses and Mu les 1.0 Ewes .2 Swine . I Total AUM's of forage neec eel Notes for program change 1 N itrogen fertili zer on cool-season grasses will increase production. Using 60-80 lb. N/A wi ll essenti ally double carrying c;~pacity. 2 More prod uction can be taken from winter wheat although a reduction in grain yie ld may follow. :tThis is approximately 80 bu./A. IC 120 bu. of corn was produced the total should be 3.0 AUM. 1.0 .2 .7 .5 Nov. Nov. Total animal unit Dec. months (AUJ\1) available/acre .4 .7 1.2 1.1 1.1 13.0 .2 1.2 2.4 .7 2.0 .5 1.4 9,0 4.5 12.0 Total animal unit Dec. rnonths (AUJ\1) availablejacre Dec. Your Farm and Ranch Forage Calendar for the Sandhills and North Central Nebraska Total animal unit KIND OF FORAGE Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. months (AUM) available/acre Pastures Bluegrass .3 .3 .2 .2 1.0 Warm Season Tall Grass .4 .6 .4 .2 1.6 Warm Season Mid Grass .2 .2 .2 .2 .8 Warm Season Shortgrass .1 .1 .l .1 .4 Bromegrass1 .4 .4 .2 .2 1.2 Intermediate Wheatgrass .4 .4 .2 .2 1.2 Irrigated Pasture 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 13.0 Winter Wheat2 .4 .2 .2 .2 1.0 Rye .6 1.0 .2 .4 2.2 Rye and Vetch .2 1.0 .4 .2 .4 2.2 Sudangrass 1.0 1.4 .2 2.6 Cornstalks" .3 .3 .7 .7 2.0 Sorghum stubble .2 .2 .5 .5 1.4 Hay and Silage Subirrigated Hay 3.0 Subirrigated Alfalfa 10.0 Silage (irrigated corn and sorghum) 18.0 Silage (small grains) 4.0 Other YOUR WORKSHEET Total need Total anbnal unit KIND OF FORAGE Acres AU~I Jan. Febr. Mru:. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. months (AUM) available/acre Total AUM's Available KIND OF Animal Your Livestock Forage Needs LIVESTOCK Nwnber AU Factor Units Jan. Febr. i\lar. Apr. ~lay June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Mature qHtle 1.0 . Yearlings .7 Calves (over 3 mos) .3 Horses and mules 1.0 Ewes .2 Swine . I T otal AUM's of forage needed Notes for program change _____ __________________________ _ ___________________ _ 1 N itrogen fertilizer on cool-season grasses wi ll increase productivity. Using 60-80 lb. N I A will essentially double carrying capacity. 2 More production can be taken from winter wheat although a reduction iu grain yie ld m.a y follow. 3 This is for approximately 80 bu ./ A. If 120 bu. of corn was produced the tota l shou ld be 3.0 AUM. Your Farm and Ranch Forage Calendar for the Panhandle and Southwestern Nebraska Total animal unit KIND OF FORAGE Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. months (AUM ) available/acre Pasture Warm Season Midgrass .! .2 .2 .I .6 ·warm Season Shortgrass .I .I .I .I .4 Crested Wheatgrass .I .3 .3 .7 Intermedia te Wheatgrass .4 .4 .8 T all Wheatgrass .3 .5 .8 Irrigated Pasture 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 13.0 Sudangrass .6 .8 .6 2.0 W inter Wheat' .4 .2 .2 .2 1.0 Rye .4 .6 .2 .2 1.4 Corns talks" .3 .3 .7 .7 2.0 Sorghum stubble .2 .2 .5 .6 1.5 Hay and Silage Prairie Hay 2.0 Alfalfa Hay 4.03 Silage (corn and sorghum) 9.03 Silage (small grains) 4.0 Other YOUR WORKSHEET Total need Total animal unit KIND OF FORAGE Acres AUM Jan. Febr. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. months (AU~I) available/acre Total A liM's Ava ilab e KIND OF Anim al Your Livestock Fot·agc Needs LIVESTOCK Number AU Factor Units Jan. Fcbr. Mar. Apr. May June J uly Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Ma Lure cattle 1.0 Yearlings .7 Calves (over 3 mos) .3 Horses and m ules 1.0 Ewes .2 Swine .I Total A liM's of forage needed Notes for program change 1 More pasture can be taken from whea t although a red uction in grai n yie ld may follow. December production is possible in southwestern Nebr. only. 2 T his is approximately 80 bu. corn per acre. If 120 bushe ls was produced the total shou ld be 3.0 AUM. :I If irrigated th is cou ld be 14 AUM for a lfalfa and l6 -20 AUl\>£ fo r corn si lage. 

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EC72-189 Forage Balance Sheets for Nebraska

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