Resources for Producers Affected by the Recent Wildfires

Many producers across western Nebraska are facing the same difficult question: our pasture has burned—what do we do now?

Feeding livestock is never simple, and without summer grass, the challenge can feel overwhelming. Feed costs, labor, time, and available space all quickly become limiting factors when traditional grazing acres are no longer an option.

The good news—while every situation is different, this isn’t unfamiliar territory. Across the Plains, producers and industry experts have navigated similar challenges before. With their input, practical solutions are emerging to help guide decisions in the weeks and months ahead.

The Cottonwood Fire alone burned more than 130,000 acres of rangeland in central Nebraska—much of it summer pasture. That leaves many operations searching for immediate feed options while also thinking long-term about land recovery. Understanding both sides—livestock needs and land management—is key to making the best decisions moving forward.

Cover Crops as a Feed Resource

Cover crops are often thought of as a soil health tool—but in situations like this, they can also become a valuable forage option.

That said, they require management. As Rich Russell of Star and Arrow Seed puts it: “Intensive management can only help you.”

In other words, success with cover crops isn’t as simple as turning cattle out and walking away. A well-planned mix can provide both immediate and extended grazing opportunities. Blends that include legumes and brassicas, for example, offer staggered growth—giving cattle early feed while building toward higher nutritional value later in the season.

Building on that, Matt Metzger of Millborn Seeds emphasizes the importance of establishment: “You need a crop that can keep up with the cattle.”

Giving cover crops time to establish before grazing creates a stronger stand and helps prevent overgrazing early on. Diverse mixes also allow for regrowth, extending grazing windows compared to single-species plantings.

Timing, Rotation & Grazing Management

Management doesn’t stop at planting—it plays a major role in how long and how effectively those acres can be grazed.

With adequate moisture, cool-season mixes can typically be grazed 45–60 days after planting. Metzger recommends waiting until the crop reaches boot to knee height before turning cattle out. Under irrigation, that timeline can tighten.

Rotational grazing becomes critical here. By managing grazing pressure, producers can stretch available forage and improve regrowth potential. “The management practices can make a big difference”, Russell explains, “whether it’s water placement, division fences; the more we can rotationally graze, the better the forage recovers.”

Alongside forage management, cattle performance needs to stay top of mind. Monitoring body condition and nutrition plays a direct role in herd success. As Randy Burge, DVM at Eastside Animal Center, notes, “Cattle condition and mineral sources can be big determinants in your conception.”

Nutrition and safety considerations also come into play. Diverse cover crop blends help reduce risks like nitrate accumulation, since cattle typically graze the upper portions of the plant while nitrates concentrate lower in the stalk. When in doubt, a simple forage test can provide clarity and peace of mind.

Mineral supplementation is another key piece of the puzzle—especially when transitioning cattle onto lush, rapidly growing forage. Burge emphasizes, “Feeding a Hi-Mag mineral is a must when you’re grazing a lush green field. Especially when cows are coming from a dry lot or hay diet, grass tetany is a big concern.” He adds that intake can be encouraged if needed: “If cows aren’t consuming it well, adding distillers or molasses can help incentivize intake.”

As temperatures begin to rise, additional management becomes critical. Burge advises making sure cattle have a dry hay source alongside fresh grazing can help stabilize digestion, while consistent and ample water intake becomes even more important as heat stress increases.

“Starting with something like oats that come up quickly, then brassicas follow behind for added nutrition can add a lot of value to a grazing program”, Jacob Rosse said, of Farmacy Seed & Chemical. “Then, in mid-June, cattle either need to move to a warm-season field or come off for a few weeks to let that next mix establish.”

This phased approach helps producers stay ahead of both forage demand and crop development. However, with cattle often confined to smaller paddocks during intensive grazing, herd health monitoring becomes even more important. Burge cautions, “Cattle in smaller paddocks are at higher risk for disease spread, so it’s important to check them regularly and stay in close communication with your veterinarian.”

Ultimately, flexibility is key. “The door is wide open”, as Metzger puts it, “there’s no limit to the options. We can grow feed that meets nutritional needs and still leave the field in good shape for next year.”

Additional Considerations

Before planting, one critical step is reviewing past herbicide applications. With the majority of Nebraska having an extremely dry winter, residual herbicides may still be active and could impact cover crop establishment. Consulting with an agronomist or crop advisor can help avoid struggling to get a cover crop established.

Pasture Recovery

While cover crops can help fill the short-term feed gap, pasture recovery is a longer process—and patience is essential.

“The pasture will recover on its own, given time,” Russell said—but not without proper management.

Some areas may benefit from interseeding, especially where stands are thin or through areas that were disked during the fire. However, the biggest factor in recovery is often rest.

Even if grasses begin to green up, native species need time to fully reestablish. Grazing too early can do more harm than good.

Metzger explained, “If you take advantage of that first flush of green, you might get by this year—but you open the door for invasive species, weed pressure and cheatgrass that can create problems for years to come.”

Allowing pastures adequate recovery time helps rebuild root systems, improve long-term productivity, and protect against future challenges.

Moving Forward

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—but there are options. Between cover crops, grazing management, and pasture recovery strategies, producers have tools to navigate this situation. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

The team at Farmacy Seed & Chemical is here to help—whether that’s answering questions or connecting you with the right resources. Additional support can come from livestock nutritionists, your local FSA office, and NRCS programs.

In a situation like this, the goal isn’t just getting through the season—it’s setting your operation up for success in the years ahead.