Pasture Management and Leasing Strategies

Allan Vyhnalek, Nebraska Extension Educator Emeritus, shares valuable insights on pasture management issues and pasture leasing. Though it does not cover every possible situation, it offers a starting point to help landlords and tenants navigate challenges effectively. Some of the topics Vyhnalek covers in this video are listed below. Pasture Lease Management Vyhnalek emphasizes the importance of discussing potential challenges such as fire, drought, and hail with the landlord before entering a lease. He encourages open communication to ensure both parties are prepared for unexpected situations. Fencing Vyhnalek explains that fencing is generally assumed to be in good condition at the start of a pasture lease. The tenant is then responsible for maintaining the fence, while the landlord typically provides materials like posts and wire. He also touches on changes to the Nebraska fence law, which now requires disputes to be settled in court rather than with township trustees. Reed and Tree Management Tenants are usually responsible for controlling noxious weeds, while landlords handle tree control. Vyhnalek advises getting ahead of tree growth, as controlling smaller trees is both easier and more cost-effective. He also mentions that there are resources available on how to handle various tree species, such as Eastern Red Cedars. Fertilizer Use Vyhnalek notes that fertilizer is typically discussed in Eastern Nebraska, and it's usually the tenant's expense. The timing of fertilizer application may vary depending on whether the pasture is cool or warm season. He recommends checking with local experts for proper timing in your area. Additional resource: Fertilizing Pasture: Is It Worth It in Today's Economic Conditions? (April 27, 2023 webinar recording) For more land and leasing resources, visit cap.unl.edu/land.