Feeding Low-Quality Forages

Due to drought conditions that have impacted this area since last fall, many livestock producers have limited forage supplies available for this coming winter and in some cases quality of the forage may cause additional challenges. If you haven’t already done so, now would be a good time to inventory feeds, estimate winter feed needs,Continue reading “Feeding Low-Quality Forages”

Winter Cereals for Haying or Grazing

Producers should consider taking advantage of any rains we may receive in the next month to establish a winter cereal for grazing or haying next spring. Based on the results from this study conducted at the NDSU Central Grasslands Research Extension Center in 2020, winter rye was the superior winter cereal for grazing cattle duringContinue reading “Winter Cereals for Haying or Grazing”

Soil Health and Habitat Program

Pheasants Forever has created a new Soil Health and Habitat Program. This program is focused in the prairie pothole region with the goal to rebuild soil organic matter, sequester carbon, increase water infiltration and provide quality wildlife habitat on the least productive cropland acres while simultaneously improving profitability and sustainability. Application sign-up began August 23,Continue reading “Soil Health and Habitat Program”

Test Annual Forages Before Grazing or Feeding

Feed produced during a drought may have higher levels of nitrate than would be safe for livestock consumption. Ruminant animals, such as cattle and sheep, are susceptible to nitrate poisoning because of their digestive process. Nitrate is converted to nitrite in the rumen. When nitrite moves into the blood stream it prevents the blood cellsContinue reading “Test Annual Forages Before Grazing or Feeding”

July 22nd Soil Health Tour

More and more farmers and ranchers are taking action to improve the health of their soil. Producers who use soil health building systems that include practices such as no-till, cover crops, and diverse species rotations have been reporting greater productivity, profitability, and resiliency to weather extremes. Healthy soil also helps protect our soil and waterContinue reading “July 22nd Soil Health Tour”

Annual Forages and Cover Crops for Supplemental Forage Production in 2021

It was already known earlier this spring that we were probably going to see around a 25 percent reduction in forage production this year due to the dry conditions that occurred last fall and if spring moisture remained below normal that there could be significant reductions in forage production for 2021. While recent rains wereContinue reading “Annual Forages and Cover Crops for Supplemental Forage Production in 2021”