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Blister beetles have made their appearance in North Dakota and are feeding on alfalfa fields. "The name 'blister beetle' stems from a naturally occurring toxin called cantharidin produced by the beetle that causes blistering of skin when the beetle is crushed and the toxin is released," says James Rogers, Extension forage crops production specialist at North Dakota State University's North Central Research Extension Center. Adult blister beetles are attracted to blooming alfalfa fields and...
The Food and Drug Administration is changing guidance for using implants in beef cattle after June 2023. Implants for beef cattle are placed under the skin of the ear and promote growth and improve feed efficiency. "The new guidance from the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine redefines beef cattle's production phases, which will affect the label claims of existing and new drugs," says Zac Carlson, North Dakota State University Extension beef cattle specialist. "This affects implants for beef...
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a disease carried by wild birds and affects domestic birds. Avian influenza is caused by the influenza Type A virus (influenza A). The virus is shed in the feces and respiratory secretions of infected birds and is able to survive for weeks in cool, damp environments. While the transmission rate from animals to humans is low, it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be shared between species. There have been several detected cases in wild mammals,...
The North Dakota 4-H Foundation recognized its 4-H Hall of Fame inductee and five North Dakota 4-H Century Families during its Awards and Donor Recognition Luncheon in Bismarck March 28. "We're glad to recognize these 2022 honorees after a December blizzard postponed this recognition," said Deb Clarys, North Dakota 4-H Foundation chair from Center, ND. "These honorees represent the best of long-term service to North Dakota 4-H." Dean Aakre, recently retired North Dakota 4-H activities...
This year's long winter and late spring have eaten into livestock hay supplies. "North Dakota ranchers will need another good year of hay production to restore what was fed during this winter and build a cushion for future hay demands created by environmental conditions," says James Rogers, North Dakota State University Extension forage specialist. NDSU Extension specialists recommend several annual forage crops that will produce a quality hay product that can meet nutritional needs of many...
Youth will be able to learn about safe farm and ranch practices during three statewide Farm Safety Camps that North Dakota State University Extension is hosting this year. Camping dates and location are: - May 23-25, Williston State College Campus, Williston - May 30- June 1, NDSU Campus, Fargo - June 26-28, Bismarck State College Campus, Bismarck The camps cover the basics of safe tractor and machinery operation, general farm hazards, livestock handling, use of personal protective equipment,...
Ranchers should make plans for moving feed and livestock to higher ground before flooding this spring, according to North Dakota State University Extension specialists. The latest flood forecast shows a high probability of moderate to major spring flooding along the Red River Basin, as well as minor to moderate flooding potential along portions of the Souris River. In addition to riverine flooding, there is the potential for overland flooding due to snowpack across the state. The risk of...
Flooding is expected in some rural areas,” says Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension agricultural engineer. “Now is the time to prepare before water accumulates on the farmstead. Observe where water flows and ponds during the snow melt and consider what needs to be done to reduce future problems.” The National Weather Service shows the snow water content across much of North Dakota to be 4 to 6 inches. Even with the drought conditions across the state last fall, water ponding and runoff are expected. The snow water equiv...
North Dakota State University Extension's Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) Program began 20 years ago to develop agricultural and community leaders. This year, RLND is looking for participants for Class X, which begins in November. "Rural Leadership North Dakota is the premier statewide leadership program in North Dakota," says Katie Tyler, NDSU RLND program director. "If you are seeking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn more about yourself, the state, country and world to help move...
Sunflower producers, crop advisers and others interested in sunflower production management updates are encouraged to participate in the 2023 Getting-it-Right in Sunflower Production Conference on Tuesday, March 21 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. This online-only conference will be hosted on Zoom. The program will be conducted by North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension and is supported by the National Sunflower Association. The conference is free to attend, but pre-registration is required at...
North Dakota State University Extension will offer the "2023 Getting It Right Canola Production" webinar on Thursday, March 9. The Zoom webinar begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at noon CST. Certified Crop Advisor Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available. The conference will consist of two parts. The first half features live presentations about canola cultivar considerations, plant establishment and plant development, weed management, fertilizer recommendations, and intercropping in canola....
Soil samples from North Dakota counties indicate low levels of overwintering wheat midge larvae (cocoons) for the 2023 season, says Janet Knodel, North Dakota State University Extension entomologist. A total of 2,040 soil cores were collected from 22 counties in the fall of 2022 to estimate the statewide risk for wheat midge for the 2023 spring wheat growing season. The risk for wheat midge is based on unparasitized cocoons found in the soil samples. "The majority of the soil samples had zero...
The North Dakota State University Extension projected crop budgets for 2023 are available for the state’s farmers, says Ron Haugen, NDSU Extension farm management specialist. The 2023 projected profits vary by region and crop. “The budgets are guides for large multi-county regions,” says Haugen. “Returns and costs can vary considerably between producers within a region. Also, the budgets estimate returns to labor and management with no consideration of price and yield variability or risk. A perfect comparison of crops is not achieved because...
As spring approaches, backyard poultry owners and educators may be preparing for hatching season, which also means taking precautions against the spread of disease. "Even in a small and controlled environment, biosecurity threats are present," says Samantha Lahman, North Dakota State University Extension 4-H youth development specialist in animal science. "It is important that those working with poultry are prepared to keep these newly hatched birds and the people in contact with them healthy."...
Extreme cold temperatures throughout the winter months can cause challenges to hydraulic hose lines in tractors and machinery. "The temperature of a piece of machinery can fluctuate from -20º F to 200º F in a matter of minutes," says Angie Johnson, North Dakota State University Extension farm and ranch safety coordinator. "The hydraulic hoses on tractors and implements used in the winter months must be in prime condition to withstand the extreme temperature changes we face in the Northern P...
North Dakota State University Extension again will host the Field to Fork Wednesday Weekly Webinar series starting in February. Experts from across the region will provide information about growing, preserving and preparing specialty-crop fruits and vegetables safely in this eighth annual webinar series, which has reached thousands of people. The Field to Fork Wednesday Weekly Webinars will begin Feb. 15. The webinars will be held online from 2-3 p.m. Central time Wednesdays through April 26. They also will be archived for later viewing;...
Ranchers in North Dakota have been observing calves showing signs of coccidiosis this fall and winter, according to Gerald Stokka, North Dakota State University Extension’s veterinarian. Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease that affects several different animal species. In cattle, it may produce clinical symptoms in animals from 1 month to 1 year of age, but it can infect all age groups. Coccidia is a protozoan parasite that has the ability to multiply rapidly and cause clinical disease. “Coccidia are very host-specific; that is, only cat...
All living things require nutrients for survival. The most basic of these are protein, energy, vitamins, minerals and water. Testing forage and feed for nutrient quality helps ranchers ensure they are meeting nutrient requirements for optimum beef cattle performance. “Compared to a human, a beef cow needs to be supplied with a massive amount of nutrients daily to meet requirements for movement, fetal growth, temperature maintenance, digestion, milk production and other functions,” says James Rogers, North Dakota State University Extension for...
A North Dakota State University study showed that some kochia populations in western North Dakota likely have developed resistance to commonly used preplant burndown herbicides. For many years, no-till farmers have used Aim (carfentrazone) and Sharpen (saflufenacil) either just prior to planting or after planting to control emerged kochia and other annual weeds. "Kochia has been difficult to control during the prolonged drought of the past several years," says Brian Jenks, weed scientist at the...
Grazing corn stalks is one way for farmers and ranchers to reduce the cost of wintering beef cows. However, "grazing corn stalks" is a bit misleading, as cattle shouldn't be forced to graze the stalk of the corn plant, say North Dakota State University Extension specialists. "The components of the corn plant remaining postharvest include the stalk, leaf, husk, cob and any downed ears," says Zac Carlson, NDSU Extension beef cattle specialist. "The components with the greatest nutritive value are...
Row crop harvest is in full swing across North Dakota, with many crops near harvest completion. Weather conditions have been warm and dry, allowing producers to harvest crops without the pressure to get the grains harvested before winter arrives. However, dry and warm conditions increase the risk of combine fires, especially when harvesting sunflowers. In 2022, North Dakota saw a huge increase in planted sunflower acres, with the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) stating that oil...
Warm, dry weather can result in soybeans being too dry at harvest. "The soybeans lose weight and become brittle, increasing the potential for handling damage when they are too dry," North Dakota State University Extension agricultural engineer Ken Hellevang says. "Also, producers lose money at lower moisture contents." Farmers may want to condition soybeans that were harvested at lower moisture contents to bring the moisture content up to the market standard of 13%. On a 40 bushel-per-acre...
Harvested forages are a critical component of winter feeding programs for many of North Dakota's cattle herds. "Conducting a hay inventory now will give producers a good idea of possible deficiencies and allow time to develop the best options for the upcoming feeding season," says Janna Block, North Dakota State University Extension livestock systems specialist based at the Hettinger Research Extension Center. The first step is to get an accurate count or measurement of bales harvested. Bales...
The North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association will host their annual convention on Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Roughrider Hotel, Medora. On Friday, the event starts with golfing at the Bully Pulpit at 10 a.m. The speed shearing contest beginning at 5 p.m. will feature shearers and provide unique entertainment for the crowd. Events will continue as attendees return to the Roughrider Hotel. The American Lamb social sponsored by Double J Lamb begins at 6:30 p.m. and will...
With a recent positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in North Dakota, North Dakota State University Extension specialists continue to encourage biosecurity practices for bird owners of all sizes and around wild birds. "While we hoped there would not be a resurgence of HPAI this fall, we knew this was a possibility," says Gerald Stokka, NDSU Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist. "We encourage poultry owners of all sizes to continue biosecurity measures...
