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Harvest timing and soybean moisture content can have a huge impact on soybean shatter losses, according to North Dakota State University Extension agricultural engineer Ken Hellevang.“There is considerable variation this year due to the challenging spring, variation in rainfall, planting date, maturity rating and growing degree days, so it is important to check each field,” says Hellevang. “There may also be considerable variation within a field.” Soybean moisture content in the field will fluctuate depending on drying conditions and air hum...
Despite the heat of summer, many ranchers are thinking ahead to fall and preparing to winter their cowherds. The first cutting of hay has been completed in many areas and ranchers are moving bales from the field to the lot for storage until they are fed. This period of bale transport is a great time to set up areas for bale grazing, say North Dakota State University Extension specialists. "Moving bales from the field straight to the area where they will be fed saves an extra step in bale...
Whether farms have cattle, horses, sheep or goats, summer management of the winter-feeding area is important. “Most of the management in your winter-feeding area begins with manure,” says Mary Keena, NDSU Extension livestock environmental management specialist. “That is true whether your winter-feeding area is corrals or a specific area of a field that you now feed on.” While summer tasks and activities often take precedence this time of year, Keena urges ranchers to look back on what went wrong last winter and take note of what needs maintenan...
Drought conditions in portions of North Dakota are forcing some farmers and ranchers to consider their options, according to North Dakota State University Extension specialists. Currently 30% of the state is experiencing some level of drought with several counties in northern North Dakota experiencing severe drought (D2). Producers in these areas are experiencing below normal forage production and poor pasture conditions. “Drought-affected pastures and native ranges generally do not produce adequate forage to maintain normal stocking r...
Anthrax continues to be a concern for cattle producers in North Dakota. Several more cases of anthrax in cattle have been confirmed in southwestern North Dakota. "This is a reminder to our cattle producers that the threat of anthrax is present," says Gerald Stokka, North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian. "It appears that during times of high rainfall or very dry conditions, the spores are uncovered and cattle are at risk of infection." Anthrax is a disease in cattle caused by...
The North Dakota State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE) is seeking public input on needs in the state. SBARE provides the North Dakota legislature and governor with recommendations on how the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and North Dakota State University Extension can address critical state needs and ensure that the state's investments on behalf of North Dakota citizens will yield great long-term dividends. The input will help shape SBARE's recommendations...
Another challenging year for spring moisture has created a deficit in hay production across much of the Dakotas and Minnesota, leaving ranchers to consider options to increase their forage supply. Lack of rainfall from mid-May to mid-June impacted forage production of perennial grass hay fields such as brome grass, crested wheatgrass, timothy and orchardgrass. State-wide reports have indicated as much as a 40% decline in hay production compared to the previous year. "Recent precipitation may...
Field days at North Dakota State University's (NDSU) Williston Research Extension Center (WREC) are set for July 12 and 13. NDSU research scientists will highlight their work. Greg Lardy, NDSU vice president for agricultural affairs, will attend the field day. The annual dryland agronomy and horticulture field day will be held Wednesday, July 12, at the WREC, 4.5 miles west of Williston on U.S. Highway 2. The event begins with registration at 3 p.m. Central time. The dryland crops tour starts...
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...
