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Temperatures are trending down across the Northern Plains and will fluctuate up and down as we head closer to winter. These temperature fluctuations cause stress on sorghum plants, which can lead to toxicity issues for livestock. "The sorghum family of plants contains hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid) attached to a molecule of dhurrin," says James Rogers, North Dakota State University Extension forage systems specialist. "The dhurrin molecule releases prussic acid when the plant is stressed....
Monitoring grazing use in the fall has the potential to significantly impact 2024 forage production. North Dakota State University Extension has found that heavy grazing use in the fall can reduce forage production the following growing season by over 50%. "As we transition into fall, it can be tempting to keep cattle on pasture longer to stretch feed resources," says Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. "However, this decision can have long-term...
A sump pump is the first line of defense for many homeowners to prevent water from seeping into the basement. "Last summer and fall were dry, so many sump pumps probably haven't run for a long time," says North Dakota State University Extension agricultural engineer Tom Scherer. "However, as the snow starts melting this spring, homeowners should check their sump pump to make sure it works properly, and if it has some age on it, have a backup ready in case it quits. As the snow melts, some water...
For ranchers on a fall weaning schedule, considering factors that impact calf health and wellbeing can help prevent calf loss, according to Dr. Gerald Stokka, North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian-livestock stewardship. One factor is changing weather conditions. In the Northern Plains, cold rain, snow and mud can be a significant stressor to animal well-being. "If inclement weather is forecast, the best choice is to not wean but to provide for extra feeding for both cow and calf...
The guides are an important source of information for farmers and agronomists looking for data on variety performance. The 2022 North Dakota State University variety trial results and selection guides for hard red spring wheat (A574), durum (A1067) and barley-oat-rye (A1049) are now available online. They can all be accessed at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/varietytrials/variety-trial-results. "These guides are an important source of information for farmers and agronomists looking for data on variety...
Feed costs are always a concern for cattle producers, but 2022 to 2023 numbers have shown some of the highest feed costs in over a decade. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture feed price index, overall feed prices for feed, livestock and poultry are up 26.6% from September 2020 through September 2022. "Feed costs are only part of the equation when it comes to backgrounding, however," says Bryon Parmon, North Dakota State University Extension agriculture finance specialist....
April blizzards may bring May flowers, but blizzards can also cause newborn calves and other livestock to become smothered, trampled and die due to the conditions created by adverse weather. These death losses can create an emotional and financial burden for livestock producers. North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension specialists encourage ranchers to inquire about the Livestock Indemnity Program provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). "The...
Following a cooler-than-normal spring 2022 and the 2021 drought, ranchers should expect a delay in grass development and growth this spring. "Air temperature is the main environmental factor that determines the rate of grass development," says Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. "Each leaf produced on a stem requires a specific amount of accumulated heat, or heat units. The temperature when plants initiate development, or the...
Drought conditions across North Dakota have created major issues for livestock and crop producers. Many are facing poor grazing conditions, reduced hay production, limited stored forages and anticipated poor grain yields. Producers have begun harvesting corn for forage instead of grain. Drought-stressed corn will vary in forage quality based on grain fill, plant height and maturity across fields. Limited grain fill means the forage will contain less starch, greater crude protein and fiber with...
North Dakota State University is offering a series of workshops for gardeners. A team of 12 university experts will present information on timely topics in gardening and landscaping. The Spring Fever Garden Forums will be held on Monday nights in April (April 4, 11, 18 and 25). Sessions run from 6:30 to 8:45 pm CDT. “All gardeners are invited to attend our forums,” states Marcia Hellandsaas, NDSU Extension Agent/McKenzie County. “It is a great opportunity to learn of gardening trends and see the latest research from NDSU.” Experts will share i...
A series of producer meetings entitled “Cropping Decisions 2016: Putting the Profit Back in Your Crop” have been scheduled for December 7-11 across northwest North Dakota. The NDSU Extension Service in McKenzie County will be hosting one of these meetings at the Cartwright Hall in Cartwright on Thur., Dec. 10th at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. The “Cropping Decisions” meeting series is designed to cover a variety of agronomic, management, and market issues that could be of concern to producers in the 2016 growing season. The meetings will begin w...
Abortions can be a major concern for cattle producers. An “abortion” is the discharge of the fetus prior to the end of the normal gestation period, according to Gerald Stokka, North Dakota State University Extension Service veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist. Many abortions occur in the first 45 days of conception (called early embryonic death), and the embryos or fetuses are so small that they may not be seen. Other abortions may occur near normal calving time, and determining whether the cow has aborted or given birth premature...
Only 7 percent of soil samples show a moderate to high risk for wheat midge infestation. Soil samples in North Dakota indicate decreased levels of overwintering wheat midge larvae (cocoons) for the 2015 season, according to Janet Knodel, North Dakota State University Extension Service entomologist. A total of 196 soil samples were collected from 21 counties in the fall of 2014 to estimate the regional risk for wheat midge. The distribution of wheat midge in 2015 is based on unparasitized...
Canola can be an alternative feed for livestock, but producers need to be aware of the challenges. Drought-challenged dairy producers facing forage shortages may be able to feed their cows canola and related crops, provided they take certain precautions. “Recent rains were spotty, and encroaching drought in North Dakota has livestock producers scrambling for much-needed forage,” says J.W. Schroeder, North Dakota State University Extension Service dairy specialist. “Dairy managers are particularly concerned about feed shortages because they...
