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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....
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...
