Allow at least a week for plants to reduce nitrate accumulation before grazing or haying.

Farmers in areas experiencing dry conditions and low soil moisture should implement a grazing management strategy.

Dry weather brings about many factors to manage, including water, nitrates, silage and forage.

In spite of predictions for a warmer and drier spring, ranchers should prepare for potential impacts to spring turnout.

Regardless of spring conditions, have a drought plan in place.

If plants were well established prior to the onset of winter and had the opportunity to harden and tiller, chances of survival are very good, but forage ...

Grazing too early will reduce plant vigor, thin existing stands, lower total forage production, and increase disease, insect and weed infestations.

The rapid maturation of winter rye makes the timing of harvest critical to ensure optimum nutrient content for livestock.

Winter cereals provide excellent forage for livestock either for grazing or to be hayed for roughage.

Ideally, alfalfa needs 500 growing degree days, or five to six weeks, before a killing frost to allow enough time for carbohydrate storage to occur.