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.

Several management steps can help mitigate risks of feeding frost-damaged forages to livestock.

The two factors that will influence forage production in 2023 are April through June precipitation and grazing management in 2022.

NDSU Extension specialists offer tips for planning annual forage crops.

The best practice for alfalfa weevil management is scouting.

Blister beetles are attracted to blooming alfalfa and weeds.

National Forage Week is June 19-25.

Proper curing and testing of hay containing sweet clover, as well as proper feeding management, can overcome potential issues.