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

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 production may be impacted.

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

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

Monitoring pastures in the fall is critical to spring forage production.

Cool temperatures and other fall stressors can lead to the development of prussic acid or accumulation of nitrates in sorghum forages.

The best forage species will vary based on the primary planned use.

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

National Forage Week is June 19-25.

Blister beetles are attracted to blooming alfalfa and weeds.

The best practice for alfalfa weevil management is scouting.

NDSU Extension specialists offer tips for planning annual forage crops.

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

With proper considerations for nutrient content and stocking rate, corn residue can extend the grazing season.

Extension livestock specialists urge producers to consider grazing management and potential plant and animal health implications when grazing certain forages this time of year.

Moisture content at baling is the main factor in determining bale preservation and nutrient content over time.

Monitoring pastures will be critical if dry conditions persist.

High temperatures combined with adequate moisture can impact plant metabolism and cause nitrate to build up in plants.

Hay that has been rained on will suffer dry matter losses, losses in energy content and tends to have a bleached color with a loss of soluble vitamin content.

Participants will view research trials and receive current production information.

Following best practices helps ranchers capture and maintain forage quality.

James Rogers is the new NDSU Extension forage crops production specialist based at the NCREC near Minot.

It is important to not graze alfalfa or alfalfa-grass stands too short.

Establishing a winter cereal for grazing next spring will allow producers to delay pasture turnout, giving drought-stressed pastures more time to recover.

Research indicates that soybean forage should not make up more than 50% of the total diet.

Crop producers may be able to recoup some production costs by harvesting this year’s corn crop as silage.

Producers have several alternative methods to harvesting drought-stressed corn .

If corn for silage is sold standing in the field, producers need to know how to determine a fair price for the standing crop.

Drought is impacting this year’s hay production, forcing livestock producers to find other sources of feed.

The drought is increasing the risk of baler fires this year.