Producers need to understand the potential risks of nitrate toxicity.

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

Some forage may be low in nutritional value and high in nitrate.

Producers should test forage before feeding it to their livestock.

Choosing a date for the hay harvest depends on many factors.

Weigh the risk of winter injury against the need for forage when deciding whether to harvest alfalfa in the fall.

NDSU’s dairy specialist offers advice on using frost-damaged corn for silage.

Producers have options for using unharvested corn.

Corn residue can be a good option for extending the grazing season, but too much grain can cause digestive upsets and other health issues.

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