James Rogers compares North Dakota's agriculture industry to the one of The Sunshine State.

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.

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.