As people gathered in Punxsutawney, Pa., to see whether the infamous groundhog with the same namesake would see his shadow, hundreds of others attended the CattleFax Outlook Seminar on the main stage

Forage research and extension positions at state universities weren’t getting filled from lack of research funding and budget constraints

The cow-calf industry will always be close to my heart

Though diminutive, the lowly alfalfa seed contains every genetic instruction for that plant to grow into a hearty, deep-rooted perennial legume, capable of multiple harvests, high yields, high persistence,

A flowing river is a symbol for progress and change, and the Colorado River is specifically emblematic of the evolution of Western agriculture. Water from the river shaped and supported crop productio

Bale grazing in the eastern U.S. has its challenges compared to traditional, more Northern regions where the system is used

“The U.S. dollar is having a huge impact on hay exports,” said Scot Courtright at the Western Alfalfa & Forage Symposium earlier this month in Sparks, Nev

Many states lit up the U.S. Drought Monitor in some shade of yellow, orange, or red this past year, especially in parts of the Midwest, the High Plains, and the South

Teff grass is not as well known in the U.S. as other forage grasses

In an ideal world, pastures would always be green with plenty of forage, cattle would never get sick or eat something they weren’t supposed to, and if we’re dreaming big, toxic weeds wouldn’t

One of the core principles of plant breeding is to improve crop genetics so plants are better equipped to survive environmental stress

With haymaking activities ceased on most farms and bales tucked away in sheds or under tarps, attention now turns to machinery maintenance and hay marketing

Despite the fact there is no symbiotic relationship between alfalfa and ruminants, the nutrient composition of alfalfa complements the nutritional needs of ruminant animals surprisingly well

When teaching others to review and interpret forage analyses, the first number that I tend to focus on is fiber content

By and large, forage seed supply for spring plantings looks to be in good shape to support what is expected to be higher demand for new seedings

Forage research from universities and seed companies fuels advancements in the alfalfa industry. This research also lays the foundation for many producer recommendations, but scientific experime

Whether you are adjusting soil pH for a new alfalfa seeding, adding maintenance fertilizer to a mixed stand, or giving an old pasture a boost of nutrients, getting a soil test is probably on the to-do

Water bodies not subject to external forces remain calm and level. This is true of a lake or mud puddle; however, when impacted by forces such as wind, the normally quiescent waters become rough

Cows don’t necessarily need alfalfa or corn silage — they need energy, fiber, and protein. Forages with greater concentrations of these nutrients are ultimately more valuable to animals; however

It's the new “sexy” forage, also known as the cocktail mix; it’s mysterious, unknown, and risky