Fertilizer can be a critical piece in the forage production puzzle whether it is applied during stand establishment, after a hay harvest, or as a maintenance application. Although fertilizer costs had

Extension specialists from North Dakota State University (NDSU) encourage farmers who plan to bale graze during late fall and winter to begin placing bales where they will be needed. Moving bales from

It seems drought has dominated the agricultural news feed for several years. Extended dry weather can dramatically reduce hay yields, but wet weather or simply baling hay that is too high in moisture

As we enter the second half of summer, relief may be on the way for cool-season forages as temperatures start to favor plant growth again in some regions. Even with cooler weather in the extended fore

Whether dry conditions deter forage growth or rainfall shortens the harvest window, farmers may have a hay crop that is lower in yield or quality than they anticipated this year

Simple fact: Many farmers pull the trigger too early on drought-challenged corn for silage and either chop the immature plants or disk them under

A dry start to the growing season made for smooth sailing as many hay producers cut forage without worrying their crop would be rained on

The summer slump has likely struck in pastures or hayfields with cool-season forage species

Forage regrowth after a hay harvest tends to be rather uniform considering the cut height was the same across the stand

Although it takes a little time and investment, ammoniating low-quality hay, cornstalks, or straw can help improve its protein content and digestibility

Although it doesn’t necessarily have to rain for one to take a rain check, the figure of speech implies a change of plans

Photo: University of MinnesotaWith a historically dry start to the summer, farmers would probably appreciate any form of rain in their forage stands

Farming is a game of Plan B’s as often Plan A needs to be scrapped because of weather or other uncontrollable events

Potato leafhoppers have maintained a low profile so far this year, but they may soon make their presence known

The second cutting of alfalfa may be underway for some farmers and is fast approaching for others

The positive and negative characteristics of tall fescue are two sides of the same coin

A buzzing fly is a bother, but a biting fly is a bully. Horn flies meet the latter description for many grazing operations, and these prolific pests can have a significant impact on animal health

There are lots of insects that cause alfalfa plant damage and yield loss

Some considerations for storing silage include packing density, excluding oxygen, and applying inoculants. Silage must achieve a specific pH to undergo proper fermentation and maintain forage quality

Water quantity may be top of mind as drought conditions persist across a large part of the country, but water quality issues deserve attention as well