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Rows of cut hay in a field ready for bailing.

Register today for SD Winter Forage Meeting

February 21, 2023

Registration is open for the South Dakota Winter Forage Meeting Feb. 28 in Madison, South Dakota.

Northern Plains Forage Association Logo

Northern Plains Forage Association hosting free meetings during Central Plains Dairy Expo

March 13, 2023

The Northern Plains Forage Association informational meeting is from 2 to 3 p.m. March 29 and 30 during the Central Plains Dairy Expo at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Sectioned field of rye

Join SDSU Extension for two days of rye production, usage training

January 30, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension will host two days of Rye Production and Utilization Workshops on Feb. 15-16 in two South Dakota communities.

Northern Plains Forage Association Logo

New Forage Association to Host Kick-Off Meeting in January

January 25, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is proud to announce that the newly formed Northern Plains Forage Association will hold its first formal meeting this month during the Sioux Falls Farm Show.

A herd of cattle grazing near a pond on an open range.

Nitrates and Livestock Water Quality

Nitrate poisoning is something we think about with forages such as millet, oats, corn, sorghum, sudan, kochia and others that have been fertilized or if there is a drought, but water can also be a contributing factor.

Pea shoots growing in a seed flat.

Growing Microgreens at Home

The fall through early spring season can provide an opportunity to grow certain food indoors. Growing microgreens can be an excellent way to add nutritious, fresh vegetables to your diet without taking up a lot of space in your home.

Freshly cut hay in a field.

Determining Hay Prices

Before pricing forages, producers will want to have a good understanding about the cost of growing a ton of hay, alfalfa or straw.

A green front-end-loader pulling a hay mower with a flushing bar.

Haying With Wildlife in Mind

Anyone who has spent time cutting hay knows that hayland can be a magnet for wildlife in late spring and early summer. Hay fields are often considered an “ecological trap” for wildlife; that is, they appear to be high quality habitat for nesting or feeding due to tall, dense grass and legumes, but often lead to increased mortality once harvesting is under way.

A sprawling green field of field pea plantings

Field Pea Variety Trial Results

In 2023, field pea trials were planted at different locations in South Dakota.

A large pile of silage on a farm lot.

High-Quality Silage Making & Safe Practices: Both are necessities

Throughout the forage growing season many producers are putting up silage piles. To this point they have been predominately forages such as haylage or small grain silage; however, we will soon be moving into corn silage cutting season.