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Straw Itch Mites
Straw itch mites, also known as hay mites or grain mites, can be a major problem when present in hay or grain. The best way to avoid a straw itch mite infestation is to keep commodities at low moisture levels and bale straw when it is thoroughly dry.
Frequently Asked Questions - Forage Nitrate Toxicity in Ruminant Livestock
A fact sheet to address frequently asked questions about forage nitrate toxicity in ruminant livestock.
Salvaging for Silage: Tips to Minimize Loss, Maximize Value
August 09, 2021
With South Dakota rangeland and pastures rated 84% poor to very poor across the state, many cattle producers may be thinking about putting up silage for a feed source.
Drought Assistance Questions Answered
Dry conditions persist across the state, and many new questions are being asked regarding the federal assistance programs available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.
Drought Assistance From USDA: CRP Haying and Grazing
As this year’s drought intensifies, folks are quickly running short of forage. Due to the D2 Drought Monitor classification, most South Dakota counties qualify for Conservation Reserve Program haying and grazing for emergency and non-emergency use.
Forage Inventory and Demand Calculator
Calculator for inventorying livestock and forage on hand to determine additional forage purchase needs, or livestock sales.
Planning Forage Needs
Inventorying and planning for hay and other forage feed needs is essential every year, especially when production is uncertain due to drought or excess moisture.
High Nitrates and Pregnant Cows
Drought poses many challenges to the beef cow herd. Nitrates in feed is one of the challenges that producers need to be aware of, especially in the reproductive herd.
Salvaging Drought-Stressed Soybeans as Feed
One of the more popular questions we’ve been receiving lately involves using soybeans as forage. Although the soybeans planted for grain are not typically bred for forage use, we can salvage the crop for said forage if need be.
What’s Important to Know About Silage Additives & Inoculants?
Corn is suited to preservation as silage. Silage additives can be used to remedy deficiencies such as lack of sufficient population of bacteria to support adequate fermentation, and low levels of fermentable carbohydrates.