Forage

All Forage Content

An orange plastic hoop placed around a portion of tall grass on a range to provide a measurement.

You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure: Range Record Keeping

Range record keeping helps detect and demonstrate landscape changes that have a direct impact on your ability to maintain or grow your herd.

aerial view of South Dakota farm and surrounding land

Crops

During the growing season, SDSU Extension provides weekly production recommendations.

Golden windrows in a hay field

SDSU Extension encourages testing forage nitrate levels

June 11, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging producers to test the nitrate levels in their forages.

Greenish brown bugs on a white sweep net cloth.

Alfalfa Plant Bugs Showing Up in Abundance

There have been several insect pests showing up in alfalfa this season, including the alfalfa plant bug. We consider the above-average spring temperatures and drought-stressed plants in Eastern South Dakota to be the primary drivers of these issues.

Gray beetle resting on the purple blossom of an alfalfa plant.

Blister Beetles Already Appearing in Alfalfa

Large blister beetles populations were observed while scouting alfalfa this past week. While they usually aren’t an issue until after the first cutting, this early activity means growers should monitor alfalfa fields prior to harvest for the remainder of the season.

Left: Alfalfa weevil larvae. Right: Alfalfa weevil adult.

Alfalfa Weevils Are Active in South Dakota

Alfalfa weevil larvae are active across South Dakota. Although they had a somewhat slower start this year, we are now observing all instars of the larvae in alfalfa fields.

Green aphid with red eyes and cornicles with black tips.

Large Pea Aphids Detected in South Dakota Alfalfa

Pea aphids are a common pest of alfalfa in South Dakota, and large populations have been detected again in 2026. When large populations are present, their feeding can cause the alfalfa fields to take on a “golden” color.

Cattle grazing a high-diversity, native pasture.

How to Test Hay and Forage for Nitrate Levels Using Test Strips

Step-by-step instructions for how to complete Nitrate testing for forage and hay.

Herd of black beef cattle grazing summer pasture.

Drought-Stressed Forage: Nitrate Considerations

While drought-stressed forages can provide valuable feed, they may also carry an increased risk of nitrate accumulation. Producers should be aware of before grazing, harvesting, and feeding these forages.

Black beef cattle grazing forages in summer pasture.

High Nitrates and Pregnant Cows

Drought poses many challenges to the beef cow herd. When considering grazing pregnant females, it’s important to understand that grazing management is critical to avoid nitrate toxicity and potential abortions.