Forage

All Forage Content

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.

Two cattle eating forage in a snowy field.

Winter Mineral Nutrition for Beef Cows

Winter supplementation often focuses heavily on meeting protein and energy requirements of cows and tends to leave mineral nutrition as almost an afterthought. In reality, meeting all nutrient requirements, including energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, and water are equally important.

a sprawling green plant with flowering yellow heads

Sweet Clover Poisoning

Hay that contains sweet clover can be an excellent feed as long as the dicoumarol level is known and feeding management is used to prevent poisoning.

Stacked, round hay bales.

Cost-effective and Balanced Cow Rations

Before buying "cheap" feed, it is important to ensure that it will be cost-effective when creating balanced rations for the winter. Learn some things to consider before purchasing.

Extension staff analyzing a soybean plant with a stakeholder.

SDSU Extension to Host Informational Sessions at Dakotafest

August 05, 2022

Producers are invited to visit the SDSU Extension booth at Dakotafest August 16-18 in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Cover crop mixture growing in a field.

Forage Field Day to be Held Aug. 4

July 15, 2022

SDSU Extension and Nebraska Extension will host their collaborative 2022 Forage Field Day at the University of Nebraska Haskell Ag Lab on Thursday, Aug. 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT.

Two producers inspecting freshly cut alfalfa in a field.

Alfalfa Harvest Timing and Objectives

Guessing when to make that first cutting can be difficult, as using plant maturity or calendar dates alone can be quite risky. Get the most out of your first cutting with some expert tips that consider the timing and objectives of alfalfa harvest.

Vast, rolling rangeland with spring plant growth.

Factors That Influence Plant Development and Growth

Year-to-year variability in climate can result in large swings in annual forage production for livestock producers. Learn some key considerations to observing and mitigating the effects of this variability.

Color-coded map showing precent of normal forage production for South Dakota. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Herd Inventory Centers on Feed Available

With drought conditions continuing across the state, livestock producers will be making hard decisions on livestock inventory numbers as pasture and feed availability become an even more significant factor.

Storm debris in a pasture.

Dealing With Storm Debris in Pastures and Hay Fields

Storm debris in pastures and forage-producing fields can pose a significant health risks to livestock. Learns some expert tips for mitigating risks and protecting your animals.