Forage
Management Minder Tool: Staying Organized on the Ranch
Daily life is busy on the farm and ranch and it seems as if once calving season is done, there is barely time to rest before fields must be planted or hay made.
Targeted Feeding for Heifer Development
Heifer development starts with proper whole-herd nutrition year round. Reviewing the basics of heifer development starting with post-weaning selection and development is a good place to start.
How Will You Make Hay This Year?
With plenty of spring moisture, hay season will be here before you know it. Have you considered the type of binding material you will use to put up hay this year?
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.
Considering Creep Feeding
Despite what Mother Nature seems to think the summer months are approaching and for some that means rolling out the creep feeder and for others considering whether creep feeding is a necessary investment.
Effects of Nutrition Changes Following Artificial Insemination
When considering heifer development strategies, it may be important for a producer to consider nutritional stress from changes in the diet following breeding.
Understanding Hay Inoculants and Preservatives on ‘Dry’ Hay
As haying season approaches, producers across South Dakota will begin preparing to get out the baler. In recent years, it has been quite difficult for many producers to put up quality, dry hay. This often results in growers considering using inoculants and hay preservatives.
Harvesting Silage on a Wet Year: Moisture is Critical
Fall is on its way in South Dakota. However, with many flooded and saturated fields, some producers are growing concerned that there will be little opportunity to harvest silage before corn dries down past desired moisture levels or frost occurs.
Preventing an Unwanted Baler Fire
Forage harvesting for hay will soon be upon us, and we need to take the time to prepare our equipment and ourselves for a safe and successful forage harvest when utilizing a baler.
Planting Considerations for a Late Spring
Farm fields in some areas are unusually wet this year with many low areas under water. These conditions will make planting a challenge for farmers this year.