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Hopefully, the first round of hay harvest only a few weeks away. Two free “Beef Tips” videos from Purdue Extension could help beef producers maximize the quality and quantity of their forage crops.

Already short on hay and forage after a hard winter, ranchers in North and South Dakota are continuing to reduce herds in response to severe drought conditions.

Silvopasture – the practice of combining forestry with forage and livestock production – is rare in North America, but the practice could bring both economic and environmental benefits on marginal lands where traditional row cropping hasn’t worked.

Due to dry conditions, livestock producers should expect to see a reduction in grazeable forage. Drought management plans will be vital if the drought continues into the growing season.

A cold, snowy December has caused many livestock farms to reevaluate their winter supply of forage.

Finding dead cows is never pleasant, but there are often many culprits that are to blame. One of the most common when it comes to feeding stored forage or grazing is nitrate toxicity.

Now is the time to be thinking about cover crops for the coming year. Consider attending a free, online Cover Crops and Soil Health Forum on Feb. 18, 2014, to assist in making cover crop decisions.

Using small grains as a dependable forage source will depend on several factors, including production potential, season of production, and winterhardiness.

When summer turns the heat up, ranchers in the fescue belt need to manage pastures more aggressively.

Improving the amount of green leaves capturing sunlight begins with proper stocking rates.