Justin Waggoner, Beef Systems Specialist, Garden City
Forage growing conditions across Kansas ranged from exceptionally wet in some regions to drought in others. The much-needed rainfall in the western regions of the state were a welcome change but also created an increase in weed pressure in hay fields and made timely harvesting of forages challenging. The rapid on-set of drought in the central and North-central region of the state stressed forages and crops mid-season. All of these conditions could potentially affect forage quality and may greatly increase the risk of mold and nitrates in harvested forages, which can be harmful and toxic to livestock. This is the year to test your harvested forages! As the old saying goes “don’t guess…test”. Continue reading “Forage analysis: Don’t guess…Test!”
Weather has varied widely across the state during the growing season and consequently impacted pasture and forage availability. Producers may have gaps to fill in their forage inventory either because of quality and or quantity issues. Others may be in the position of looking for marketing opportunities for surplus supplies. The Oct. 29, 2020 
