Experts say they’ve seen the payoff in yield and farmer profit as better dry bean varieties have hit the scene in Manitoba and surrounding regions.
Tag Archives North Dakota State University
Dry bean breeding has paid off for farmers
Experts say they’ve seen the payoff in yield and farmer profit as better dry bean varieties have hit the scene in Manitoba and surrounding regions
Soil tests seek a non-chemical attraction
Researchers hope to hone in on biological soil testing when it comes to inoculating legumes
Manitoba expat Barney Geddes, an assistant professor with the microbiological sciences program at North Dakota State University, likes to tell health care researchers how important the development of nitrogen fertilizer was. In terms of human lives saved, it’s had a greater impact than all innovations produced by medical science put together. “It’s sort of entertaining,”
Kochia control waning in North Dakota
Two popular products also widely used in Manitoba seem less effective
A North Dakota State University study showed that some kochia populations in western North Dakota likely have developed resistance to commonly used pre-plant burndown herbicides. For many years, no-till farmers have used Aim (carfentrazone) and Sharpen (saflufenacil) either just before or just after planting to control emerged kochia and other annual weeds. In Manitoba, carfentrazone is the active ingredient in Aim EC,
Now is the time to estimate winter hay needs
Getting a handle on waste can reduce losses and save money
Harvested forages are a critical component of winter feeding programs for many cattle herds. “Conducting a hay inventory now will give producers a good idea of possible deficiencies and allow time to develop the best options for the upcoming feeding season,” says Janna Block, North Dakota State University Extension livestock systems specialist. The first step
Test forages for nitrate prior to haying or grazing
High temperatures combined with adequate moisture can impact metabolism and cause nitrate to build up in plants
Although much of the region has received adequate moisture this summer, it is important to remember there is still potential for nitrate toxicity in many forage crops, including small grains, brassicas, millet, sorghum/sudangrass and corn harvested for hay. “Nitrate is a common form of nitrogen found in the soil, which is taken up by plants
Sudden change in diet may cause bovine fog fever
Caution recommended when changing forage diets in cattle
The summer of 2021 has been very challenging for ranchers and livestock. With severe drought throughout the region, we have experienced the challenges of a reduced amount of forage for grazing and forages harvested for winter feed. “While the recent rains have improved some pasture and late-season grazing conditions, winter feed inventories still remain a
Troublesome weeds spread through manure
Weed seeds pass unharmed through the digestive tracts of animals such as cattle and sheep
Using some kinds of manure as fertilizer can lead to the spread of noxious and troublesome weeds. “It is a known fact that weed seeds pass unharmed through the digestive tracts of ruminant animals (cattle, sheep),” says Mary Keena, livestock environmental management specialist based at North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center. “This means that whatever weed seeds
Rye most often-grown cover crop
A new extension publication addresses questions about rye as a cover crop
Cover crops are becoming increasingly important as a component of sustainable agriculture production. “Properly managed cover crops can reduce soil losses from wind and water erosion, reduce nitrogen losses, utilize excessive soil moisture, promote biodiversity, suppress weeds, improve soil structure and improve trafficability of fields,” says Hans Kandel, North Dakota State University Extension agronomist. In temperate regions of
Now is the time to plan for 2021 grazing season
Pastures stressed by drought or overgrazing this fall more than likely will experience a delay in grazing readiness in spring
The region has received several seasons of drier-than-average weather. While some locations did get some relief this year, the effect on pastures is lingering. Ranchers here in North Dakota have reported up to 60 per cent reductions in forage production on pasture, range and hay land due to the drought in 2020, according to North
Forage analysis valuable in developing winter feeding program
Determining the nutrient content of forages and other feeds through laboratory analysis is the best way to design a nutrition program that meets livestock requirements
Laboratory analysis to determine the quality of feedstuffs was developed more than 150 years ago. “Since that time, the ability to accurately analyze forages has greatly improved, as has the ability to use results to improve livestock feed efficiency and performance,” says Janna Block, extension livestock systems specialist at NDSU’s Hettinger Research Extension Center. “However, this valuable management
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
