North Dakota State University Extension Service Archives

Grain bin dangers: A: Never enter a storage bin while unloading grain because flowing grain can pull you in and bury you within seconds; B: Grain kernels may stick together, forming a crust or bridge that isn’t strong enough to support a person’s weight after the grain below it is removed; C: Don’t try to break a grain bridge or blockage loose from inside the bin; D: Try to break up a vertical wall of grain from the top of the bin, not the bottom, because the grain can collapse and bury you.

Stay safe when working around grain

Using appropriate safety practices is vital as entrapment can happen very quickly

By NDSU Release May 1, 2018

One of the greatest dangers on your farm is lurking quietly in your grain bins. “Make sure everyone, including family and employees, working around stored grain understands the hazards and proper safety procedures,” North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural engineer Ken Hellevang says. “Too many people ignore safety practices and suffer severe injury or

When cows are making milk for calves, their own nutritional needs are higher too.

Beef cattle, Livestock

Feed the cow, feed the calf

Ensuring that cows receive adequate nutrition after calving is critical

By NDSU Release May 1, 2018

The most crucial time for your cows to be fed right is right after calving. “The first 60 to 90 days post-calving is the most nutritionally demanding period in the production cycle of a cow and arguably one of the most important in achieving production goals,” says Janna Kincheloe, the North Dakota State University Extension

It’s a crucial window to ensure soybean harvest quality as the crop comes off and goes into the bin.

Crops, Oilseeds

Avoid soybean loss during harvest, drying and storage

Shattered beans can badly affect the profitability of your crop

By NDSU Release October 2, 2017

Harvest timing can have a huge impact on soybean shatter losses, according to North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural engineer Ken Hellevang. “Field losses, splits and cracked seed coats increase as moisture content decreases,” he says. “Shatter losses have been shown to increase significantly when seed moisture falls below 11 per cent or when

Early detection of coccidiosis is important for getting calves treated, NDSU Extension livestock specialists say.

Beef cattle, Livestock

Coccidiosis affecting young calves in North Dakota

Cattle producers in North Dakota have been losing young calves to coccidiosis this spring,  an intestinal disease that affects several animal species

By NDSU Release June 13, 2017

Cattle producers in North Dakota have been losing young calves to coccidiosis this spring, according to Gerald Stokka, the North Dakota State University Extension Service’s veterinarian. Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease that affects several animal species. In cattle, it may produce clinical symptoms in animals from a month to one year of age, but it

White to light-yellow soybean cyst nematode females on soybean roots.

Crops, Oilseeds

Soybean cyst nematode likely already in Manitoba

A recent survey reveals soybean cyst nematode is in border counties such  as Cavalier, Towner, Rollette and Renville

By Lorraine Stevenson April 12, 2017

Crop advisers in North Dakota are keeping a watchful eye on the northward advance of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) — and so should Manitoba growers, said a cropping systems specialist. SCN, a round worm that parasitizes roots of soybean and can reduce yields anywhere from 15 to 30 per cent before ground symptoms are present,

The hair loss on this bull is a good indication it has a lice problem. Lice bites cause itching and irritation, so cattle rub, lick and chew on themselves, which can lead to hair loss.

Livestock, News

NDSU Extension offers tips on controlling lice in cattle

The problem has been an ongoing issue this winter  for your ranching neighbours to the south

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff March 20, 2017

Ranchers in neighbouring North Dakota have been battling continual lice infestations this winter, even though they have treated their cattle. “Some have even treated more than once and are still seeing the effects of lice in their livestock,” says Ashley Ueckert, a North Dakota State University Extension Service agent in Golden Valley County. Unfortunately, lice

Palmer amaranth seems to have slipped into North Dakota as part of seed mixes for conservation plantings.

Crops, News

Palmer amaranth warning issued in North Dakota

The invasive weed is also really good at developing herbicide resistance

By NDSU Release November 22, 2016

North Dakota extension personnel are warning farmers on that side of the border of the arrival of the invasive weed Palmer amaranth. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture and North Dakota State University Extension Service are advising farmers to scout new conservation plantings for Palmer amaranth, a very aggressive weed that has plagued cropland production

An algae bloom in Walsh County has tested positive for toxic cyanobacteria production.

Livestock, News

Early bloom raises algae poisoning concerns

The blue-green algae can be harmful or fatal  to humans and livestock

By North Dakota State University June 28, 2016

An early cyanobacteria bloom in Walsh County, North Dakota suggests livestock producers need to exercise caution with water sources this summer. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can produce toxins that are harmful to livestock, wildlife and people. Blue-green algae often occur in stagnant ponds or dugouts with elevated nutrient levels, forming large colonies that

Country Crossroads, News

Pump your septic tank before winter

Don’t wait — fixing a problem during the winter is difficult and expensive

By North Dakota State University November 24, 2015

If a few years have passed since your septic tank was pumped, now would be a good time to contact a licensed pumper and have it emptied, according to a North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural engineer. “Cleaning the accumulated solids — sludge — from the septic tank is the most common, routine maintenance

Livestock

Test your water before sending cattle out to pasture

Less run-off could make for water quality problems

By NDSU Release May 26, 2015

Limited snowmelt and the lack of rainfall this spring means producers should have the water quality in their pastures tested before turning their livestock out to pasture, North Dakota State University Extension Service specialists advise. “Reduced rainfall means less water from run-off into stock dams,” says John Dhuyvetter, area extension livestock specialist at the North

Pulse weekly outlook: Turkey’s record-level lentil imports expected to decrease

Pulse packers’ security covers cash owed to farmers

Farm cash receipts up in 2020

GFM Network News