Latest News From Pasture-Forage

Dry conditions persist across parts of the U.S., with nearly half of the nation’s corn crop and 37% of the nation’s hay crop areas experiencing drought. Cattle producers could be forced to make more tough decisions.

When warm weather hangs on into late summer and early fall, the fly season may also persist at problematic levels longer than typical.

Although drought persists north and south of Oklahoma, forage conditions have improved greatly in the state this summer. July was the seventh wettest July on record in Oklahoma.

While parts of the Midwest catch some much needed rains, other areas face dry conditions this growing season. Here's a look at the seasonal drought outlook and what it means for pasture and range conditions.

Why do some of the best calves catch a cough, known as summer pneumonia? K-State experts discuss the disease and what ranchers can do to best mitigate an outbreak in their herd.

Now is the time to check for ergot, a toxic fungus which infects the surface of grasses and cereal crops and can cause severe illness in livestock such as cattle and horses.

Resist the temptation to turn cattle out before grass is ready and use caution if there is no other option. Management practices now can have lasting impacts.

While drought does not lead to ideal parasite growing conditions, it does not necessarily mean the threat of parasites no longer exists. Here are some management considerations heading into the 2023 grazing season.

With persistent drought conditions across many states, indications show the current cattle cycle may not be nearing an end anytime soon. Here’s a look a historical trends and what we might expect in the coming months.

As spring nears and grass begins to turn green, producers are anxious to get cows out to grass. However, cool season predominate areas tend to have lush spring growth which can lead to grass tetany in cows.

So-called “sacrifice pastures” might be needed to help promote forage production the rest of this cattle grazing season.

As growing conditions improve on wheat pastures that have been grazed short all winter long, the threat of bloat rises. Here's how to combat the onset of bloat in grazing calves.

While some parts of the U.S. remain in drought conditions and the soil moisture profile is in a deficit due to months of below normal precipitation, grass growth will likely be impacted this spring.

When calves on grass drop like flies, have minimal gains and many carcasses are condemned on the rail, Kansas State University experts uncover the unfortunate cause.

Reports of fescue foot in Missouri has extension specialists urging producers to check herds for warning signs of the disease in January when it most often occurs.

Grazing regrowth on irrigated alfalfa fields is likely in fall grazing plans for many producers. However, alfalfa has several challenges to grazing from animal and plant health perspective.

Virtual fencing system provides advanced technology to cattle producers and ranchers to manage natural resources more effectively.

As expenses increase and producers evaluate more-efficient management techniques to lower production costs, one alternative may be to incorporate swath, or windrow grazing.

Blister beetles are appearing in large numbers in Missouri and entomologists warn the beetle's toxin, called cantharidin, can cause animals to become sick and even die.

Intensive or ‘mob’ grazing allows for higher stocking densities, but does it provide benefits to soil health and biodiversity? UNL researchers share their findings after an eight-year study.

JY Ferry & Son, Inc. in Corinne, Utah, is the 2021 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) national winner. The award annually recognizes outstanding stewardship and conservation achievements of cattle producers.

Drought has been a topic of conversation among ranchers for several months. Join us Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 3 p.m. CST as we discuss drought and it's impacts on producers.

Hot, dry conditions have taken a toll on pasture growth this year. What should cattle producers consider to conserve grass in these dry areas?

Project will impact working ranches and rural communities, while quantifying the value of soil health and other ecosystem functions.

Prussic acid toxicity led to the death of some cattle in northwest Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Panhandle. Oklahoma State veterinarians provide management tips for cattlemen during times of increased prussic acid danger.

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis can take a toll on cattle, especially calves. Three bovine veterinarians provide their insights on diagnosing the problem and when to use and not use antibiotics for treatment.

As drought continues in the Great Plains, producers are making hard decisions about cowherd management and feeding options, but cost of production and opportunity costs must be carefully evaluated.

Drought is not a new issue to cow-calf producers, but many factors make this year unique. Kansas State will host a webinar to help producers weigh options on May 19.

Elanco Animal Health and Ducks Unlimited announce results from the year-one effort of a multi-year initiative to restore working grasslands in western Kansas.

An emergency preparedness plan can assist a cattlemen’s ability to respond to varying threats.  Developing a disaster plan is a good idea for both people and all the animals they care for on a farm or ranch.

High winds and eerily dry conditions across Kansas and the Southern Plains have created what’s been a battleground for continuous wildfires this year, as the fires are robbing some ranchers of vital grass.

Cattle grazing pastures with high soil-test phosphorus may be getting enough of the nutrient from the grass to eliminate the need for a phosphorus feed additive.

Federal Wildlife Service plan aerial gunning of estray cattle located in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico despite local ranchers concerns.

Beef producers know grazing land is in short supply. With more acres being developed or converted to cropland, cow-calf operations may consider alternatives to traditional pasture management.

Alfalfa is the third-highest crop for economic returns in the U.S. and is a feed source for that can reduce the need for costly nutritional supplements when cattle are primarily feed other types of diets.

Join Drovers editor Greg Henderson and experts from all segments of the beef value chain to better understand the current and future dynamics of this crisis at 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 5, for this free discussion.

Reduced performance or ‘Summer Slump’ is associated with decreasing forage quality during the late summer.

The latest U.S. Drought monitor indicates drought is gripping pastures, with 60% of the nation's cow herd is now in some level of drought or dryness, and it's causing cow slaughter numbers to climb.

A sacrifice area is an area where animals stay at times when pasture grazing is detrimental to land and plants. This area can be in a dry lot pen or a fenced-off area of the pasture.

Fescue is hardy, but can harbor a fungus that causes health issues for cattle. It also crowds out native plants, which can harm pollinator populations. A Virginia Tech study aims to solve both problems.

We’re all familiar with “invisible fence” devices used to train dogs to stay within pre-set boundaries. A new California-based company aims to market similar, but enhanced technology to cattle producers.

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems.

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems. Question #13: How can the typical American lessen the dependency on corn?

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems. Question #12: How do you think corn affects the price of cattle? Do you think this is having a greater impact on the health of Americans?

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems. Question #11: What changes in the U.S. do you think will have to be made for majority of cattle to be raised on pasture?

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems. Why do you think other countries do not primarily feed cattle corn?  

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems.

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems.

New products offer high yields, improved standability and key defensive traits.