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Producers should be mindful of their spring grazing management plan
Due to the drier conditions much of the region is experiencing, a spring grazing management plan is important for producer s to think about.
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Agweek Staff Report | 7:00 am, May 13, 2021 ×
Due to the drought conditions, having a spring grazing management plan is more important than ever (NDSU Extension contributed photo)
Regardless of what animals a producer may have on their operation, a spring grazing management plan is important to have, especially when dealing with drought-like conditions.
“Monitoring grazing readiness ensures that grazing starts at the proper time, said Penny Nester, NDSU Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Kidder County, in a statement. “Many times, we are tempted to turn animals out at the first sign of green in the pasture. Grazing too early can limit forage production for the rest of the grazing season and hurt plant health for
Livestock Nutrient Management Important on Small Farms
Mary Keena and Penny Nester
Whether small farms have cattle, horses, sheep or goats, having a plan for spring grazing and manure management is important, especially during dry years, according to a North Dakota State University Extension agent and specialist.
“Monitoring grazing readiness ensures that grazing starts at the proper time,” says Penny Nester, NDSU Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Kidder County. “Many times, we are tempted to turn animals out at the first sign of green in the pasture. Grazing too early can limit forage production for the rest of the grazing season and hurt plant health for years to come.”
Sacrifice area may save grazing resources
A sacrifice area is an area where animals stay at times when pasture grazing is detrimental to land and plants. 11:08 am, May 11, 2021 ×
A manure pile from a dry lot is undergoing thermophilic decomposition, with the internal temperature between 130 and 150 degrees. NDSU photo)
During dry conditions, establishing a sacrifice area may help prevent livestock from overgrazing and damaging a small farm’s grazing resources, a North Dakota State University Extension agent and specialist say.
“Overgrazing can lead to weed overgrowth and ultimately will be time consuming and costly to re-establish grass in the future,” warns Penny Nester, NDSU Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Kidder County.
North Dakota and South Dakota legislatures make ag funding a priority
With more money for research facilities, roads, and better internet service, lawmakers in North Dakota and South Dakota have put significant funding into projects that benefit agriculture during their 2021 sessions. The South Dakota Legislature adjourned in March. The North Dakota Legislature was still in session last week. Both states were poised to make large investments in infrastructure, ag programs and capital projects related to agriculture.
The South Dakota Legislature passed a historic $5.1 billion budget for the next fiscal year during the 2021 session with major one-time funding for many projects that will benefit agriculture. The massive amount of one-time spending was thanks to federal COVID-19 relief money and previous savings.