Maximizing the value of harvested forages: Considerations on proper storage of round bales
Harvesting forages for future use during the winter feeding period or during periods of drought represents a significant cost outlay for cattle operations. Learn tips on how to properly store round bales in order to maximize their value and reduce loss.
Testing methods for nitrates in forages
When making harvesting or feeding decisions for forages that have potentially accumulated nitrates, our tendency is to want immediate answers. Laboratory analysis is by far the best test of nitrate toxicity. Two types of quick tests exist, and it is important to understand the limitations of these tests when considering their use.
Managing forages after a hard freeze
Freezing temperatures change plant metabolism and composition, and different forage species respond differently to cold stress. Damaging frosts significantly reduce forage quality in most forage species and can create possible feeding-related issues for livestock.
Managing forages after a hard freeze
Freezing temperatures change plant metabolism and composition, and different forage species respond differently to cold stress. Depending on plant species, these changes in metabolism resulting from freezing temperatures can create possible feeding-related animal disorders. Learn more about managing forages after a freeze in this article.
Annual Forage Insurance Part 2: Interval Selection
This article is the second part of a two-article series on annual forage insurance. It focuses on interval selection and the best strategies to follow when selecting intervals. The first article, which covers policy basics, can be found in this eUpdate.
Test forages to prevent nitrate and prussic acid poisoning
Many Kansas cattle operations rely on some type of harvested feed to use in the winter months. Common sources include forage sorghum, millets, sorghum-sudangrass, and sudan. Depending on the forage type, toxicity issues can occur due to high levels of nitrate and/or prussic acid.
sorghum cattle grazing prussic acid forages nitrate toxicity sudan
Help shape forage extension programs in eastern Kansas
Forages, both native and tame, cover approximately 40% of Kansas and are essential to the state's cattle industry. To better understand current production methods and improve extension programming across eastern Kansas, a short survey is being conducted. Learn more in this article.
Annual forage insurance: Policy basics and examples for water-limited operations
Annual Forage Insurance (AFI) can help producers manage rainfall risk for annual crops used as forage, hay, or silage. This precipitation-based policy may be especially useful in drought-prone areas or under irrigation limits. The sign-up deadline for the 2026 commodity year is July 15, 2025. This article outlines key policy decisions, examples for water-limited systems, and AFI use trends in Kansas.