Crop residues: Nutritive value and options for grazing
Significant amounts of residue may be left in fields after the growing season. One option is to graze these fields. Learn about the nutritive value of crop residues and other considerations for grazing corn and sorghum residue.
Cover crops grown post-wheat for forage under dryland conditions in the High Plains
Post-wheat planted cover crops may offer a longer and more flexible grazing period than spring-planted cover crops within wheat-based dryland cropping systems. Read more in a new publication from researchers at K-State and Colorado State University.
Optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pastures: First hollow stem
When using winter wheat as both a forage and a grain, it's important to terminate grazing at the optimal time. Avoid reductions in yield by removing cattle from wheat fields at the first hollow stem stage of development.
Test to prevent nitrate and prussic acid poisoning
Many Kansas cattle operations rely on some type of harvested feed to use in the winter months. Forages in the sorghum family are prone to two different problems for feeding cattle, nitrate poisoning and prussic acid poisoning. Learn about how to test for these and key characteristics of each toxin.
grazing sorghum forage prussic acid nitrate toxicity sudan millet
Crop residues: Nutritive value and options for grazing
Crop residue yield and nutrient content are dependent on grain yield, fertility, harvest date, and conditions at harvest. While not all acres are suitable for grazing, crop residue in Kansas represents a sizable resource. Learn about what needs to be considered when grazing residue.
Wheat variety fall forage yield comparison for 2021-2022
Fall forage yield is an important aspect of dual-purpose wheat production. While weather and management play a large role in determining fall forage production, there are also differences among wheat varieties in forage production potential. Learn more about the differences between varieties in this article.
First hollow stem update - March 24, 2022
Cattle should be removed from wheat pastures when the crop reaches first hollow stem. Grazing past this stage can severely affect wheat yields. Find out which varieties in K-State's trials have already reached this threshold in the last week.
First hollow stem update - March 28, 2022
Since the last update, several wheat varieties monitored by the K-State Extension Wheat and Forages team have reached first hollow stem. Producers are advised to monitor their fields closely if they are being grazed to avoid yield loss. Learn which varieties have reached this threshold in this article.
First hollow stem update (31 March 2022)
Cattle should be removed from wheat pastures when the crop reaches first hollow stem (FHS). Grazing past this stage can severely affect wheat yields (for a full explanation, please refer to the eUpdate article “Optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pastures: First hollow stem”). All varieties except for LCS Julep had elongated more than 1.5 cm first hollow stem as of 29 March 2022. We will report first hollow stem early next weeks until all varieties are past this stage.
First hollow stem update (7 April 2022)
All varieties had elongated more than 1.5 cm first hollow stem as of 4 April 2022. The intention of this report is to provide producers an update on the progress of first hollow stem development in different wheat varieties. Producers should use this information as a guide, but it is extremely important to monitor FHS from an ungrazed portion of each individual wheat pasture to make the decision of removing cattle from wheat pastures.
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.
Webinar to address grass turnout in Western Kansas
In many areas of Kansas, grass growth was very limited last year and continuing dry conditions in recent months raise questions about how livestock producers should plan for the coming growing season. Join K-State specialists on April 4th at noon for a webinar to address grass turnout. This is a free event but registration is required.
Small grain forage options for this fall
In the past two years, pasture productivity has been reduced, and forage supplies have been greatly reduced due to dry weather. Small grain forages planted in the fall or spring can provide a profitable forage option for producers. There are six common small grain options for forage, each with strengths and weaknesses.
First hollow stem update - Feb. 29, 2024
Cattle should be removed from wheat pastures when the crop reaches first hollow stem. This report intends to provide producers with an update on the progress of the first hollow stem development in different wheat varieties. It is crucial to monitor FHS from an ungrazed portion of each individual wheat pasture to decide on removing cattle from wheat pastures.
Managing spring-planted cover crops for grazing
This article summarizes a publication titled "Managing Spring Planted Cover Crops for Livestock Grazing under Dryland Conditions in the High Plains Region." The comprehensive factsheet explains recommended practices for species selection, adjusting stocking rates, and grazing management.
Planting spring oats and turnips in the fall for forage
Enhanced forage allowance in late fall and early winter improves the forage budget in forage-based livestock systems. Spring oats and turnips can be an alternative, especially when farmers want to extend the grazing period.
Nitrate toxicity in drought-stressed forages
Drought-stressed crops tend to accumulate high nitrate levels in the lower leaves and stalk of the plant, which can be toxic to grazing animals. Crops such as forage and grain sorghum, sudangrass, hybrid sorghum-sudan, and pearl millet are notorious nitrate accumulators. Corn and other cereal grains can also accumulate potentially toxic levels of nitrate.
Crop residues: Nutritive value and options for grazing
Crop residue yield and nutrient contents depend on grain yield, fertility, harvest date, and harvest conditions. The duration and timing of grazing initiation also impact residue nutrient content. This article discusses the varying nutritive values for crop residues and the options for grazing.