Managing Forage Crops During Unpredictable Weather

By Scout Nelson

Extreme weather conditions continue to create challenges for forage producers. Hot, cold, dry, wet, and windy conditions have occurred within a short period, leading to large differences in forage growth and hay production across farming regions.

James Rogers, Forage Crops Production Specialist, NDSU Extension, highlighted how rapidly changing weather patterns are affecting forage crops and management decisions. Some areas receive excessive rainfall, delaying hay drying, while other locations face dry conditions and greatly reduce hay yields. These differences make forage management more challenging for producers.

Spring forage growth begins slowly because of cold temperatures and dry weather. However, growth accelerates during the last 30 days as temperatures rise, moisture improves, and days become longer. As forage plants enter the reproductive stage, they begin producing seedheads that signal maturity.

Many forage grasses have now reached maturity with limited forage mass underneath. Once maturity occurs, very little additional forage growth develops, while forage quality begins to decline. Wheatgrasses often lose quality quickly after maturity, while legumes such as alfalfa generally maintain quality for a longer period after blooming. Producers with mature hay fields are encouraged to harvest as soon as possible because delaying harvest usually reduces quality without significantly increasing yield.

Grazing can help slow plant maturity and extend the vegetative growth stage. However, forage plants eventually mature, and future growth depends largely on rainfall, temperature, and grazing practices. In dry areas with low soil moisture, farmers may benefit from implementing grazing management strategies. Slowing rotational grazing allows paddocks additional recovery time and promotes regrowth.

Producers should avoid overgrazing and leave enough leaf area on plants after cattle are moved. Remaining leaf tissue supports quicker recovery and improves the plant’s ability to capture rainfall. Keeping detailed grazing records can also help improve future pasture management decisions.

Hay management remains important during harvest season. Long drying periods increase the risk of rainfall damage. Hay preservatives can reduce heating, mold growth, dry matter loss, and quality decline when moisture levels range from 18% to 25%. Common preservatives include propionic, lactic, and acetic acids.

Drying agents such as potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate may also be applied at cutting to speed moisture loss, particularly in legume crops. These tools can help producers improve hay quality and reduce harvest risks during challenging weather conditions.

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