Ranchers in the Dakotas Face Hay Shortage, But There Are Options

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Ranchers in the Dakotas are facing another year of challenging spring moisture, leading to a significant deficit in hay production. The lack of rainfall from mid-May to mid-June has particularly impacted perennial grass hay fields, resulting in a staggering decline of up to 40% compared to the previous year.

Experts propose alternative options to increase forage supply to address hay shortage. Recent precipitation makes annual forages and cover crops viable, but soil moisture and planting dates limit forage species selection.

For hay production, warm-season forages such as foxtail millets, Siberian millet, German millet, sudangrass, and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids are recommended. These crops should be planted by late July or early August to maximize production potential. Harvesting before a hard frost or immediately afterward helps retain forage quality and palatability.

Fall/winter grazing options include foxtail millet, sudangrass, sorghum-sudangrass, and cool-season cover crop mixtures. Selective grazing and increased waste due to livestock preferences should be considered. Cool-season cover crops like oats, barley, turnips, or radish provide excellent pasture options into early winter.

Looking ahead to 2024, winter annuals like winter wheat, winter rye, and winter triticale offer respite for stressed rangelands and pastures. These crops can be grazed in the spring or harvested for hay in June, depending on the specific species.

Ranchers seeking to purchase hay to offset shortages are advised to source it early due to expected high demand and increased prices. The severe drought in the Central Plains states and Corn Belt regions has depleted hay inventories, leading to heightened competition for available supplies.

While establishing annual crops in drought conditions carries risks, precautions can be taken. Cereal grains, sorghum species, and millets may contain high levels of nitrates under stress, requiring nitrate testing. Additionally, immature sorghum, sudangrass, and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids are susceptible to prussic acid toxicity.

Amidst the challenges, NDSU Extension has developed a cover crop cost calculator to estimate and compare the costs of different mixes, aiding decision-making for ranchers.

Despite the risks and costs involved, these innovative forage options provide hope for ranchers to navigate the hay shortage, ensuring the welfare of their livestock and the sustainability of their operations.