North Dakota State University

Canola producers who intend to plant this fall should hold off on applying sulfur until next spring, says a soil scientist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. Because of research results from NDSU and parallel studies in Canada, canola producers may want to re-evaluate the form of sulfur they apply next year. “With […] Read more

With all the moisture lately, many producers are concerned about the fate of their recently applied anhydrous ammonia, but there is little risk of loss. Anhydrous ammonia applied in April is probably still in the ammonia form and is safe. The problem arises when soil bacteria convert the ammonia into nitrate that can move with […] Read more

Livestock producers should survey their feedlots and holding pens now to look for problems that can be solved in the drier months of summer, according to a North Dakota State University specialist. “This is typically the muddiest time of the year,” said Scott Birchall, a livestock waste management specialist at NDSU’s Carrington Research extension centre. […] Read more

While livestock producers might be tempted to snuggle up to the stove during sub-zero days, that’s when it’s most important for them to be caring for their livestock, said a North Dakota State University veterinarian. “Prevention is the key to dealing with hypothermia, frostbite and other cold weather injuries in livestock,” said Charlie Stoltenow with […] Read more

Even when feed is in good supply and relatively inexpensive, livestock producers wouldn’t toss it to the wind, trample it underfoot, let the nutrients weather away or otherwise waste it. Or would they? “Research shows that up to 40 percent of feed is wasted in some feeding systems,” said John Dhuyvetter, livestock specialist at North […] Read more

Beef cattle producers who are culling cows from the herd this fall might want to consider whether the beef cycle has bottomed out, said Greg Lardy, extension beef cattle specialist at North Dakota State University. Ranchers are aware that open cows cost money to keep over winter. On the other hand, producers should consider expanding […] Read more

Harvest is a time of stress, anxiety and worry, but there are ways to make the season less taxing, according to an agricultural safety specialist. “People can manage stress through rest, change, nutrition and other strategies,” notes George Maher of the North Dakota State University extension service. “Some of these strategies take a little time, […] Read more

When insects, diseases, hail, wind and weeds take their toll on crops, making hay may be the best way to harvest what’s left. “Cattle producers need to look for every opportunity to find cheap feed for overwintering their cattle,” said John Dhuyvetter, a North Dakota State University livestock specialist. “If you use a common-sense approach […] Read more

Dairy calves need lots of clean, fresh water to gain weight properly. “Providing calves with as much water as they’ll drink is a key to getting them weaned and keeping production costs down,” said J.W. Schroeder, extension dairy specialist at North Dakota State University. Research in the early 1980s showed calves given free-choice water in […] Read more

A new variation on an old grain is showing promise in pig-feeding trials at North Dakota State University. Swine nutritionist Bob Harrold fed rations containing naked or hulless oats and barley to growing and finishing pigs, and found good growth and performance. In fact, pigs on naked-oats-only diets performed similar to pigs on all-corn diets. […] Read more