Weather impact on pasture says expert strategies

By Scout Nelson

As Minnesota farmers contend with alternating periods of drought and excessive rain, those reliant on producing high-quality pasture and forage crops are facing significant challenges. During the August 7 session of Strategic Farming: Field Notes, Dr. Craig Sheaffer, Extension forage specialist, and Troy Salzer, Extension educator, joined moderator Angie Peltier, Extension educator-crops, to discuss these issues and offer management strategies.

Spring recap and winter injury:

After a winter with little snow cover, Dr. Sheaffer anticipated significant alfalfa injury due to the early dormancy break. Surprisingly, minimal winter damage occurred, as the mild winter temperatures were not cold enough to harm the forage crops.

Recovery from severe drought:

Northern Minnesota experienced little to no forage production in 2023 due to severe drought. Alfalfa, though drought-tolerant, went into early dormancy. This spring, forages rebounded better than expected, but open areas allowed weeds like bull thistle to thrive, impacting pasture quality.

First crop challenges:

Excessive rainfall in many alfalfa-growing regions made 2024's first crop harvest difficult. Short hay drying windows led to some hay being baled wet, resulting in issues like heating, mold, and potential dry matter loss. Livestock producers should monitor for mold when feeding lower-quality hay.

Hay preservation and wet forage systems:

To extend drying windows, farmers can use hay preservatives like propionic acid, which help prevent mold and allow baling at higher moisture levels. Wet forage systems like haylage or baleage reduce harvest time and maintain high forage quality.

Looking ahead:

Mid-August through early September is ideal for seeding new alfalfa stands or renovating pastures. Assessing alfalfa stands by sampling plants and stems per square foot is crucial for determining stand health.

Fall management tips:

Farmers should avoid harvesting alfalfa 45 days before the first killing frost to allow for adequate carbohydrate storage. If a stand is poor, interseeding or terminating it may be necessary. Seeding cover crops after harvest can extend the grazing season, while stockpiling pasture by withholding grazing can provide additional fall forage.

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