Pests & Diseases

While hay and forage prices remain elevated, and dairy-quality hay is in short supply

Rain has fallen in many parts of the U.S., renewing forage growth, but unfortunately bumper weed crops are also appearing. Weeds can reduce quantity, vigor, nutrient content and palatability of desirable forage plants in pastures and hayfields.

Believe it or not, 2015 is here. And if you’re not quite sure what to include in your New Year’s resolutions this year, Utah State University agronomist Earl Creech and weed specialist Ralph Whitesides say improving weed management is a great place to start.

Insects perform many beneficial tasks, but when it comes to rangeland health and cattle production, few surpass the benefits of dung beetles and decomposing insects.

Since farmers began growing alfalfa, controlling pocket gophers has been one of the biggest challenges to maximize the value from each stand.

Alfalfa weevils continue to plague our alfalfa hay production in the north-central states. Last year, producers and agronomists reported severe defoliation from weevils, reducing the alfalfa biomass and yields, especially in drought situations.