By Scout Nelson
Kim Ricardo, SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist, highlighted the importance of diversified forage systems to help farmers maintain feed supplies and reduce drought risks during dry growing conditions. Agricultural specialists encourage producers to combine perennial pastures, annual forages, and cover crops to improve flexibility and strengthen forage production.
A diversified forage system spreads production across different crop types, planting windows, and rooting depths. This approach helps operations continue producing forage even when certain crops struggle during dry conditions. Instead of depending on one forage source, producers can use several options to support grazing and feed needs throughout the year.
Perennial pastures remain the foundation of many grazing systems, but annual forages can provide additional feed when pasture growth slows or crops fail. Using cool-season and warm-season annuals together also reduces the chance of major forage losses during one period of drought.
Cool-season annuals such as oats, barley, cereal rye, winter wheat, peas, and turnips often grow best during cooler parts of the year. Warm-season crops including sorghum-sudangrass, pearl millet, foxtail millet, and teff usually perform better during hot summer conditions and often use water more efficiently once established.
Before planting annual forages or cover crops, producers should review herbicide histories carefully. Some residual herbicides from previous crops may limit forage establishment or create grazing restrictions. Soil testing and reviewing herbicide labels can help farmers avoid crop injury and forage safety concerns.
Management practices also play an important role during drought conditions. Rotational grazing, stockpiling forage, and adjusting stocking rates help protect pasture health and extend grazing opportunities. Delaying planting until after rainfall events may also improve crop establishment in dry soils.
Nitrogen management requires careful planning during drought. Excess nitrogen can increase nitrate accumulation risks in crops such as oats, sorghum, and sorghum-sudangrass when moisture is limited. Fertilizer decisions should match realistic yield expectations and available moisture conditions.
Agricultural specialists believe diversified forage systems provide a practical way to improve drought resilience, support water management, and maintain long-term forage production during changing weather conditions.
Photo Credit: credit-minnesota-corn-growers-association
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Wheat, Hay & Forage, Weather