Annual/Termination Reports:

[11/14/2008] [11/17/2009] [12/20/2001] [11/15/2012] [12/12/2013]

Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Accomplishment Report -<br /> <br /> Objective 1 -<br /> <br /> Colorado -<br /> Joe Brummer presented information and preliminary results from 3 projects that have implications for grazing:<br /> <br /> 1. Evaluation of yield and quality of 4 grasses or grass mixtures grown under simulated grazing in conjunction with 4 legumes or with 3 levels of composted dairy manure (0, 5, or 10 tons/ac). Tall fescue or mixes with tall fescue in them had the greatest yields in the first year of production. Compost additions stimulated more growth, especially of the pure tall fescue stands.<br /> 2. Evaluation of 15 cool-season grasses for yield and quality when grown under 3 irrigation regimes (full, spring and fall, or spring only). This was the establishment year and no data were taken, but results have application for use as hay, pasture, or cellulosic biofuel.<br /> 3. Evaluation of perennial legumes for use as living mulches in annual cropping systems such as corn. This system has many potential benefits, one being the production of a value added crop for fall grazing. The clover provides a high protein source and the corn stover provides a high energy source, so the diet is more balanced. Suppression of the legume is essential to avoid yield reductions of the annual crop. Strip tillage in conjunction with herbicide applications appears to be the best method of suppressing the legume in trials where corn was grown.<br /> <br /> <br /> Idaho -<br /> Several research and extension people attended the meeting from Idaho and reported on projects applicable to the group:<br /> <br /> Christi Falen reported on some demonstration work that looked at the use of various annual forages to extend the grazing season in the early spring and fall/winter time period as well as during the summer slump. She investigated turnips, turnip/oats, triticale/peas, Willow Creek winter wheat, pearl millet, and teff. Sheep refused the teff but liked the turnip/oat combination for grazing. On the other hand, cattle loved the teff. The winter wheat appeared to be well suited to fill the early spring forage void.<br /> <br /> Chad Cheyney reported that the emphasis at the Nancy Cummings Research and Extension Center was moving away from irrigated pasture to more livestock reproduction and genetics. Although this change is being implemented, there was some limited plot work looking at using warm-season annuals for fall and winter grazing. The use of various annual forages to extend the grazing season appeared to be a common theme among a number of those in attendance.<br /> <br /> Glenn Shoemaker and a former graduate student reported on the use of various techniques to measure standing biomass in irrigated pastures. As would be expected, some of the techniques were better at predicting actual standing crop compared to others. One of the goals was to calibrate the Missouri Pasture Stick for use under Idaho conditions. It appears that the pasture stick can be used to estimate standing biomass if adjustments are made.<br /> <br /> Montana -<br /> Dennis Cash reported that Montana does not currently have any research personnel in forages, so he had only a few things to report on that he is doing as the extension specialist. He is evaluating Willow Creek winter wheat for spring grazing which has been successful with results similar to those from Idaho. He also surveyed 12 alfalfa stands for persistence in relationship to management and found that producers often do not follow appropriate practices to prolong stand life in lieu of short term yield gains.<br /> <br /> North Dakota -<br /> Paul Nyren reported on several grazing projects of interest to the group. They are investigating the use of smorgasbord plantings (multiple species) for fall grazing. Varieties of forage turnips and radishes have been successful. They are also looking at swath grazing of foxtail millet and creep grazing of turnips and a variety of other forages.<br /> <br /> Oregon -<br /> Mylen Bohle is doing some work with T-sum as a tool to determine the optimum time to fertilize grass pastures and hayfields. It has better application on the west side of the Cascades. He has also been doing some work in conjunction with grass variety trials looking at the effect of severity of clipping at the end of the season on forage production and quality the following year. Shelby Filley has been doing some work on fertilizing grass pastures with selenium in low selenium areas to bring the concentration up in the forage. This approach has been successful. Steve Norberg has been doing some teff trials. He has noticed poor germination when using coated seed.<br /> <br /> Utah -<br /> Jennifer MacAdam reported on her work looking at the use of birdsfoot trefoil for grazing. She presented some very interesting preliminary data. Birdsfoot trefoil contains tannins that not only prevent bloat, but also increase the amount of by-pass protein in the forage. She is investigating trefoil varieties with varying levels of tannins and recorded gains between 3 and 5 lbs per day for steers grazing the birdsfoot trefoil variety with the highest tannin content. She also documented lower milk urea nitrogen when dairy cows grazed pastures high in birdsfoot trefoil.<br /> <br /> Objective 2 -<br /> <br /> Colorado -<br /> Two forage extension publications are currently being revised with anticipated publication in the spring of 2009. One is a forage guide that describes basic establishment and management of forages and contains descriptions of the major forage species that can be grown in Colorado. This publication is targeted for small acreage landowners. The second is a more in depth forage production manual that is targeted for distribution to extension agents, NRCS field personnel, crop consultants, large scale producers, etc. It is designed to specifically serve producers in western Colorado and other intermountain states.<br /> <br /> Idaho -<br /> The Lost River Grazing Academy was held in the spring of 2008 with 19 in attendance. This has been a very successful extension program over the years. Approximately 200 people have received training in the area of Management Intensive Grazing (MIG) of irrigated pastures. After attending the 4-day academy, several participants made changes to their operation and have gone from operating in the red to positive cash flow. One goal of this WERA is to bring the Lost River Grazing Academy to other states or produce materials that extension agents and specialists in other states can use to put on similar programs.<br /> <br /> North Dakota -<br /> The Central Grasslands Research and Extension Center at Streeter, ND puts out a yearly extension type publication that is inserted into several local newspapers with an annual circulation of about 50,000. This has proven to be an excellent method of distributing research based information to the general public and could serve as a model for other institutions to follow.<br /> <br /> Objective 3 -<br /> <br /> Oregon -<br /> David Hannaway at Oregon State University maintains the Forage Information System website that serves as a clearinghouse for forage related information. On his site, he has a list of seed venders, certified seed growers, and legume seed inoculant companies and their contact information. As with any large database, it is always difficult to keep information up to date. Instead of starting another website for dissemination of this type of information, we decided at the meeting that everyone should review the information on the FIS website for their respective state and pass any additions or corrections on to David in an effort to keep the site up to date and satisfy part of this objective.<br /> <br /> For small quantities of legume inoculant, John Kosanke at the Nitragin Co. can be contacted at: john.kosanke@emdcropbioscience.com.<br />

Publications

Impact Statements

1. . Analysis of Utah alfalfa hay samples shows that digestibility of the fiber fraction typically ranges between 45-55 percent. An example of the potential economic impact of knowing the extent of fiber digestibility for a particular forage source is that an increase of 5 percentage units in fiber digestibility of alfalfa hay fed to dairy cattle can be expected to return an additional daily increment of approximately 150 lb of milk per ton of hay. This value of approximately $20 in milk per ton of hay is not predicted from traditional forage tests that ignore fiber digestibility, and represents previously unrecognized value to the hay purchaser or profit to the hay seller. Given the range of approximately 300 lb of milk production potential per ton of dry matter associated with commonly-observed levels of fiber digestibility in Utah alfalfa hay, analysis of fiber digestibility can improve economic returns in forage markets.
2. Total ownership costs for cows utilizing a pasture-based forage system have been estimated to be approximately $600/head when pasture comprises at least 45% of the forage year, substantially less than the total cost of $750/head under traditional systems. Milk costs can be reduced by 20% utilizing intensively managed irrigated pastures and by providing approximately 16 pounds/day of concentrate. Improved pastures can potentially reduce feed costs by $12.5 million for Utahs dairy producers. Over $42 million in feed costs could be saved in the process of raising dairy heifers. Irrigated pastures can potentially reduce cattle feed costs by $21 to $30 million.
3. . It is estimated that total feed cost for normally weaned calves (including the feed for the mother cow) was approximately $411/hd. Adding non-feed costs (less than $300/hd) results in total ownership costs of less than $700/hd. Cow/calf pairs wintered on a low quality forage (i.e., ammoniated straw, grass hay, standing corn stalks) resulted in earnings in excess of $100/hd relative to traditional alfalfa hay operations (less than $25/hd). Milk costs (on a per cwt basis) could be reduced by approximately 20% by utilizing intensively managed, rotational pastures along with traditional confined feeding using a total mixed ration (TMR).

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Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Objective 1 -<br /> <br /> Grants submitted - As a result of discussions at last years meeting, two multistate grant applications were submitted by members of WERA 1014. Being the lead PI, Jennifer MacAdam reported on the content and status of the first grant. This was a cooperative project among Utah (Jennifer), Idaho (Glenn), Wyoming (Anawar), and Colorado (Joe). It was submitted to the Organic Agriculture Research Initiative to do on-farm research with primarily Organic Valley Milk producers looking at the impacts of grazing birdsfoot trefoil (or feeding sainfoin hay) on production and fatty acid composition of the milk. The grant was not funded but got high marks, so it will be revised and resubmitted in 2010.<br /> <br /> The second grant was a cooperative project among Colorado (Joe), Idaho (Glenn), and Oregon (Chanda). Joe Brummer was the lead PI. This project was submitted through the Western SARE program in the Producer/Professional grant category to look at ways of interseeding various legumes into grass dominated pastures to reduce reliance on expensive commercial fertilizers. Again, this proposal received high marks, but was not funded. It will be resubmitted in the 2010 call for proposals.<br /> <br /> State Reports/Updates -<br /> <br /> Colorado - Joe Brummer gave an update on the 3 projects he reported on last year (see previous report). 1.) Productivity and regrowth of the grass mixtures evaluated was reduced in 2009 compared to 2008. This was probably due to environmental conditions (cool, wet spring/early summer) and nitrogen deficiency caused by compost rates being too low (i.e. poor compost that was low in nitrogen). Legumes were part of some of the mixes, but they have been slow to establish. The various legumes (alfalfa, sainfoin, birdsfoot trefoil, and white clover) were finally starting to contribute to total yield by the 4th and 5th harvests following interseeding in the spring. 2.) This was the first year of harvest for the 15 cool-season grasses. Not unexpectedly, tall, intermediate, and pubescent wheatgrasses were the top yielding species from the late-June harvest. However, it was surprising that the 2 tall fescue varieties evaluated were on the bottom of the yield scale. Tall fescue is not always the most palatable grass, but it is generally one of the highest yielding in Colorado under irrigation. 3.) Based on a preliminary evaluation of legume species suitable for use as living mulches in Colorado, it appears that birdsfoot trefoil is very resilient once established, especially to applications of Roundup for suppression.<br /> <br /> Idaho - Glenn Shewmaker gave an update on the work he and a graduate student did looking at the relationships among sward height, light interception, and herbage mass. The falling plate meter resulted in an R2 = 0.75. They found that the tables from Missouri on the grazing stick where close to the ones they developed, so the relationships appear to hold regardless of environment.<br /> <br /> Oregon - Since the meeting was held in Oregon, there were a number of presentations given by extension and research personnel that relate to this group. For a complete list, please refer to the minutes from 2009. Following are some of the highlights:<br /> <br /> Shelby Filley updated the group on her efforts to assess the mineral content of selected forages from producer fields in western Oregon. Zinc and copper are commonly deficient in forages from western Oregon. She is also evaluating the relationship between recommendations that come from the OSU Soils Lab and what producers actually apply in their fertilizer program.<br /> <br /> Sam Angima presented information on his work looking at forage production under thinned stands of Douglas-fir forest. These areas can be quite productive for grazing as producers wait for the trees to reestablish over time. Orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass, and bentgrass have been seeded and fertilized with 75 lbs/ac of nitrogen with a carrying capacity of 4 to 6 acres per cow-calf pair.<br /> <br /> Gene Pirelli gave an update on the work he and Andy Hulting are doing looking at wild barley (Hare barley) control in pastures. This is an annual, cool-season, non-native grass that is very difficult to control when it invades grass dominated pastures. Many of the herbicides evaluated had little effect on the barley (Pre-emerge: Define, Prowl, Dual, Outlook, Accent, and KIH-485). Plateau works but the timing and potential for injury of other grasses is of concern. Milestone appears to just suppress the barley. Post-emerge, Raptor or Raptor plus MCPA looks the most promising. Other post-emerge herbicides (Maverick, Clearmax, Chaparral, and Callisto) had little effect.<br /> <br /> Chanda Engle reported on her work with brassicas and radishes to extend the grazing season. A number of the species/varieties that she tested look promising. Iodine (400 to 500 ppm) may have to be added to the trace mineral mix when grazing these forages to avoid thyroid problems. She also reported on her work with T-Sum as it relates to nitrogen fertilizer responses on mountain meadows. <br /> Troy Downing works with Oregon dairy producers on topics such as waste and fertility management, the nitrogen cycle on farms, forages for pasture, and the energy that can be derived from forages to meet the needs of dairy cows.<br /> <br /> Mylen Bohle gave an update on his work with clover and winter grain mites in grass pastures. He then presented some detailed information on the cost of replacing soil fertility due to removal of hay in alfalfa production fields.<br /> <br /> Tom Nichols gave an overview of current work going on at the Sheep Center. They have a project looking at drenches to supply selenium to animals to offset low levels in the forage. They are also looking at ways to interseed brassicas for feeding lambs during the summer, fall, and early winter. They have been struggling with poor stands and weed problems and feel that more seedbed preparation is needed to be successful. Purple-top turnips are preferred by deer.<br /> <br /> Utah - Jennifer MacAdam gave an update on her work with birdsfoot trefoil as a source of bypass protein and possible parasite control. Many varieties of BFT contain up to 2% tannin on a dry weight basis which binds with some of the protein in the rumen causing it to bypass to the small intestine where it can be digested. Tannin content is higher in the spring and lowers over the growing season. Norcen is a lower tannin variety and AU Dewey is a high tannin variety. Sainfoin also contains tannins which act much the same way as those in BFT. Improved weight gain and lower milk urea nitrogen are 2 of the possible benefits to beef and dairy cows that graze pastures containing BFT.<br /> <br /> Objective 2 -<br /> <br /> Colorado - The two forage extension publications described last year did not make it to publication in the spring of 2009 as anticipated. They are on track to be published in the spring of 2010. The first one describes basic establishment and management of forages and contains descriptions of the major forage species that can be grown in Colorado. This publication is targeted for small acreage landowners. The second is a more in depth forage production manual that is targeted for distribution to extension agents, NRCS field personnel, crop consultants, large scale producers, etc. It is designed to specifically serve producers in western Colorado and other intermountain states. Pasture Renovation: Dormant Season Seeding, West Greeley Conservation District Small Acreage Workshop, Greeley, Colorado. The following extension presentations were given at various meetings: Potential Benefits of Living Mulch Cropping Systems (17 and 30 participants), Factors Affecting Forage Quality (90 participants), Hay Testing: What the Numbers Mean and Ways to Improve Them (80 participants), Forage Research Update (30 participants), Interseeding Pastures and Hayfields (25 participants), Pasture and Hayfield Fertility (25 participants), Forage Research Update: Alfalfa and Living Mulches (20 participants).<br /> <br /> Idaho - The Lost Rivers Grazing Academy (LRGA) was held again last year. To date, there have been over 250 participants from 13 states and 3 foreign countries. Participants have been able to put what they learned to use to increase forage and livestock numbers, reduce their costs and debt load by feeding less hay and using less or no machinery, thereby improving their net ranch profitability. The next academy will be held June 15-18, 2010 at the Eagle Valley Ranch 8 miles south of Salmon, Idaho at a cost of $450 (includes meals and all materials, but not the room). A booth displaying details of the upcoming LRGA is planned for the Organic Dairy Conference in Twin Falls, Idaho in October 2009 and at the 4th Grassland Conference in Reno, Nevada in mid-December 2009. Glenn Shewmaker reported that the Northwest Pasture Management Guide is scheduled to be done by December 31, 2009<br /> <br /> Oregon - Troy Downing presented 5 forage related extension talks: Managing forage inventories in your grazing operation (23 participants), Choosing the correct variety and species for your site (18 participants), Improving the energy in pastures (90 participants), and Fiber digestibility in cool season grasses (65 and 14 participants). Chanda Engle presented Grazing management for horse owners to 40 participants at a Horse Pack Clinic. Oregon is also in the planning process to establish an Oregon Forage and Grassland Council which will include representatives and members from private industry and the university.<br /> <br /> Utah - Jennifer MacAdam presented 2 posters shortly after our meeting this year. One at the Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance meeting in Twin Falls, Idaho, October 12-13, 2009 and the other at the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council Mid-Atlantic Grass-Fed Conference in Staunton, VA, October 23-24. The first meeting had approximately 200 attendees and the second had 250.<br /> <br /> Objective 3 - The group agreed to continue to send information to David Hannaway at Oregon State University so he can keep the Forage Information System that he maintains as up-to-date as possible (see previous report).<br /> <br />

Publications

Impact Statements

1. Lost Rivers Grazing Academy (Idaho): Continues to be a very successful extension program that teaches individuals how to make a profit grazing livestock on irrigated pastures. To date, there have been over 250 participants from 13 states and 3 foreign countries. Participants have been able to put what they learned to use to increase forage and livestock numbers and reduce their costs and debt load by feeding less hay and using less or no machinery, thereby improving their net ranch profitability.
2. Measuring Pasture Productivity (Shewmaker, Idaho): The falling plate meter resulted in an R2 = 0.75 between yield and height of the plate. They also found that the tables from Missouri on the grazing stick where close to the ones they developed, so the relationships appear to hold regardless of environment. The grazing stick is a quick and easy method that producers can use to determine pasture yield at any point in time to aid them in adjusting stocking rates.
3. Secondary Compound Research (Provenza, Utah): Endophyte-infected Kentucky-31 tall fescue grows on 14 million hectares of pasture land in the U.S. and causes losses exceeding $500 million annually. Stable complexes form between alkaloids and tannins and alkaloids and saponins. When cattle eat forage with either tannins (BFT) or saponins (ALF), they will subsequently eat more forage with alkaloids (TF). Our ongoing research suggests consumption of alfalfa and trefoil can increase nutrient intake and digestion, reducing fescue toxicity by tannins and saponins binding with alkaloids.
4. Stocker Liveweight Gain Study (MacAdam, Utah): In the first 28-day grazing cycle, feedlot-level gains of 5 lbs. per day were achieved on the high-tannin birdsfoot trefoil. In the second 28-day grazing cycle, BFT produced 3.5 lb per day gain.
5. Birdsfoot Trefoil Dairy Cooperator Study (MacAdam, Utah): During the first 8 days of grazing on birdsfoot trefoil, milk urea nitrogen dropped from 17 to 12.

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Report Information

Participants

Colorado State University: Joe Brummer
University of Idaho: Charles Cheyney, Glenn Shewmaker, and C. Wilson Gray
Montana State University: Dennis Cash
North Dakota: Guojie Wang and Paul Nyren
Oregon State University: Chanda Engel and Mylen Bohle
Utah State University: Earl Creech and Jennifer MacAdam
NRCSUtah: Niels Hansen
Washington State University: Steve Fransen and Steve Norberg
Columbia Basin College-WA: Tim Woodward

Brief Summary of Minutes

Day 1: The meeting was hosted by Tim Woodward (CBC) and Steve Fransen (WSU) and was held at the Columbia Basin College in Pasco, WA. This was the fourth year the meeting was held in conjunction with the PNW Forage Workers annual meeting. This was the second year, it occurred in the same location as and just prior to the Western County Agents Regional Professional Development meetings. Each participant provided a brief update/report on current forage research and educational programs they are currently involved with. Guest speaker, Rick Orris, from the local US Department of Energy lab, came and talked to the group about the conversion processes of biomass (forage) to fuels and the work their lab is conducting in this area. Oregon State University researcher, Don Horneck, presented new data on nitrogen fertilizer volatilization.

Day 2: Steve Fransen began a discussion and proposal that the group work to develop a Timothy Production Handbook. The format would be a book, similar to the recently published Pasture and Grazing management in the Northwest handbook. He has had verbal confirmation of some financial support from Hay growers in WA and OR and would ask Idaho as well. The group agreed that there is not a current extensive resource regarding timothy production and that we should work on putting one together. Following the discussion, those present volunteered to take the lead on a particular chapter for the publication. Chanda Engel, Steve Fransen, and Glenn Shewmaker gave a brief overview to the group on the mission and objectives of the NIRS (Near Infrared Spectroscopy) Consortium. The WERA1014 members present went through the goals and mission of the group; evaluating what is being done to meet them and if there are any changes that need to be made. The meeting finished with a discussion on how to increase participation and the diversity of the group, to encompass producers as well as more animal scientists and other agencies. The discussion included potential barriers to participation which included limited travel dollars (only one delegate from each university is provided with travel funds) as a big factor as well as time. Group members were encouraged to talk to colleagues and clientele and conduct outreach to inform them about the group and invite them to participate.

Accomplishments

Birdsfoot trefoil was seeded in August of 2011 in cooperation with Aurora Organic Dairy that will be grazed by their dairy cows in 2012 and 2013 to demonstrate the unique forage quality traits of trefoil. This is part of the grant entitled Improved Organic Milk Production through the Use of the Condensed Tannin-Containing Forage Legume Birdsfoot Trefoil which is a cooperative effort among researchers from Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado.<br /> <br /> A second year of yield and forage quality data was collected for the project entitled Reducing Nitrogen Fertilizer Inputs to Irrigated Pastures and Hayfields by Interseeding Legumes. This is a cooperative project among researchers from Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon. A presentation on preliminary findings will be given at the Western Alfalfa and Forage Conference to be held in Las Vegas, NV in December 2011. Results to date suggest that producers should interseed vigorous legumes such as alfalfa or red clover and suppress the existing vegetation with Roundup herbicide prior to seeding to improve establishment success.<br /> <br /> A 3-day grazing school was held in September for 21 graduate students in the Western Center for Integrated Resource Management and Beef Management Systems programs at Colorado State University. The goal of the school was to provide students with hands-on training in practical management of irrigated pastures. The University of Idahos Lost River Grazing Academy conducted two management intensive grazing schools for producers from across the US. A spin off of the Academy was also conducted in Wyoming in 2011. <br /> <br /> A SARE professional development grant to provide training on pasture management will be carried out by researchers and extension personnel from Idaho, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. A publication on defoliation will also be an outcome of this endeavor. A symposium on defoliation was conducted at the ASA meetings. <br /> <br /> Utah received a $75,000 NRCS Conservation innovation grant to do demonstration work with four producers and look at the economics of grazing beef on birdsfoot trefoil monoculture pastures. <br /> <br /> Oregon is investigating potential spring use, yield and quality of winter cereal pastures. A group of researchers and investigators at OSU are also working to develop a grass finished beef project in Oregon.<br /> <br /> Two WERA members, one from Oregon and one from Idaho, have started blogs to disseminate livestock and forage information to producers and peers.<br />

Publications

Kinder, C.A. and G.E. Shewmaker. 2011. CIS 1178 Proper Sampling (Coring) of Hay Bales, University of Idaho Extension, Moscow, ID.<br /> <br /> Gunn, D., R. Hirnyck, G. Shewmaker, S. Takatori, and L. Ellis. 2011. Vole Management. Progressive Forage Grower 12(4):8. <br /> <br /> Falen, C., and G. Shewmaker. 2011. Extend the Grazing Season with Unconventional Forages. Progressive Cattleman April 2011:27-28. <br /> <br /> Shewmaker, G.E., and L.K. Hooper. 2011. Predicting Herbage Mass in Irrigated Smooth Bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) Pastures. In organizing committee (eds.) CDROM Proceedings IX International Rangeland Congress, 2-8 April 2011, Rosario, Argentina. <br /> <br /> Shewmaker, G.E., and L.K. Hooper. 2011. Light Interception by Rotationally-Grazed Orchardgrass (Dactylis Glomerata L.) Canopies. Proceedings of American Forage and Grasslands Council Annual Meeting, 12-15 June 2011, French Lick, IN.<br /> <br /> Casler, M., Y. Papadopolous, D. Undersander, S. Bittman, R. Mathison, D. Min, J. Robins, J. Cherney, S. Acharya, D. Belesky, S. Bowley, B. Coulman, R. Drapeau, N. Ehlke, M. Hall, R. Leep, R. Michaud, J. Rowsell, G. Shewmaker, C. Teutsch, and W. Coblentz. 2011. Sparse-Flowering Orchardgrass Is Stable Across Temperate North America. Abstract for ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings 16-19 October 2011, San Antonio, TX.<br /> <br /> Falen, C.L. and G. Shewmaker. 2011. Unconventional forages for livestock. Abstract for ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings 16-19 October 2011, San Antonio, TX.<br /> <br /> Winger, M., A. Moore, C. Falen, G. Shewmaker, K. Beckmann, S. Hanks, L. St.John, D. Ogle, and R. Johnson. 2011. Idaho Natural Resources Conservation Service and Partners Expand Cover Crop Technology in Idaho. Abstract for ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings 16-19 October 2011, San Antonio, TX.<br /> <br /> Williams, C. M., Dschaak, C. M., Eun, J.-S., MacAdam, J. W., & Young, A. 2010. Assessment of tannin-free and tanniniferous legumes in lactating dairy diets using continuous culture. J. Dairy Sci. 79.<br /> <br /> Williams, C. M., Eun, J.-S., MacAdam, J. W., Young, A., Fellner, V., & Min, B. R. 2010. Tannin-free and tanniniferous legumes in lactating dairy diets affect in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics and methane production by mixed ruminal microbiota in continuous cultures. pp. 159 Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Greenhouse Gases and Animal Agriculture Banff, Canada, October 3-8 2010. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Canada.<br /> <br /> MacAdam, J. 2010. A Pasture Legume with the Potential to Increase Milk Production. pp. 6-8 In The Integrity, Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, August-September 2010.<br /> <br /> Williams, C. M., Eun, J.-S., Dschaak, C. M., MacAdam, J. W., Min, B. R., & Young, A. 2010. CASE STUDY: In vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) hay in continuous cultures: Professional Animal Scientist, 26: 570-576.<br /> <br /> Brummer, J.E., A.W. Cooley, J. Murray, and M. Volt. 2011. Establishment and renovation of pastures, hayfields, and mountain meadows, p. 15-27. In: C.H. Pearson, J.E. Brummer, B. Hammon, and M.L. Franklin (eds.), Intermountain Grass and Legume Forage Production Manual, 2nd edition. Colo. Agri. Exp. Sta. Tech. Bull. TB11-02, Fort Collins, CO.<br /> <br /> Brummer, J.E., G. Shewmaker, and C. Engel. 2011. Challenges and benefits of interseeding legumes into grass dominated stands, 6 p. In: Proceedings of 2011 Western Alfalfa & Forage Conference, Las Vegas, NV. Univ. California Coop. Ext., Davis, CA. <br /> <br /> Brummer, J.E., J.G. Davis, and M.R. Booher. 2011. Fertilizing cool season grasses and grass/legume mixtures. Colo. State Univ. Ext. Fact Sheet No. 0.522, Fort Collins, CO. 5 p.<br /> <br /> Brummer, J.E., M. Volt, and A.W. Cooley. 2011. Irrigated hay production, p. 81-85. In: C.H. Pearson, J.E. Brummer, B. Hammon, and M.L. Franklin (eds.), Intermountain Grass and Legume Forage Production Manual, 2nd edition. Colo. Agri. Exp. Sta. Tech. Bull. TB11-02, Fort Collins, CO.<br /> <br /> Cooley, A.W., and J.E. Brummer. 2011. Fertility management, p. 55-61. In: C.H. Pearson, J.E. Brummer, B. Hammon, and M.L. Franklin (eds.), Intermountain Grass and Legume Forage Production Manual, 2nd edition. Colo. Agri. Exp. Sta. Tech. Bull. TB11-02, Fort Collins, CO.<br /> <br /> Cooley, A.W., and J.E. Brummer. 2011. Introduction, p. 1-2. In: C.H. Pearson, J.E. Brummer, B. Hammon, and M.L. Franklin (eds.), Intermountain Grass and Legume Forage Production Manual, 2nd edition. Colo. Agri. Exp. Sta. Tech. Bull. TB11-02, Fort Collins, CO.<br /> <br /> Hurisso, T.T., J.G. Davis, J.E. Brummer, M.E. Stromberger, F.H. Stonaker, B.C. Kondratieff, M.R. Booher, and D.A. Goldhamer. 2011. Earthworm abundance and species composition in organic forage production systems of northern Colorado receiving different soil amendments. Appl. Soil Ecol. 48:219-226.<br /> <br /> LeValley, R.B., J.E. Brummer, and E. Page. 2011. Weed management in grass pastures and hayfields, p. 39-54. In: C.H. Pearson, J.E. Brummer, B. Hammon, and M.L. Franklin (eds.), Intermountain Grass and Legume Forage Production Manual, 2nd edition. Colo. Agri. Exp. Sta. Tech. Bull. TB11-02, Fort Collins, CO.<br /> <br /> Lindenmayer, R.B., N.C. Hansen, and J.E. Brummer. 2011. Deficit irrigation of alfalfa for water-savings in the Great Plains and Inter-Mountain West: A review and analysis of the literature. Agron. J. 103:45-50.<br /> <br /> Murray, J., A.W. Cooley, and J.E. Brummer. 2011. Plant species selection, p. 3-13. In: C.H. Pearson, J.E. Brummer, B. Hammon, and M.L. Franklin (eds.), Intermountain Grass and Legume Forage Production Manual, 2nd edition. Colo. Agri. Exp. Sta. Tech. Bull. TB11-02, Fort Collins, CO.<br /> <br /> Pearson, C.H., J.E. Brummer, and A.T. Beahm. 2010. Co-establishment of legumes and corn in a living mulch cropping system under furrow irrigation, p. 10-19. In: R. Zimmerman (ed.), Western Colorado Research Center 2009 Annual Report, Colo. Agri. Exp. Sta. Tech. Rep. TR10-07, Fort Collins, CO.<br /> <br /> Pearson, C.H., J.E. Brummer, and B. Hammon. 2011. Organic production of alfalfa and grass, p. 177-184. In: C.H. Pearson, J.E. Brummer, B. Hammon, and M.L. Franklin (eds.), Intermountain Grass and Legume Forage Production Manual, 2nd edition. Colo. Agri. Exp. Sta. Tech. Bull. TB11-02, Fort Collins, CO.<br /> <br /> Pearson, C.H., J.E. Brummer, B. Hammon, and M.L. Franklin (eds.). 2011. Intermountain Grass and Legume Forage Production Manual, 2nd edition. Colo. Agri. Exp. Sta. Tech. Bull. TB11-02, Fort Collins, CO. 194 p.<br /> <br /> Temple, D.G., J.E. Brummer, and D.H. Smith. 2011. Use of alternative temperature expressions with Blaney-Criddle. J. Irrig. Drain. Eng. 137:573-584.<br /> <br /> C.L. Engel*, Charlton, B.A., Roseberg, R.J., Bentley, R.A., Culp, D.A., Riggs, W. R. 2011.<br /> Potential for Brassica spp. and fodder radishes as late season forages in the high desert region of Oregon. In:Proc Western Region County Agricultural Agents Regional Meeting, October 2011, Kennewick, Wa<br /> <br /> C.L. Engel,* Charlton, B.A., Roseberg, R.J., Bentley, R.A. 2010. Adaptation of Brassica spp. and Fodder Radishes as Late Season Forages in the High Desert Region of Oregon. OSU Beef Research Report. BEEF024: Pp 3-8<br /> <br /> C. L. Engel,* Charlton, B.A., Roseberg, R.J., Bentley, R.A. 2010. Adaptation of Brassica spp. and Fodder Radishes as Late Season Forages in the High Desert Region of Oregon. OSU Beef Council Report <br />

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

Chad Cheyney, Steve Hines, Jon Hogge, Glenn Shewmaker, Amber Moore, Cindy Kinder, Wilson Gray, Christi Falen, and Stuart Parkinson - University of Idaho; Earl Creech, Jennifer MacAdam, Boyd Kitchen, and James Barnhill - Utah State University; Troy Downing and Mylen Bohle - Oregon State University; Joe Brummer - Colorado State University; Anowar Islam - University of Wyoming; Steve Norberg - Washington State University; Dave Bjorneberg, April Leytem, and Hank Mayland (Retired)- Agricultural Research Service; Mike Reed (Retired)- Private Industry.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Day 1: This years meeting was hosted by Glenn Shewmaker from the University of Idaho and was held at the USDA-ARS Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory (NWISRL) located near Kimberly, Idaho. This was the fifth year the meeting was held in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Forage Workers Group annual meeting and the third year it occurred in the same location as (and just prior to) the Western County Agents Regional Professional Development meeting. Consolidating these meetings saves on travel expenses and leads to better collaboration among those involved in forage research and extension.

Dr. Dave Bjorneberg, Director of the NWISRL, gave a brief overview of the station, personnel involved, and their areas of research focus. The station has 4 focus areas: soil nutrient management in irrigated cropping systems, water management aimed at reducing the footprint of irrigated agriculture, reducing air emissions associated with animal feeding operations, and sugar beet genetics and diseases. Glenn Shewmaker gave an overview of the University of Idaho Kimberly Research and Extension Center. This was originally a dry bean research facility, but has branched out into other areas such as corn, potatoes, sugar beets, and forages.

Chanda Engel relinquished her role as chairman of the WERA 1014 committee since she moved from Oregon State University to North Dakota State University in 2012. Joe Brummer, former chairman of the committee, stepped in to conduct the meeting this year. He reported that the project is up for reauthorization in 2013 which requires a new proposal to be submitted early in 2013. Jennifer MacAdam agreed to draft a new project proposal with the help of Joe Brummer and Anowar Islam. Anowar was elected to chair the meeting in 2013 as it will be held somewhere in Wyoming in conjunction with the Western County Agents Regional Professional Development meeting.

The development of a timothy production manual was discussed by Glenn Shewmaker. This is a project being headed up by Steve Fransen from Washington State University. The different chapters to be included in the manual were discussed and tentative writing assignments were given out.

Glenn Shewmaker discussed the professional development training held in Salmon, Idaho in August 2012 for individuals (Extension, NRCS, etc.) involved with forages. There were 30 participants at this training with additional trainings planned in Fort Collins, Colorado (August 21-23, 2013) and west of the Cascades (Salem?) in the spring of 2014. There is the potential to hold a fourth training in western Wyoming, Utah, or Montana in the spring of 2013. This is a Western SARE funded project.

At the request of the participants, April Leytem with the ARS gave a brief overview of her work in Idaho evaluating emissions from dairies in the area. She indicated that New Zealand is an excellent source of information on greenhouse gasses associated with dairies, especially NOx.

Day 2: The first half of the morning was spent on individual state reports from Oregon  Mylen Bohle, Idaho  Glenn Shewmaker, Washington  Steve Norberg, Utah  Earl Creech and Jennifer MacAdam, Wyoming  Anowar Islam, and Colorado  Joe Brummer. During the second half of the morning, Christi Falen (UI Extension) gave an update on her work with annual forages to extend the grazing season, Amber Moore (UI Soils specialist) presented on cover crops and calculating nitrogen credits, and Steve Hines (UI Extension) gave an overview of results from his corn silage trials.

A tour was held in the afternoon where participants visited forage research plots at the UI Kimberly Research and Extension Center. Two types of interseeding drills were demonstrated and participants were able to view and discuss various types of cover crops being grown for forage. The Stolzfus grazing-based dairy was visited later that day along with their associated Clover Leaf Creamery. This was a very interesting overview of a fully integrated small-scale dairy operation. The day ended with a barbeque at the home of Glenn and Bev Shewmaker.

Accomplishments

Utah  Jennifer MacAdam is evaluating the impact of birdsfoot trefoil (BFT) on milk quality parameters such as yield, protein, fat, milk urea nitrogen content (MUN), and somatic cell count (SCC) in organic dairy systems. Cows grazing BFT tended to produce more milk with higher protein and fat contents. MUN did not change significantly, but SCC was reduced. She also is looking at steers grazing BFT pastures and measured gains from 2.34 to 3.63 lbs/day. Earl Creech from Utah conducted a feeding study comparing teff versus alfalfa based diets with no significant difference between the 2 forage types. A revision of the Intermountain Planting Guide is currently in the works.<br /> <br /> Oregon  Mylen Bohle reported that hay fields in Oregon are starting to show potassium (K) deficiencies. He plans on initiating a rate trial on orchardgrass in the spring of 2013 to document yield responses to added K. This is an issue that everyone in the West needs to be aware of as soil K levels continue to decline over time.<br /> <br /> Washington  Steve Norberg reported that the Latigo label was approved for weed control in teff. He is looking at soybeans for forage but reported that curing can be an issue with large yields (5 tons/ac) and poor drying conditions. He also reported that soybeans appear to suppress the root knot nematode.<br /> <br /> Idaho  Glenn Shewmaker evaluated light interception by orchardgrass canopies and found that when regrowth increased from 5 to 10 inches, interception of PAR increased by 33%. He also indicated that a 1 meter long light bar was too long to use easily in grazed grass canopies. The University of Idaho Forage Website contains useful tools such as a grazing wedge spreadsheet and calibrations for a Missouri type rising plate meter.<br /> <br /> Wyoming  Anowar Islam reported that Wyoming has released the first alfalfa variety with brown root rot resistance called Lander. They have also released Laramie annual medic as a potential winter annual with good drought and winterhardiness. This is a good pasture species, especially for sheep. Two varieties of sainfoin have also been released: Shoshone and Delaney. The final legume they have recently released is Forager spring pea. They are continuing to work on pea varieties that have good winterhardiness for Wyomings harsh environment.<br /> <br /> Colorado  Joe Brummer reported on a nitrogen fertility project looking at yield and quality responses to different types of protected urea fertilizers in a high elevation mountain hay meadow. After 2 years, the best yield response has been to the fall application of Nutrisphere coated urea, especially when applied at the 80 lb/ac rate.

Publications

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

" Chad Cheyney, Christi Falen, Wilson Gray, and Glenn Shewmaker - University of Idaho
" Earl Creech and Jennifer MacAdam - Utah State University
" Joe Brummer - Colorado State University
" David Hannaway and Mylen Bohle - Oregon State University
" Peter Ballerstedt - Barenbrug USA, Oregon
" Dave Aiken - University of Nebraska  Lincoln
" Hank Mayland (Retired) - Agricultural Research Service
" Rajan Ghimire, Robin Groose, Bret Hess, Albert Adjesiwor, Parmeshwor Aryal, Donna Brown, Caleb Carter, Dhruba Dhakal, Anowar Islam, Matt Jolivet, Clayton Kawcak, Andrew Kniss, Jay Norton, Bill Stump, Glen Whipple, Bob Baumgartner, Jim Freeburn, Kelly Greenwald, and Steve Paisley - University of Wyoming

Brief Summary of Minutes

Day 1: The meeting was hosted by Anowar Islam from the University of Wyoming and was held at the Hilton Garden Inn & University of Wyoming Conference Center, Laramie, Wyoming. This was the sixth year the meeting was held in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Forage Workers Group annual meeting. This was the first time that the meeting was held at the University of Wyoming. These joint meetings save on travel expenses and lead to better collaboration among those involved in forage research and extension.
At the beginning of the meeting, Anowar Islam gave an introduction, welcome, and overview for the two days programs. Dr. Donna Brown, Associate Dean and Director, Academic and Student Programs, Interim Head, Plant Sciences, University of Wyoming gave opening remarks. She discussed about the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs and overall student enrolment and study programs. She mentioned that there is steady increase in student enrolment in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Dr. Bret Hess, Associate Dean and Director, Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Wyoming discussed about Agricultural Experiment Station: Multistate Research Programs and Funding Opportunities. He also discussed about the four research stations across the state and their importance in relation to research and extension. Dr. Glen Whipple, Associate Dean and Director, University of Wyoming Extension gave an overview of the UW Extension and discussed how this works. He highlighted the importance of forage and mentioned that Wyoming is a state of forage and animal production. He finally appreciated highly having this important meeting in Wyoming.
David Hannaway presented report of Oregon and discussed forage and seed production studies both locally, nationally, and internationally. He highlighted the importance of international collaboration and indicated that several collaborative publications are underway to get published. Mylen Bohle discussed fertility and nutritional studies in Oregon. Earl Creech reported forage studies, weed management studies, and grazing studies in grass-legume mixtures. Glenn Shewmaker presented report on Idaho forage studies. Andrew Kniss, Weed Scientist of the University of Wyoming, presented a research report on Herbicide Options for Postemergence Weed Control in Sainfoin. He reported that sainfoin is not tolerant to Roundup as always thought and summarized that no herbicides are currently registered for POST broadleaf control; Raptor (imazamox) and Pursuit (imazethapyr) show promise; BASF is potentially interested in adding sainfoin to at least 1 label.
David Aiken, Professor, Water & Agricultural Law Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln presented at very interesting talk via Skype Climate Change & Irrigation Water Rights. He mentioned that irrigator should be able to make any changes he wants given a reduced water supply - state does not really care about how you irrigate; major impact will be if the irrigator wants to sell the right to non-irrigator for non-irrigation use.
Joe Brummer presented report for Colorado on Forage Systems for Beef Cattle Operations in Eastern Colorado. Jennifer MacAdam presented Utah report on Legume Pasture-Based Livestock Production. Robin Groose, Plant Breeder of the University of Wyoming, presented a research report on UW Forage Legume Breeding: Winterhardy Peas. He concluded that the best lines, especially Wyo#11 and Wyo#13and the mix of the twoare well-adapted to Wyoming and yield well under different conditions. Wyo#11 (proposed as Archer) is currently under seed increase for varietal release as per the recommendation of the Wyoming Crop Improvement Association. Wyo #13 (proposed as Arrow) is also under purification and seed increase. Peter Ballerstedt, Forage Product Manager, Barenbrug USA, Oregon discussed in his presentation The Role of Animal Products, in Particular from Ruminants, in the Human Diet. Obesity rates for adults could reach or exceed 44 percent in every state and exceed 60 percent in 13 states by 2030 in the US. Existing data shows that animal products will be part of the solution; more research needs to be done.
Jay Norton, Soil Fertility Specialist of the University of Wyoming presented results of a long-term study Irrigated Forage Production Under Conventional, Reduce Till, and Organic Practices. He concluded that converting from monocrop to perennial forage in rotation had positive impacts on soil quality that occurred rapidly; reducing tillage at establishment of alfalfa-grass mixture impacted allocation to roots and subsequent microbial activity and soil organic matter accrual; and organic, minimum till hay-grain rotations could be profitable soil-building option for integrated livestock operations in Wyoming and the Northern Great Plains. Wilson Gray updated his preliminary economic analyses on the birdsfoot trefoil USU Project. Milk production and birdsfoot data used were preliminary however, results look promising, he indicated. Christi Falen presented Idaho Forage Research & Extension Report. She highlighted Management intensive grazing demonstration trial; Dual purpose cover crops for forage and green manure; and Warm season annual forages. While Chad Cheyney reported in depth about Lost Rivers Grazing Academy.
Day 2: A tour was held in the second day at the University of Wyoming James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SAREC), Lingle. Introductions, welcome, and overview of SAREC were given in the morning by Jim Freeburn, Bob Baumgartner, Steve Paisley, and Kelly Greenwald. Steve Paisley, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, UW SAREC, gave a seminar on Relationships between Feed Quality, Performance, and Feed Efficiency. In his presentation, he highlighted annual and perennial grass-feed beef cattle production and the importance of legumes in the pasture systems. Caleb Carter, University of Wyoming Extension Educator, presented an in depth study Effects of Irrigation on Alfalfa: Production, Quality, and Economics. He highlighted irrigation systems and methods, water use efficiency, alfalfa forage quality, and finally the economic advantages and disadvantages of the irrigation systems.
In the afternoon, an extensive tour was organized. Steve Paisley shown and discussed about SAREC Feedlot Facilities and Grow Safe; Bob Baumgartner, Farm Manager, shown and discussed about Irrigated and Dryland Forage Production and Utilization systems and farm machineries; Bill Stump, Plant Pathologist, demonstrated and discussed about Plant Pathology Research at SAREC; and finally Dhruba Dhakal, PhD Student, and Anowar Islam demonstrated and discussed Forage Research at SAREC. Alfalfa including roundup ready, cool-season grasses, and grass-legume mixture studies were highlighted during the tour.
State and Provincial Reports and Meetings continued after the tour. Anowar Islam presented and provided updated information on completed and ongoing forage research in Wyoming. Forage and seed production and forage germplasm evaluation were featured in his presentation. Glenn Shewmaker led a discussion on an Initiative to Support Western Forage Research, Extension, and Education. Finally, Glenn Shewmaker in support with others thanked Anowar Islam for organizing such a successful meeting and decided to have Anowar Islam organize the meeting in 2014 again in western Wyoming in conjunction with AMPIC and UW Extension agents.
The Day 2 ended with a BBQ at SAREC by Kelly Greenwald and Anowar Islam.

Accomplishments

Utah<br /> Jennifer MacAdam reported - There are two new Cooperative Extension publications from Utah State University summarizing the results of a four-year-long birdsfoot trefoil (BFT) variety trial. In a three-harvest system that included two alfalfa check varieties, the yield of BFT was about 2/3rds that of alfalfa. However, yields of BFT in this trial were two to three times higher than in BFT variety trials from other states (e.g., Minnesota). Birdsfoot trefoil was harvested every six weeks in this trial, and there was a linear increase in dry matter in the spring and in the autumn, but only a four-week-long increase in dry matter in mid-summer, suggesting the summer harvest period should be shortened from six to four weeks. Data for forage nutritive value demonstrated that while NDF digestibility was higher for alfalfa than BFT, the non-fibrous carbohydrate concentration of BFT was higher than that of alfalfa. Data in the literature support the conclusion that this contributes to higher intake and productivity of ruminants on BFT than on alfalfa. Sensory panel data were presented that compared ribeye steaks from BFT-finished steers with purchased ribeye steaks from grass-finished and grain-finished cattle. These data showed that BFT-finished steaks were liked as well by consumers as grain-finished steaks, and both were preferred to grass-finished steaks. Carcass data for cattle finished on concentrate, grass pasture and BFT pasture showed higher dressing percentages for BFT (62%) than for concentrate- or grass-finished steers (58%); a predominance of cattle finished choice on all three diets. Data comparing intake and milk production on grass and BFT pasture showed higher intake and milk production on BFT, and data for cheese from TMR-, grass- and BFT-fed cattle showed higher omega-3 fatty acids on grass than on TMR, and on BFT than on grass.<br /> Earl Creech and coworkers from Utah conducted grazing trials on tall fescue and tall fescue-BFT mixtures and found superior daily gain in tall fescue-BFT mixtures.<br /> Oregon<br /> Mylen Bohle reported - Organic alfalfa fertility trial (2012-2015) - looking at 2, 3, and 4 tons of chicken manure and 2 and 4 tons/acre slightly composted dairy manure as base fertility applications. These rates are being tested with and without fertility enhancing products.<br /> Potassium Rate and Source of Potassium Effect on 2- and 3-cut Orchardgrass Hay  More fields are becoming low in potassium and the cost/benefit of applying either muriate of potash and dairy cow manure needs to be documented biologically and economically. The Central Oregon Hay Growers Association has made the project number one research project and will provide partial funding support.<br /> Nitrogen Rate Effect on Nutrient Concentration and Uptake of 3-cut Orchardgrass  Effect on nitrogen rate on yield and quality will be tested by running test on stored samples for nutrient concentration and uptake. Rescanning of data will be made to determine nitrogen rate effect on sugars and carbohydrates. The Central Oregon Hay Growers Association has made the project a priority research project and will provide partial funding support through their membership dues. Mylen Bohle works closely with Oregon Hay and Forage Association and Central Oregon Hay Growers Association. The OSU Forage and Livestock Research Endowment Fund which has about $65,000 collected from the $1,000,000 goal.<br /> <br /> David Hannaway reported many recent activities. Some of these include Organized OSU CAS Administrators Trip to China (12 administrators and senior faculty visiting China to strengthen collaborative research and education programs); Planned Student Summer Study Program (21 Chinese students and faculty from Nanjing Agricultural University); Received Fulbright Distinguished Chair Award; and Arranged Thailand Research and Teaching Activities. Because of the collaborative efforts, two publications in Agronomy Journal are underway (one accepted and one under review). Extension publication and workshop include Beef Cattle Handbook fact sheets on alfalfa and Pasture Management Workshops.<br /> <br /> Idaho<br /> Christi Falen reported - Management intensive Grazing (MiG) Demonstration Trial  we received grant funding to purchase portable fencing supplies. I worked cooperatively with Chad Cheyney, Wilson Gray and two interns to implement and conduct this trial. We showed the producer and his two assistants how to fix the existing perimeter electrical fencing system, setup and movement of the portable fencing/watering system, how to measure available forage and allocate it daily for cattle. We collected pasture forage data before each grazing using a rising plate meter and grazing stick. Pasture residual after grazing was also measured. By demonstrating MiG techniques to the producer we were successful in getting him to adopt this practice. The producer was able to see, with his own cattle and irrigated pasture, the gain achieved in a month with MiG in comparison to his other cattle that had been on irrigated pasture using set stocking. He also saw and realized the importance of leaving behind residuals in the pasture to increase forage production and stand longevity. When we asked for our supplies back in the fall, the producer wanted to purchase them and keep going with MiG next year. We were also able to educate and increase the rate of MiG adoption through a hands-on grazing field day at the trial for 15 other producers. They learned about MiG benefits for cattle, pasture, soils and profitability. Additionally, one intern was from a cattle operation in southeastern Idaho and he has already shared the information with another Extension Educator and ranching families from this area. The other intern is planning to teach 4-H youth and farm/ranch families about MiG over spring break. The MiG trial results will be shared at a livestock workshop for Magic Valley cattlemen in December of 2013.<br /> Dual-Purpose Cover Crops: Forage and Green Manure  we received a WSARE grant for cover crop research. Lauren Hunter and I have been working on cover crop field trials with producers the last two years. We have another year to complete the project. Glenn Shewmaker and Amber Moore are collaborating with us. This is being done in tandem with Ambers creation of an Idaho cover crop online calculator and nitrogen incubation study to answer producer questions regarding the use of cover crops. Since the cost of the cover crop seed can be expensive, we are evaluating production of a forage that can be grazed, leaving a residual for re-growth, and then incorporating the re-growth as a green manure. If the forage production/grazing will cover the cost of the seed, planting and irrigation, that would make the green manure free. With the shortage of low cost feed alternatives for livestock producers, this could be a win-win for both the livestock and crop producers. As a result of conducting this research, I was able to recommend using Arvika peas with their oats to two livestock producers. They both implemented this idea and planted multiple pivots with this mix this year, saving thousands of dollars on their feeding costs by producing a higher quality feed without having to pay high hay costs. This research also influenced the species composition and seeding rates we used for the cover crop and forage blends used on nine other farms/ranches. A cover crop field day (20 participants) and training for eight UI college students was conducted. All eight of the students said they were more educated and willing to implement what they learned after the training. In 2013-14, a proceedings article of the results so far are being presented at the Western Alfalfa and Forage Symposium, American Forage and Grassland Conference, Nutrient Management Conference and five winter cereal schools.<br /> Cover Crop Demonstration for the Magic Valley  Forage and Green Manure - In August of 2013 we received a Conservation Innovation Grant, partnering with the Twin Falls and Balanced Rock Soil Conservation Districts, to do demonstration trials on producer farms with cover crops across the Magic Valley. A team of Extension Educators  Steve Hines, Lauren Hunter, Joel Packham, Billy Whitehurst and I, are working with Cindy Snyder. We have a cover crop blend or forage blend planted on nine different farms. On one site we are monitoring the soil compaction and soil fertility changes from grazing cattle this fall on the cover crops. Other producers are grazing cattle or sheep this fall, and then we will evaluate the remaining forage next spring for green manure value. Pictures, video, yield and forage quality were collected this fall. This project will continue next year. A cover crop field day highlighting one of these sites and a WSARE site was conducted in October with 20 people learning more about cover crops. YouTube videos of the results will be completed at the end to increase the audience that can benefit from the results.<br /> Sorghum Sudangrass Evaluation - Glenn Shewmaker and I have been evaluating warm season annual forages for livestock feed. This year we are monitoring prussic acid and nitrate concentrations along with forage quality during the growing season with multiple harvests. We know the sudangrass can be grazed in the fall, but want to determine if it can be safely grazed during the summer without harmful effects on livestock. Since cool season pastures dont grow well during the heat of the summer, we need to find alternatives to meet the forage requirements for livestock during that time.<br /> Unconventional Forages for Livestock - Two articles were written for Progressive Cattlemen and Progressive Forage Grower, reaching a national audience, from previous collaborative research related to unconventional annual forages/extending the grazing season.<br /> <br /> Chad Cheyney reported - Lost River Grazing Academy, the Lost River Grazing Academy is a 4-day hands-on workshop for operators and agency personnel who would like to learn more about Management-intensive Grazing (MiG). The program is held on the Eagle Valley Ranch near Salmon, ID, where all of the staff are alumni of the program, including the owner, and where they have implemented the principles of MiG. The program is taught by University of Idaho Extension educators and specialists and features Mr. Jim Gerrish, formerly of the University of Missouri Forage Research Center, and now a private grazing advisor who is recognize around the world as an authority. Participants work with a mixture of classroom and field experiences individually and in small teams. One of the features of the program is that each team is given a small herd of cattle to manage for the school and receive grazing assignments each day. The following day the pastures are evaluated and graded. Classes are limited to 20-25. In the fall of 2013, we completed a class of 22. More than 200 ranchers and agency personnel have received training at the Lost River Grazing Academy since it was begun in the middle 1990s. This includes people from all of the west states, Canada, Mexico and South America, as well as operators from some eastern states as well. The program has been recognized as an outstanding program by the University of Idaho Extension, as well as receiving the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, National Award for Excellence in Livestock Production, and has been present at the annual meeting of the International Association of Farm Managers. In 2014, we expect to have an advanced program in the spring of 2014, travel to Utah to do an Academy in central Utah, and hold the regular Lost River Grazing Academy in Salmon in September 2014. Since so much material is covered, participants sometime return to take the program again. During the introductions on the first day, the spouse of a returning rancher said, I want to thank you. You all have changed our lives. I used to worry about my husband, because he was out every night by himself baling hay. Now he is home every evening. He used to worry that the rain would hurt the hay. Now he smiles when it rains.<br /> <br /> Colorado<br /> Joe Brummer reported on forage systems for beef cattle operations project looking at extending the grazing season. A number of promising species to extend the grazing season included cool-season annual grasses, warm-season annual grasses, and broadleaf annual species along with forage cocktails (complex mixtures) and stockpiling. Preliminary results showed high yields and good quality forages.<br /> <br /> Wyoming<br /> Anowar Islam reported that a few forage studies have recently been completed in Wyoming and a few publications came out from these studies. These include: Assessment of fenugreek for adaptation to South East Wyoming; Forage yield and seed yield potential of novel tall fescue under irrigated conditions in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming; Establishment and persistence of some important forage legumes in the Central West Region; Forage and grain yield potential of small grains in the Great Plains of Wyoming; and Developing winterhardy peas for Wyoming. A number of ongoing and new studies initiated recently include cool-season grass response to irrigation, drought, and planting time; Agronomic traits in tall fescue genotypes; Sustaining legumes in grasslands to reduce nitrogen fertilization: A multi-regional assessment; and Performance trials of newly released or about to release cultivars/lines of alfalfa. Work is continuing to release two new pea varieties that have good winterhardiness and high yield potential for Wyomings harsh environment. These new releases may have potentials to grow in neighboring states.<br />

Publications

Shewmaker et al. Publications, 2012-2013<br /> Refereed/Adjudicated:<br /> Casler, M.D., Y.A. Papad-opolous, S. Bittman, R.D. Mathison, D.H. Min, J.G. Robins, J.H. Cherney, S.N. Acharya, D.P. Belesky, S.R. Bowley, B.E. Coulman, R. Drapeau, N.J. Ehlke, M.H. Hall, R.H. Leep, R. Michaud, J. Rowsell, G.E. Shewmaker, C.D. Teutsch, and W.K. Coblentz. 2013. Sparse-flowering orchardgrass is stable across temperate North America. Crop Science 53:5:1870-1877. doi:10.2135/cropsci2013.01.0055<br /> Extension Publications (peer reviewed and adjudicated):<br /> Shewmaker, Glenn, John Hall, and Sarah Baker. 2013. Getting the most feed nutrient for the dollar. CIS 1201, University of Idaho Extension. http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/CIS/CIS1201.pdf<br /> MacAdam, Jennifer, J. Brummer, A. Islam, and G. Shewmaker. 2013. The Benefits of Tannin-Containing Forages. AG/Forages/2013-03, Utah State University, Plants, Soils, and Climate Dept. http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/AG_Forages_2013-03pr.pdf<br /> Foster, Steve, Brad Schultz, Gary McCuin, Howard Neibling, and Glenn Shewmaker. 2013. Soil Properties, Part 1 of 3: Physical Characteristics. Fact Sheet-13-02, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Reno.<br /> Proceedings (peer reviewed):<br /> Shewmaker, G.E., and L.K. Hooper, 2013. Sward structure effects on light interception in rotationally-grazed orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). In (eds.) USB drive, Proceedings 22nd Int. Grassland Congress, 15-19 September 2013, Sydney, Australia. <br /> Shewmaker, G.E. 2013. Preventing hay fires. p. 32-41 In Proceedings 2013 Idaho Hay and Forage Conference, 28 February to 1 March 2013, Burley, Idaho, University of Idaho Extension.<br /> Shewmaker, G.E. Greg Blaser, and R. Roemer. 2013. Alfalfa variety trials 2012. p. 9-14 In Proceedings 2013 Idaho Hay and Forage Conference, 28 February to 1 March 2013, Burley, Idaho, University of Idaho Extension.<br /> Brummer, J., G.E. Shewmaker, and C. Engel. 2012. Challenges and benefits of interseeding legumes into grass dominated stands. P. 237-243 In Proceedings 5th National Conference on Grazing Lands, 9-12 December 2012, Orlando, FL, On CD and http://glci.org/.<br /> Shewmaker, G.E. and L.K. Hooper. 2012. Optimizing light interception by rotationally-grazed pasture canopies. P 346-349 In Proceedings 5th National Conference on Grazing Lands, 9-12 December 2012, Orlando, FL, On CD and http://glci.org/.<br /> Abstracts and Short Papers or Posters:<br /> Shewmaker, G.E. and L. Hooper. 2013. Inter-seeding Legumes into Grass Dominated Pastures, Abstract #25 Society for Range Management, 2-8 February, 2013 Oklahoma City, OK.<br /> Islam et al. Publications, 2012-2013<br /> Journal articles:<br /> Islam, M.A., Obour, A.K., Saha, M.C., Nachtman, J.J., Cecil, W.K., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2013. Grain yield, forage yield, and nutritive value of dual-purpose small grains in the Central High Plains of the USA. Crop Management doi: 10.1094/CM-2012-0154-RS.<br /> Tracy, B., Albrecht, K., Flores, J., Hall, M., Islam, M.A., Jones, G., Lamp, W., MacAdam, J., Skinner, H., and Teutsch, C. 2013. Forage yield, weed suppression and fertilizer nitrogen replacement value (FNRV) of alfalfa-tall fescue mixtures. Grassland Science in Europe. 18:192-194.<br /> Islam, M.A., Obour, A.K., Krall, J.M., Cecil, J.T., and Nachtman, J.J. 2013. Performance of turfgrass under supplemental irrigation and rain-fed conditions in the Central Great Plains of USA. Grassland Science, 59, 111-119.<br /> Islam, M.A., Obour, A.K., Saha, M.C., Nachtman, J.J., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2013. Small grains have forage production potential and nutritive value in Central High Plains of Wyoming. Online. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.1094/FG-2013-0121-02-RS.<br /> Kimura, E. and Islam, M.A. 2012. Seed scarification methods and their use in forage legumes. Research Journal of Seed Science, 5, 38-50.<br /> Book Chapter (Refereed):<br /> Islam, M.A. and Obour, A.K. 2013. Drought physiology of forage crops. In: Handbook of Plant and Crop Physiology, 3rd Edition (M. Pessarakli, Ed.), CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Publishing Company, Florida. (In press).<br /> Reviewed Proceedings:<br /> Islam, M.A., and Saha, M.C. 2013. Agronomic traits in tall fescue populations under irrigated and rain-fed conditions. Proceedings of the 22nd International Grassland Congress, September 15-19, 2013. Sydney, NSW, Australia (International Grassland Congress).<br /> Islam, M.A., Krall, J.M., Cecil, W.K., Nachtman, J.J., Baumgartner, R.E., Bandara, M., and Acharya, S. 2012. Fenugreek: A potential legume for multipurpose use. Proceedings of the 6th International Crop Science Congress, August 6-10, 2012. Bento Goncalves, RS, Brazil (International Crop Science Congress).<br /> Islam, M.A., Groose, R., Norton, U., Garcia y Garcia, A., Santra, D., Sivanpillai, R., Ritten, J., Norton, J., Paisley, S., and Krall, J. 2012. Legume Adoption Practices in the Central Great Plains of the United States: Economic and Environmental Benefits in Face of Climate Change. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Climate Change, July 12-13, 2012. University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Common Ground Publishing, USA).<br /> Popular articles (refereed):<br /> Islam, M.A., Obour, A., Nachtman, J., and Baumgartner, R. 2013. Scientists study turfgrass performance under supplemental irrigation and rain-fed conditions. Reflections, pp. 19-22. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/publications/reflections/reflections-2013-web.pdf (verified 1 September, 2013).<br /> Dhakal, D. and Islam, M.A. 2013. Legume grass mixtures reduce nitrogen requirements and production costs. Reflections, pp. 30-33. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/publications/reflections/reflections-2013-web.pdf (verified 1 September, 2013).<br /> Islam, M.A. 2013. Research gleans best turf grass options for Central Great Plains. Barnyards & Backyards Profitable & Sustainable Agricultural Systems (PSAS) Newspapers Insert (an insert to twenty-four Wyoming newspapers; 144,000 copies of this insert were distributed across the state), March 2013.<br /> Islam, M.A. 2013. Cool-season tall fescue has potential for forage and seed yield production. Barnyards & Backyards Profitable & Sustainable Agricultural Systems (PSAS) Newspapers Insert (an insert to twenty-four Wyoming newspapers; 144,000 copies of this insert were distributed across the state), March 2013, p. 9.<br /> Islam, M.A. 2012. Select small grains could provide forage, grain combo in Wyoming. Barnyards & Backyards Profitable & Sustainable Agricultural Systems (PSAS) Newspapers Insert (an insert to twenty-four Wyoming newspapers; 144,000 copies of this insert were distributed across the state), November 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A. 2012. How to resolve autotoxicity issues in alfalfa stands. Barnyards & Backyards Profitable & Sustainable Agricultural Systems (PSAS) Newspapers Insert (an insert to twenty-four Wyoming newspapers; 144,000 copies of this insert were distributed across the state), July 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A. and Killen, M. 2012. Sainfoin: A potential forage legume in the West. Barnyards & Backyards Profitable & Sustainable Agricultural Systems (PSAS) Newspapers Insert (an insert to twenty-four Wyoming newspapers; 144,000 copies of this insert were distributed across the state), March 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A. and Violett, R.D. 2012. Study yields seed production potential for different tall fescue lines in Big Horn Basin. Barnyards & Backyards Profitable & Sustainable Agricultural Systems (PSAS) Newspapers Insert (an insert to twenty-four Wyoming newspapers; 144,000 copies of this insert were distributed across the state), March 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A. Baumgartner, R.E., and Nachtman, J.J. 2012. UW researchers study forage, grain yield potential of wheat, rye, triticale. Reflections, pp. 33-35. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/publications/reflections/2012/reflections-2012-web.pdf (verified 12 November, 2012).<br /> Abstracts:<br /> Islam, M.A., Saha, M.C., and Wehmeyer, B.A. 2013. Drought stress affects agronomic performance of tall fescue genotypes. Proceedings of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings November 3-6 2013. Tampa, FL (American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America).<br /> Dhakal, D. and Islam, M.A. 2013. Grass-legume mixtures to mitigate nitrogen need and improve soil properties in the Great Plains of Wyoming. Proceedings of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings November 3-6 2013. Tampa, FL (American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America).<br /> Carter, C., Garcia y Garcia, A., Islam, M.A., and Hansen, K. 2013. Effect of deficit irrigation on water use and water use efficiency of alfalfa. Proceedings of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Annual Meetings July 21-24 2013. Kansas city, MO.<br /> Islam, M.A., Krall, J.M., Nachtman, J.J., Baumgartner, R.E., Bandara, M., and Acharya, S.N. 2013. Fenugreek may have potential for multipurpose use. Proceedings of the Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meetings June 11-12 2013. Pendleton, OR (Western Society of Crop Science).<br /> Islam, M.A. and Wehmeyer, B.A. 2013. Biofuel and forage potential of cool-season grass genotypes. Proceedings of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science-US Alumni Association 3rd Multidisciplinary Science Forum International Annual Meetings 1 February 2013. Chapman University, Orange, CA (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science).<br /> Islam, M.A., and Violett, R. 2012. Effect of Nitrogen and Clipping on Forage and Seed Yield of Tall Fescue. Proceedings of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings October 21-24 2012. Cincinnati, OH (American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America).<br /> Kimura, E. Krall, J.M., Hess, B.W., and Islam, M.A. 2012. Establishing Forage Legumes with Companion Crop. Proceedings of the W-SCS Annual Meetings July 11-13 2012. Washington State University, Pullman, WA (Western Society of Crop Science).<br /> Extension publications:<br /> Islam, M.A. 2013. A Guide for Successful Forage Establishment. University of Wyoming Extension Bulletin B-1248, Ed. S.L. Miller, pp.1-8, August 2013. University of Wyoming, Laramie. Available at: http://www.wyomingextension.org/publications/Search_Details.asp?pubid=1834 (verified September 10, 2013)<br /> Islam, M.A. 2013. Mixtures of grass-legume may benefit producers in Wyoming. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 25, No. 18, September 7, 2013.<br /> Wehmeyer, B.A., Saha, M.C., and Islam, M.A. 2013. Forage and Biomass Potential and Their Genetics of Tall Fescue Genotypes. 2013 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 27-28. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2013-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified September 2, 2013).<br /> Jolivet, M.T., Waldron, B.L., Stahl, P.D., and Islam, M.A. 2013. Forage Kochia May Have Potential for Both Forage and Reclamation. 2013 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 23-24. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2013-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified September 2, 2013).<br /> Dhakal, D. and Islam, M.A. 2013. Benefits from GrassLegume Mixtures in Forage-Production Systems. 2013 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 25-26. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2013-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified September 2, 2013).<br /> Islam, M.A. 2012. Birdsfoot Trefoil: A Bloat-free Forage Legume. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 24, No. 27, November 10, 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A. 2012. Benefits from and Principles for Composing Grass-legume Mixture. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 24, No. 21, September 29, 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A. 2012. Genetics, Variety Development, and Species Selection. Factsheet, Pasture Management Professional Development Workshop, University of Idaho Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension, and Education Center, North of Salmon, Idaho, August 21-23, 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A. 2012. Grass-Legume Mixture Has Multiple Advantages in Forage Production Systems. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 24, No. 13, August 4, 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A., and Kimura, E. 2012. Forage Legumes Establishment through Seed Scarification and Companion Crop. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 31-32. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Wehmeyer, B.A., Saha, M.C., and Islam, M.A. 2012. Forage and Biofuel Potential of Tall Fescue Germplasms. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 33-34. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Jolivet, M.T., Waldron, B.L., Stahl, P.D., and Islam, M.A. 2012. Forage Kochia on Wyoming Rangelands. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 35-36. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Islam, M.A., Krall, J.M., Cecil, W.K., Nachtman, J.J., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2012. Assessment of Fenugreek for Adaptation to Southeast Wyoming. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 57-58. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Dhakal, D., and Islam, M.A. 2012. GrassLegume Mixtures to Minimize Nitrogen Need and Improve Soil Properties. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 59-60. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Islam, M.A., and Kniss, A.R. 2012. Tolerance of Tall Fescue to Aminocyclopyrachlor at Two Application Timings and Two Sowing Dates. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 61-62. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Islam, M.A., Saha, M.C., Baumgartner, R.E., Nachtman, J.J., and Cecil, W.K. 2012. Forage and Grain Yield Potential of Small Grains in the Great Plains of Wyoming. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 63-64. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Islam, M.A., Cecil, W.K., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2012. Sustaining Legumes in Grasslands to Reduce Nitrogen Fertilization: A Multi-Regional Assessment. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 65-66. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Islam, M.A., Saha, M.C., Cecil, W.K., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2012. Cool-Season Grass Response to Irrigation, Drought, and Planting Time. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 67-68. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Islam, M.A., Cecil, W.K., Krall, J.M., Nachtman, J.J., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2012. Turf Grass Variety Trials. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 71-72. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Islam, M.A., Violett, R., and Killen, M.J. 2012. Forage Yield and Seed Yield Potential of Novel Tall Fescue Under Irrigated Conditions in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 139-140. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Carter, C., Garcia y Garcia, A., Islam, M.A. 2012. Effect of Water Stress on Alfalfa Establishment. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 141-142. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Islam, M.A., and Killen, M.J. 2012. Effect of Phosphorus on Established and Newly Established Sainfoin. 2012 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 171-172. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2012-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified November 14, 2012).<br /> Carter, C., Garcia y Garcia, A., Islam, M.A., and Hansen, K. 2012. Making the Switch: Surface vs. Sprinkler Irrigation. Whats Right for You? Factsheet, Wyoming Forage Field Day, Mile High Ranch, Riverton, June 28, 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A. 2012. Interseeding and Reseeding in Hay and Pasture and No-till Pasture Renovation. Factsheet, Wyoming Forage Field Day, Mile High Ranch, Riverton, June 28, 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A. 2012. Successful Forage Establishment: Some Key Factors to Consider. Factsheet, Wyoming Forage Field Day, Mile High Ranch, Riverton, June 28, 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A. 2012. Calibration of Planter. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 24, No. 23, June 9, 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A. 2012. Harvest and Storage Affect Forage Quality. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 24, No. 16, April 21, 2012.<br /> Islam, M.A. 2012. Companion Crop and Seed Scarification Enhance Forage Legumes Establishment. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 24, No. 8, February 25, 2012.<br />

Impact Statements

1. The research and extension/training programs for the western US region have positive impacts not only locally but regionally and even internationally too (e.g., Lost River Grazing Academy accomplishment). Selection of well-adapted high performing accessions/lines/cultivars will result in development of cultivars that will be specifically suitable for local state and neighboring states. This will eventually contribute to the improvement of productivity of local and regional producers and in the long-run, will provide economic benefits. The locally and regionally developed new technologies and management strategies including grazing management will enhance producers to adopt these in their production systems.

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