WERA1014: Intensive Management of Irrigated Forages for Sustainable Livestock Production in the Western U.S.

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[12/14/2018] [12/12/2019] [09/29/2021] [10/31/2022]

Date of Annual Report: 12/14/2018

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/18/2018 - 10/19/2018
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2017 - 09/30/2018

Participants

Joe Brummer, Colorado State University
Lynn Jaynes, Editor-Progressive Forage, Jerome, ID
Hank Mayland, USDA-ARS Kimberly, ID (retired)
Glenn Shewmaker, University of Idaho
Ross Spackman, BYU Idaho and students
Molly Hammond, Montana State University
Pat Hatfield, Montana State University; Administrative Advisor
Emily Meccage, Montana State University, meeting host
Mike Schuldt, Montana State University
Megan Van Emon, Montana State University
Gord Pearce, Bruce Seed Farm, Townsend, MT
Susan Tallman, USDA-NRCS Bozeman, Montana
Mylen Bohle, Oregon State University
Gordon Jones, Oregon State University
Ian McGregor, Oregon State University
Guojie Wang, Oregon State University
Peter Ballerstedt, Barenbrug USA, Corvallis, OR
Earl Creech, Utah State University
Jennifer MacAdam, Utah State University
Steve Norberg, Washington State University
Anowar Islam, University of Wyoming

Participants Attachment:

WERA-1014 Report 2018.docx

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes of Annual Meeting:

October 18 (morning) - The meeting was held in the Animal Bioscience Building on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman, MT. Dr. Pat Hatfield, the head of the Animal and Range Sciences Department, welcomed the group and described current initiatives in beef research, teaching, and outreach. These include a 2-year internship program, a new ranch management program, the Steer-A-Year donated by producers and finished by students, registered black Angus and registered red Angus herds, a new endowed chair in Beef Science, and a new Beef Extension faculty member.

Jennifer MacAdam (Utah State University) described an in vitro forage (whole plant and isolated fiber) fermentation study that demonstrated the rate and extent of forage digestion. Alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil had the highest rates of whole plant fermentation, while meadow bromegrass and alfalfa were the most extensively digested. Birdsfoot trefoil and sainfoin had the greatest concentrations of non-fibrous carbohydrates, but the higher concentrations of tannin and lignin in sainfoin may have inhibited sainfoin in vitro digestion. Cicer milkvetch and birdsfoot trefoil had the greatest rates of isolated fiber digestion, while cicer milkvetch and meadow bromegrass fiber were the most extensively digested, followed by alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil fiber. In vitro fermentation of whole plant material of the forb small burnet was initially rapid but quickly inhibited, perhaps by a significant concentration of hydrolysable tannins.

Anowar Islam (University of Wyoming) discussed a collaborative study of potassium fertility in alfalfa that includes Kansas and Colorado. In Wyoming, Hi-Gest alfalfa appeared to respond to a higher level of potassium fertilization than conventional alfalfa. Tissue testing and stand counts will be done before the study is completed. A study of dryland and irrigated sorghum demonstrated that irrigated sorghum became chlorotic when grown on a high pH soil.

Guojie Wang (Oregon State University) is studying water quality in relation to salmon habitat in eastern Oregon. Important factors for salmon are water temperature, flow, and water quality. The study has 20 perennial and 20 spring and fall annual forage species under four levels of irrigation (none, May 1 to June 15, May 1 to August 1 and May 1 to Sept. 15), with continuous or rotational and early- vs. late-season grazing.

Mylen Bohle (Oregon State University) described a number of innovative and efficient center-pivot or linear move irrigation systems, including LEPA (low energy precision application).and precision manual drip irrigation (PMDI).

Glenn Shewmaker (University of Idaho) discussed hay bale sampling. He recommends the Star Quality Probe, and normalizing forage samples for ash.

Steve Norberg (Washington State University) is studying Struvite (crystalline magnesium ammonium phosphate) as a slow-release source of recycled phosphate for alfalfa fertilization, compared with quick-release mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP). Potassium fertility was also included in the study. Steve reported the production of metabolizable protein (55% of CP or approx. 217 lbs. metabolizable protein per ton of alfalfa hay), which is affected by forage fiber concentration. Yield is far more important than quality in the ultimate value of hay production per acre.

Susan Tallman (NRCS Bozeman) reviewed some key points to improve soil health: minimize disturbance (e.g., no-till), keep the soil covered, keep plants growing all year, increase crop diversity to vary rooting depth and improve soil microbial diversity, and integrate livestock to return nutrients to the soil (hay mines soil nutrients). Susan described a system of interseeding annual ryegrass in silage corn to provide more soil cover and additional grazing. Shallow soil acidification caused by excessive application of ammonium fertilizers is increasingly problematic for cereal producers in Montana and is aggravated by no-till production. Susan recommends growing RR alfalfa for 2 years to clean up weeds, then growing cereal crop to use the organic nitrogen; too much N can reduce reproductive growth in cereals.

Joe Brummer (Colorado State University) is collaborating with Anowar on the study of potassium fertilization of alfalfa. There did not appear to be a response to potassium at the Colorado site. Potassium levels were 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha, and the alfalfa was cut on a 28- or 35-day schedule. There was higher production with earlier cutting.

October 18 (afternoon) after lunch, we visited with Dr. Perry Miller at the MSU Fort Ellis research plots about a long-term organic cropping systems project. The project has evolved over time, and Dr. Miller told us about problematic weeds (Canada thistle) and high-value annuals (chickpeas). Our second stop was at the Droge family potato seed farm that collaborates with MSU in the development of new potato varieties. After visiting the farm, we toured a potato packing facility and learned about storing, sorting and boxing fresh potatoes for shipment. We also learned that the perfect baking potato weighs 7 oz. A new Droge family enterprise is the Dry Hills Distillery, where Jeff Droge explained the process of establishing the distillery, developing a range of products in addition to vodka, distilling grains for other producers to increase income, and the challenges associated with distilling ethanol from fresh potatoes rather than from potato flakes. We had a catered dinner at the tasting room.

October 19 (morning) – Dr. Tim DelCurto, the Nancy Cameron Chair and Professor at Montana State University, discussed his research program which aims to optimize the use of western rangelands. Montana has 1.5 million mother cows (20% of the US cow-calf inventory) but no feedlot or packing industry. The growing season is 90-100 days, so ranchers need to provide 1.5 to 3 tons of harvested forage per cow. DelCurto’s program focuses on extended, ecologically sustainable grazing to reduce the need for hay. Native grasses evolved to be grazed every 2-3 years and supplementation is needed to optimize fetal programming. Some specific proposed approaches are precision-supplementation with alfalfa hay, limiting the salt ingested in supplements, and delivering individual protein supplementation and salts at feeding stations that use EID ear tags. A weaning weight ratio study demonstrated that smaller cows (1100-1200 lbs.) consumed more feed and were no more efficient than larger cows (1300-1400 lbs.).

Dr. Kevin Wanner, MSU entomologist, discussed a western regional alfalfa weevil project seeking to improve degree-day models to improve management.

Earl Creech (Utah State University) has studied the impact of Roundup on Roundup Ready alfalfa to increase yield. Application rates were 22 and 44 oz/ac, and there were hand-weeded and herbicide (Gramoxone + Sencor) controls. Roundup treatments were applied at 2, 4, 6 or 8 inches (March 22, April 16, April 31 and May 4, respectively), and the study was carried out for 2 years. Based on results, spray the lower rate of Roundup as early in the spring as possible for better weed control and minimal yield reduction.

Gordon Jones (Oregon State University) from the Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center is working with small-scale producers in a Mediterranean climate with 16-18 inches of annual precipitation. An orchardgrass study in which vegetative regrowth was cut 3 time per year at 2, 4, 6, or 8 inches demonstrated a linear relationship of dry matter per tiller with log₁₀ tiller density; tiller weight decreased as tiller density increased in response to decreasing cutting height.

Ian McGregor (new faculty at Montana State University) is sampling forages to determine the need for mineral supplementation and was interested in input from the group. Suggestions included tissue testing and tips on working with the forage testing lab to reduce the cost per sample.

Emily Meccage (Montana State University) reported on studies of boron-irrigation interactions, sulfur fertility, and a new sainfoin variety x maturity trial. Emily will sample sainfoin at 10, 50 and 100% bloom for condensed tannin concentrations and effectiveness against internal parasites. Emily also updated the group on the nitrate strip test as a replacement for the nitrate quick test. The strip test was 73% accurate and less subjective than the quick test. There is a new Montana Extension fact sheet comparing methods for nitrate testing. Emily also reported on production trials of annuals alone and in complex mixtures. Radish, canola, turnip were higher in nitrates than oats; millet, soybean and chickpea were also high in nitrate. Emily will continue in her position at Montana State University, but is relocating to Miles City as of January 1, 2019.

Peter Ballerstedt from Barenbrug, a family-owned seed company founded in the Netherlands, talked about new products, including Rangeshield, a seed coating for rangeland species that improves germination and establishment; a stoloniferous perennial ryegrass; rhizomatous tall fescue that can spread 1 foot in a year; and beneficial endophytes for tall fescue, perennial ryegrass and meadow fescue. Barenbrug will be marketing the successor to Cache meadow bromegrass, called Arsenal. Peter also discussed the benefits of a diet high in meat and saturated fat compared with a carbohydrate-centered diet.

Business meeting: Pat Hatfield has agreed to serve as our new administrative advisor (yay!). Tentative plans are for the University of Idaho to host our 2019 meeting in Salmon, ID and for Washington State University to host our 2020 meeting. Joe Brummer will continue to serve as chair and Jennifer MacAdam will continue to serve as secretary for the next year.

Accomplishments

Colorado Accomplishments and Impacts Completed the second year of data collection on a study looking at the effects of increasing rates of potassium fertilizer on yield and nutritive content of 2 varieties of alfalfa (conventional and low lignin) harvested on 2 different schedules (normal 10% bloom and delayed when the plants reach 25 to 50% BLOOM). This is a cooperative project between the University of Wyoming, Colorado State University, and Kansas State University. Results from Colorado indicate that total seasonal yields are higher when the alfalfa is harvested on the normal schedule. When harvested on the delayed schedule, the last cutting is taken in late September which is too late for the plants to be able to replenish carbohydrate reserves before winter dormancy. This has resulted in lower vigor, disease issues, and loss of stand in the alfalfa harvested on the delayed schedule which has contributed to the lower total seasonal yields measured in those plots. If harvesting on the delayed schedule (i.e. about every 35 to 38 days), then producers should consider only cutting 3 times instead of the normal 4 to avoid impacts of that late season harvest. Completed the first full year of data collection on an irrigated pasture study looking at the response of 4 different grass and grass-legume mixtures to management intensive grazing. A wide array of soils data is being collected as this field transitions from agronomic crops to perennial pasture. One of the biggest changes associated with the soil measured in the first year has been a doubling of the microbial biomass and activity. This has major implications for nutrient cycling, building organic matter, and contributing to soil aggregate stability. This is a long-term project in which we will continue to quantify changes in numerous soil variables as well as forage yield, nutritive content, species composition, and ground cover. A 2-day irrigated pasture field day and workshop was held the first of October 2018. There were about 65 in attendance on the first day in which we toured the irrigated pasture project and discussed research findings to date as well as management issues that arose during the grazing season. The second day was more of a hands-on workshop with about 20 in attendance in which participants built a small section of high-tensile fence and learned different methods to collect yield data and how to use that information to calculate stocking rates and densities. The workshop was well received by those in attendance and more in-depth workshops are planned for the future that will span several days.   Idaho Accomplishments and Impacts Organized educational programs for Idaho Hay and Forage Conference (100 participants) and Western Alfalfa and Forage Symposium (400 participants). Organized and trained 20 participants in 4-day Lost Rivers Grazing Academy.   Montana Accomplishments and Impacts The goals of the forage research program at MSU are to develop and improve best forage management practices to optimize overall forage production, which in turn will optimize livestock production in a sustainable and productive manner. Several current projects are evaluating methods of integrating livestock grazing into cropping systems, and how this can impact soil health as well as overall productivity. Other projects are looking at optimal forage species to grow in different environments found throughout the state of Montana, including both annual and perennial forages. We are also evaluating methods of pest control, particularly targeting the alfalfa weevil and methods of scouting and control. Additionally, we are looking at current management practices such as winter grazing of alfalfa or spring tillage, and how this can impact production. Several other projects are aimed at evaluating fertilization practices, and creating recommendations for our specific management practices and environment. Boron was the first nutrient that was evaluated in alfalfa, and now we are working on evaluating Sulfur fertilization in tame cool-season perennial forages. Information from this project will be provided to producers in order to optimize fertilization that better targets plant needs, while improving nutrient availability to animals.   Oregon Accomplishments and Impacts Overall: Oregon State University extension office initiated “Grazing and Forage” working group. The mission of this working group is to plan, coordinate, and collaborate among different county, region, and discipline research and outreach professionals working together with a priority list. With this effort, Oregon State will have a single and centralized website about “Grazing and Forage” topics. It will simplify producer’s information search and build a better connection between research and outreach efforts. OSU Extension Service decided we needed to reconstruct our Websites. Dr. Wang revised some forage content. Work is continuing, but it is currently somewhat difficult to navigate and lacks the necessary content to be effective for faculty and clientele. See <a href="https://extension.oregonstate.edu/crop-production/pastures-forages">https://extension.oregonstate.edu/crop-production/pastures-forages</a> Research: 1) Research on novel forage species, especially legumes to diversify forage production bases as well as research on renovated grazing systems such as sequential grazing by Dr. Serkan Ates and his group lead to increased livestock gain, extended grazing season, and increased farm/ranch profitability. 2) Research on Se deficiency and fodder beets by Dr. Shelby Filley advocate Se fertilization to forage and adoption of fodder beets as fall/winter grazing forages. 3) Research on modeling forage species ecoregion adaptation and matching the right forage species with specific pasture situations by Dr. David Hannaway and his group has an international impact as well as Oregon impact. With the on-line tool development, producers could make a scientific based decision and foster all the novel species and management practices adoption rates. 4) Research on N, P, K, Se, and Ag lime management and clipping intensity by Mylen Bohle and his group lead to fine-tuning practical forage management recommendations and increased forage production and quality. 5) Research on forage production with limited irrigation water by Dr. Guojie Wang and his group finds a balance between agricultural production and ecosystems services including wildlife and fish habitats. Outreach: 1) Multiple locations outreach on Forage Production and Management coupled with new technology such as Box and other online forms by Dr. Shelby Filley continued to deliver profession help to regional producers. 2) Diverse activities including Forage Seminar, Hay King Contest, Field Days, and Grazing Class by Mylen Bohle keep communicating and educating producers and stakeholders with newly developed knowledge and information. 3) Field survey about trace mineral levels related to livestock supplements by Ian McGregor will renew supplemental requirement recommendations and save money for producers.   Utah Accomplishments and Impacts In a project titled Optimizing Inputs for Forages and Field Crops In Utah led by Earl Creech, dryland wheat yields averaged 1062 to 2165 kg ha-1 in plots treated with 0 and 50 Mg ha-1 compost, respectively. Cover crops used as a source of organic matter did not influence wheat yield in any way. Understanding differences in crop response to compost among sites will allow the economic viability of compost application to be determined. In a project titled Scaling Up Soil Quality Assessment and Sustainable Production at Local, Landscape and Regional Levels led by Dr. Jennifer Reeve, compost applications increased soil carbon while manure increased soil nitrogen. In an orchard floor experiment, alleyways planted to birdsfoot trefoil significantly increased soil carbon and nitrogen and increased nutrient cycling potential in the tree-rows compared to tilled soil or other cover crops. The tillage treatment had the lowest measured soil health indicators. Projects titled Employing Forage Legumes to Improve the Sustainability of Ruminant Production, led by Dr. Jennifer MacAdam and two related projects led by Dr. Juan Villalba, Legume-Finished Beef: Achieving Current Production with Greater Environmental, Economic and Social Sustainability and “Tannin-Containing Legumes in Pasturelands and their Ecological Services” are leading to the development of a transformative beef production system in which cattle are fed and finished on tannin-containing legumes. For the finishing phase, calves finished on tannin-containing legumes or choices among tannin-containing legumes have greater liveweight gains and lower methane and nitrogen losses than calves finished on grass monocultures. In a study of cows and heifers fed tannin-containing hays, the concentrations of condensed tannins were lower than values observed in fresh forages of the same species. However, these hays maintained their bioactive properties. Methane (CH4) emissions from cows and heifers were lower for cattle fed small burnet, which contains hydrolysable tannins than for other treatments, although digestibility was reduced for animals consuming this hay. Cows and heifers fed condensed tannin-containing hays showed lower urine and blood urea nitrogen (N) than animals fed non-tannin containing hays and there was a significant increase in the excretion of fecal N with the increase in concentration of CT in feces. Feeding the tannin-containing hays sainfoin and birdsfoot trefoil, as well as the non-tannin containing legume cicer milkvetch, resulted in greater efficiencies of N utilization than for cattle fed alfalfa, small burnet or grass hays. A literature review of willingness-to-pay studies demonstrated that consumers are willing to pay a price premium to obtain locally-grown, grass-fed, eco-friendly, and animal welfare certified beef. Consumers rate freshness, taste/flavor, and tenderness as extremely important when they purchase beef. Thus, legume-finished beef should be marketed as locally-raised, econ-friendly, equally as healthy as grass-finished but tasting like grain-finished beef. The significance of this study to US beef producers is that alternative bioactive tannin-containing hays have the potential to increase average daily gain of cattle finished on pastures to a feedlot-finished timeframe while reducing methane and nitrogen emissions to the environment. The resulting meat has the beneficial fatty acids of grass-finished beef but is as juicy and tender as grain-finished beef. The increased rate of gain results in improved profitability for ranchers finishing beef locally on perennial legume pastures.   Washington Accomplishments and Impacts Optimum P alfalfa tissue phosphorus content based on the first year of the experiment should be between 0.24-0.28 and 0.25-0.29% when the price of alfalfa hay is $150 and $200 per ton, respectively. First year data show that struvite can be used alone or in combination with monoammonium phosphate (MAP) when put on prior to planting and incorporated without a yield loss even on a soil averaging 8.1 ppm P (Olson Method). Excessive phosphorus or potassium has a negative effect on hay quality and can affect aNDF, lignin, RFV, RFQ, and the nutrient value of the hay ($/ton).   Wyoming Accomplishments and Impacts Forages are very important crop commodities in Wyoming and the mainstay of livestock production. Alfalfa is an important forage crop in the US and produces quality forage and persistent when grown as sole stands. However, the bloating characteristic and poor tolerance to acidic soils make other legumes such as birdsfoot trefoil and sainfoin viable alternatives. The major objective of this study is to assess the effects of different ratios of grass-legume mixtures on forage yield, quality, and persistence. Additional objectives are to determine the cost effectiveness of establishing sole grass (fertilized with N), sole legumes, and grass-legume mixtures and how efficient these practices are utilizing irrigation water. Data being collected include plant height, percentage of weed, water use efficiency, nutrient use efficiency, cost and revenue ratio, and forage yield and quality. It is anticipated that the results will help recommend the best grass-legume mixture ratios that will be profitable to Wyoming producers. Demand for new and suitable plant materials is a long-term issue and is increasing continuously especially in the Intermountain West regions. The objective of this study is to evaluate different advanced lines of C3 grasses with the inclusion of some local checks in relation to their growth, yield, and quality response to irrigation, drought, and planting time. Species used in this study include tall fescue (seven lines), tall wheatgrass (three lines), western wheatgrass (five lines), and wildrye (two lines). Data collected on different growth parameters, persistence, and forage quality from 2009 - 2018 seems to be different among species and lines. Long-term data collection will help select and develop superior and well-adapted cultivars.

Publications

Colorado Presentations Brummer, J.E. Colorado Forage Research Overview: From Dryland Cover Crops to Irrigated Pastures. Field Research Center Seminar, Lincoln University, Lincoln, NZ, March 21, 2018. Brummer, J.E. Cover Crops for Forage: Importance, Establishment, Management, and Utilization. Wyoming Forage Field Day, Lingle, WY, June 12, 2018. Brummer, J.E. Alfalfa: Importance and Uses. Colorado Ag. Water Alliance Summer Tour, Sterling, CO, July 12, 2018. Brummer, J.E. Management-intensive Grazing: Grazier’s Math. CSU Beef Cattle Field Day & Pasture School, Fort Collins, CO, October 4-5, 2018. Brummer, J.E., L. Jones, P. Cabot, C. Pearson, and A. Berrada. Agronomic Responses of Grass and Alfalfa Hayfields to No or Partial-Season Irrigation as Part of a Potential Colorado Western Slope Water Bank. CSU Ag. Exp. Station Water Research Update, Steamboat Springs, CO, October 16, 2018.   Idaho Presentations Sagers, J.; Findlay, J.R.; Shewmaker, G.E.; Roemer, R.; and Jensen, K. Idaho grass trials—Tetonia, Proceedings Idaho Hay and Forage Conference — March/2018 Shewmaker, G.E. Hay Quality Loss during Storage, American Forage & Grassland Council Annual Meeting, 16 January 2018, Louisville, KY Shewmaker, G.E. Balancing Rations on Pasture using NIRS, NIRS Consortium Workshop, 16 January 2018, Louisville, KY Shewmaker, G.E. Hay Quality: Sampling, Analyzing, and Interpretation, Wyoming Forage Field Day, 12 June 2018, Lingle, WY Shewmaker, G.E. The Hay Quality-Yield Tradeoff, Arizona Alfalfa & Forage Workshop, 28 March 2018, Maricopa, AZ Shewmaker, G.E. Idaho Forage Report, Northwest Forage Workers Conference, 30 November 2017, Reno, NV Shewmaker, G.E. Definitions and Range of Variability for Hay Test Parameters, Western Alfalfa & Forage Symposium, 28 November 2017, Reno, NV Shewmaker, G.E. Agronomic Influences on Forage Quality, Western Alfalfa & Forage Symposium, 28 November 2017, Reno, NV Shewmaker, G.E. Interpreting Hay Test Results, Western Alfalfa & Forage Symposium, 28 November 2017, Reno, NV Shewmaker, G.E. Forage Pesticide Management during Drought, North Idaho Forage & Grazing School, 30 Oct. 2018, Naples, ID Shewmaker, G.E. Alfalfa Variety Trials, NMCREEC Twilight Open House, 6 September 2018, Carmen, ID Shewmaker, G.E. Forages of Southern Idaho, Ecology of Grazing Lands Class, 23 July 2018, Jerome Co., ID Shewmaker, G.E. Forage Industry and Research, Ag in the Classroom, Kimberly R&E 2017 Shewmaker, G.E. Forages, Twilight Tour, 18 July 2018, Kimberly R&E Center Shewmaker, G.E. Idaho Forage Trends and Survey, Idaho Hay & Forage Conference, 2 March 2018, Burley, ID Shewmaker, G.E. Hay Storage Losses and Costs, Idaho Hay & Forage Conference, 1 March 2018, Burley, ID Shewmaker, G.E. Idaho forage Outlook, Cooper-Norman Ag Outlook Seminar, Twin Falls Shewmaker, G.E. IPM for Controlling Rodents in Hay and Pasture, N ID Forage School, 6 November 2017, Bonners Ferry Shewmaker, G.E. Hay Sampling & Testing, N ID Forage School, 6 November 2017, Bonners Ferry   Montana Presentations Meccage, E. June 21, 2018. Hay Field Evaluation. Musselshell County. Methods of assessing hay fields, and how to determine productivity or need to renovate. 50 attendees. Meccage, E. June 21, 2018. Annual forages for drought. Hill County. Options for annual forage production in drought situations, including what species to use and when, and what are some anti-quality factors to consider.100 attendees. Meccage, E. June 19, 2018. Hay Storage and Forage Options. Deer Lodge County. Dealer Awards Event for CHS dealers across the Western part of the state. 46 attendees. Meccage, E. May 17, 2018. Forage Management: Nitrates and Hay Storage. Blackfeet Reservation. Importance of hay storage and nitrates in animal performance and forage management. 28 attendees. Meccage, E. October 4, 2018. Annual forages for MT. Yellowstone County.100 attendees. Meccage, E. September 26, 2018. Forage quality interpretation and analysis. Gallatin County.10 attendees. Meccage, E. August 23, 2018. Optimizing alfalfa production. Yellowstone County. Methods of optimizing alfalfa production, from fertilization through harvesting and fall management: How can you optimize your forage production? 74 attendees. Meccage, E. July 24, 2018. Pasture Management Workshop Series. Wibaux County. Different methods of pasture management, as well as hands-on assessment of stand health, how to make management decisions, etc. Hands-on activity in producer's pasture. 15 attendees. Meccage, E. July 17, 2018. Pasture Management Workshop Series. Ravalli County. Different methods of pasture management, as well as hands-on assessment of stand health, how to make management decisions, etc. Hands-on activity in producer's pasture. 30 attendees. Meccage, E. July 13, 2018. Annual forages for drought. Gallatin County. Annual forage options in drought situations.120 attendees. Meccage, E. June 28, 2018. Reduced-lignin technology: Where is it taking us? Yellowstone County. Recent research into the new-reduced lignin alfalfa technology and how it can work for MT producers. 16 attendees. Meccage, E. April 17, 2018. Alternative Forages: Quality and Management. 130 attendees. Meccage, E. April 12, 2018. Equine Nutrition II. 6 attendees. Meccage, E. April 10, 2018. Equine Nutrition I. 6 attendees. Meccage, E. April 5, 2018. Forage Testing and Interpretation. Cascade County. 6 attendees. Meccage, E. April 5, 2018. Forage Testing and Interpretation. Judith Basin County. 40 attendees. Meccage, E. April 5, 2018. Hay Storage Techniques. Cascade County. 6 attendees. Meccage, E. April 5, 2018. Hay Storage Techniques. Judith Basin County. 40 attendees. Meccage, E. March 28, 2018. Nitrate Toxicity and Forage Quality Analysis. Gallatin County. Nitrate toxicity and testing your forages for quality analysis with students of the beef practicum course. 35 attendees. Meccage, E. March 15, 2018. Optimizing Hay Quality. Rocky Boy Reservation.12 attendees. Meccage, E. March 6, 2018. Interseeding legumes into irrigated pastures. Ravalli County. Ways to interseed and incorporate legumes into an existing grass stand. 28 attendees. Meccage, E. February 27, 2018. Equine Nutrition Basics II. 30 attendees. Meccage, E. February 26, 2018. Equine Nutrition Basics. 30 attendees. Meccage, E. February 21, 2018. Making the right decisions for your forage seeding mix. Gallatin County. 110 attendees. Meccage, E. February 16, 2018. Alfalfa Weevil Control in MT. Stillwater County. 30 attendees. Meccage, E. February 6, 2018. Optimizing Hay Quality. Stillwater County. Discussed methods of improving overall forage quality for livestock. 23 attendees. Meccage, E. January 25, 2018. Cover crops for forage: quality and management. Cascade County. How cover crops/ annual forages can be used in an integrated livestock cropping system. 45 attendees. Meccage, E. January 24, 2018. Cover crops for forage: an option for drought. Phillips County. Presented at the annual Jim Schumacher Memorial Day. 27 attendees. Meccage, E. January 18, 2018. Feeding Alfalfa to Horses. 80 attendees. Meccage, E. January 17, 2018. Boron fertilization under irrigation. Invited speaker to discuss research evaluating boron impacts on alfalfa production. 35 attendees. Meccage, E. January 10, 2018. Maximizing herd nutrition: forages first. Deer Lodge County. 16 attendees. Meccage, E. January 9, 2018. Factors affecting alfalfa forage quality. Flathead County. 100 attendees. Meccage, E. January 4, 2018. Alfalfa as a Rotation Crop. How alfalfa can be used in cropping system rotations- benefits, disadvantages, and things to look out for. 115 attendees.   Oregon Presentations Ates, S., Cicek, H., Ozcan G., and M. Tezel (2018) Effect of nurse crop and seeding rate on the productivity and persistence of sainfoin in Central Anatolia ASA and CSSA Meeting, Nov. 4-7, Baltimore, MD Ates, S., Louhaichi, M., Hassan, H., Cicek, H., Kassam, S., Qudratullah, S., Farhang, A.H. and Esmati, H. (2018) Effect of seeding rate on the yield of legume-cereal bi-crops in rainfed production systems of Afghanistan 5th International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Environment October 08-10, Hammamet, Tunisia. Ates, S., Keles, G., Demirci, U., Dogan, S., Ozcan, G. and Filley, S. (2018) The effects of forage-based and a concentrate feeding system on lamb production 12th World Conference on Animal Production July 5-8, Vancouver, Canada. Blair, S., Pirelli, G., Filley, S., Bohle, M., Davis, Z., Hall, J. and Wang G. (2018) Selenium and NPKS fertilization effects on alfalfa and grass production and quality in eastern Oregon. ASA and CSSA Meeting, Nov. 4-7, Baltimore, MD Fan, Q., Blair, S., Hannaway, D. and Wang, G. (2018) Spring seeded annual forages differ in response to partial-season irrigation. ASA and CSSA Meeting, Nov. 4-7, Baltimore, MD Fan, Q., Blair, S., Hannaway, D. and Wang, G. (2018) Summer seeded annual forages differ in response to partial-season irrigation. ASA and CSSA Meeting, Nov. 4-7, Baltimore, MD Filley, S.J., Wang, G., Hall, J., Pirelli, G., Bohle, M., Ates, S. and Davis, T.Z. (2018) Selenium and fertiliser application schemes in hay fields, 27th European Grassland Federation General Meeting, 17th - 21st June Cork, Ireland Hannaway, D.B., Brewer, L.J., Ates, S., Anderson, N.P., Wang, G. Filley, S. Daly, C. Halbleib, M.D., Ringo, C., Monk, S., Moot, D.J., Yang, X., Chapman, D.F., and Sohn, P. (2018) MatchClover: web-based tool for matching clovers to climates, soils, and intended Uses, 27th European Grassland Federation General Meeting, 17th - 21st June Cork, Ireland Hannaway, David B. 2018. Forage Production & Management lectures. Sichuan Agricultural University. “Foreign Expert” Program. Oct 7–30. Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Hannaway, David B. 2018. Forage Production & Management lectures. Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University. “Foreign Expert” Program. Aug. 28–Sep. 6 and Nov. 4-9. Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China. Hannaway, David. 2018. MatchClover – Web Based Tools for Matching Clovers to Climates, Soils and Intended Uses. Invited Presentation to Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. May 9. Hannaway, David. 2018. MatchClover – Web Based Tools for Matching Clovers to Climates, Soils and Intended Uses. Plenary paper presented to Dairy NZ Workshop, Christchurch, New Zealand. Feb. 28. Slim, S., Harbeg, L., Hassan, S., Moyo, H.P., Ates, S. and Louhaichi, M. (2018) Yield and nutritive quality of Hedysarum coronarium across three different agro-climatic zones of northern Tunisia, 71st Annual Meeting of The Society for Range Management, Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, Reno, Nevada, US.   Utah Presentations Lagrange, S., K.A. Beauchemin, J.W. MacAdam, and J.J. Villalba. 2017. Effects of grazing diverse combinations of sainfoin, birdsfoot trefoil and alfalfa on beef cow performance and environmental impacts Journal of Animal Science 95:143-144. MacAdam, J.W., K.A. Cassida and E. van Santen. 2017. Location of growth influenced birdsfoot trefoil tannin accumulation, but few accessions differed in tannin concentration. In Annual Meetings Abstracts. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI. Roca-Fernández, A.I., S.L. Dillard, C.J. Dell, J. MacAdam, and K.J. Soder. 2017. Effect of oilseed source on ruminal fermentation and methane production of a grass-legume diet in continuous culture. Journal of Animal Science 95: 133-134. Roca-Fernández, A.I., S.L. Dillard, M.D. Rubano, M. Baldin, C.J. Dell, J. MacAdam. and K.J. Soder. 2017. Modification of ruminal fermentation and methane production by adding legumes containing condensed tannins to an orchardgrass diet in continuous culture. American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting, June 25-28, 2017, Pittsburgh, PA. Stewart, E.K., K.A. Beauchemin, J.W. MacAdam, and J.J. Villalba. 2017. Environmental impacts from cattle consuming tannin-containing hays. Journal of Animal Science 95:133-134.   Washington Presentations Norberg, O.S., L. Yu, D.K. Combs, G.E. Shewmaker, G.J. Wang, D. A. Llewellyn, S.C. Fransen and E. van Santen. 2018. Determining Genetic Factors That Influence Forage Quality In Alfalfa. International Invited Abstract. North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. June 4-6, 2018 Logan, Utah. Norberg, O.S., Valuing Alfalfa for Dairy Cattle from a Nutrient Perspective. 2018. North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. Poster, 2018 North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. June 4-6, 2018 Logan, Utah. Norberg, S. 2018. Alfalfa Quality Results from Washington State Alfalfa Variety Trials at WERA-1014. Bozeman, MT. Norberg, S. 2018. Developing Calibration for SPAD Meter and Tissue Test for In-Season Nitrogen Assessment in Timothy Hay. NC 1182 Annual Meeting - Management and Environmental Factors Affecting Nitrogen Cycling and Use Efficiency in Forage-Based Livestock Production Systems. Pasco, WA. Norberg, S. 2018. In-Season Timothy Nitrogen Management Using the SPAD Meter. 2018 FWAA December Winter Conference. Far West Agribusiness Association. Kennewick, WA Invited Presentation. Norberg, S. 2018. Diagnosing Pest Problems in Alfalfa and Timothy. 2018 FWAA December Winter Conference. Far West Agribusiness Association. Kennewick, WA Invited Presentation. Norberg, S. 2018. Comparing Hi-Gest Alfalfa to other Alfalfa. NW Hay Expo. Kennewick, WA Norberg, S. 2018. 2017 Results from WSHGA and WSU Variety Trials NW Hay Expo. Kennewick, WA Norberg, O.S. 2018. Valuing Alfalfa from a Nutrient Perspective. 2018. Fall Forage Conference Oregon American Forage and Grasslands Assoc. Nov. 16, 2018 Corvallis, OR. Invited Presentation. Norberg, O.S. 2018. Valuing Alfalfa from a Nutrient Perspective. 2018. 2018 Washington dairy Conference. Grand Mound, WA Invited Presentation. Norberg, S. 2018. Valuing Alfalfa from a Nutrient Perspective. Mid-Columbia Hay Growers Assn. Annual Meeting. Moses Lake, WA. Norberg, S. 2018. 2018. WSU/WSHGA Variety Testing Results. Mid-Columbia Hay Growers Assn. Annual Meeting. Moses Lake, WA. Wyoming Presentations Khatiwada1, B., Acharya, S.N., Larney, F., Lupwayi, N.Z., Smith, E., and Islam, M.A. 2018. Ability of sainfoin and cicer milkvetch populations to rejuvenate existing pastures in western Canada. The Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meetings June 20, 2018. Laramie, WY. Attendance: 35 Islam, M.A. 2018. The silent decline in soil potassium levels and its effect on alfalfa productivity in the Central and Western U.S. The North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference Annual Meetings June 6, 2018. Logan, UT. Attendance: 95. Islam, M.A. 2018. Organic Forage Production: Options and Considerations. The 5th Annual High Plains Organic Farming Conference, February 28, 2018. Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, WY. Attendance: 35. Islam, MA. 2018. Agronomy in Alfalfa. Alfalfa U – Loveland CO High Plains Journal, February 6, 2018. Loveland, CO. (Two breakout presentations) Attendance: 68. Islam, MA. 2017. Alternative Forage Crop Options (forage sorghums, sainfoin, nitrate (prussic acid) poising of hybrid forage sorghum). High Plains Crop Convention, November 21, 2017. UWE Goshen County, Torrington, WY. Attendance: 21 Islam, M.A. 2017. Organic Forage Production: Can Alfalfa be Grazed Without Fear of Bloat? The 3rd Annual High Plains Organic Farming Conference, February 22, 2017. Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, WY. Attendance: 45. Islam, M.A. 2017. Plant Diversity and Physiology for Efficient and Sustainable Agricultural Production: USA, Japan, and Global Perspectives. The 2nd Japan-US Science Forum International Conference November 18, 2017. Harvard University, Boston, MA. (Invited presentation) Attendance: 75. Ashilenje, D.S. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Profiling canopy light interception and growth forms to predict forage yield and nutritive value for meadow bromegrass-alfalfa mixtures. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings. October 23, Tampa, FL. (Oral PhD Student Competition) Attendance: 53. Islam, M.A. 2017. Evaluation of birdsfoot trefoil: Planting method, harvesting frequency, and cultivar. W2012 - Enhancing management, production, and sustainability of grazing ruminants in extensive landscapes Meetings, August 7-10, 2017. Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Oregon State University, Burns, OR. Attendance: 22. Islam, M.A. 2017. Forage Research at UW, USA: Germplasm Search, Evaluation, and Cultivar Development. Department Seminar, The University of Sydney, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Australia. July 28, 2017 Australian Technology Park, Sydney, Australia. (Invited presentation) Attendance: 35. Islam, M.A. 2017. Legume adoption practices in the central great plains of USA for sustainable agricultural production in the face of climate change. The 2nd International Conference on Plant Science and Physiology June 27, 2017 Bangkok, Thailand (Conference Series Limited, UK). (Invited presentation) Attendance: 45. Islam, M.A. 2017. Understanding Plant Diversity and Physiology for Resilient Production Systems and Environmental Benefits. The 2nd International Conference on Plant Science and Physiology June 26, 2017 Bangkok, Thailand (Conference Series Limited, UK). (Invited Keynote Speaker) Attendance: 45. Islam, M.A. 2017. Wyoming NCCC-31 Report-Ecophysiological Aspects of Forage Management. University of Lincoln, Nebraska, June 20-22 2017. Lincoln, NE. Attendance: 27. Islam, MA. 2017. Alternative Forage Crop Options (forage sorghums, sainfoin, nitrate (prussic acid) poising of hybrid forage sorghum). High Plains Crop Convention, November 21, 2017. UWE Goshen County, Torrington, WY. Attendance: 21 Islam, M.A. 2017. Organic Forage Production: Can Alfalfa be Grazed Without Fear of Bloat? The 3rd Annual High Plains Organic Farming Conference, February 22, 2017. Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, WY. Attendance: 45.  PUBLICATIONS Idaho Publications Cherney, J.H., K.A. Albrecht, M.T. Berti, M. Bohle, S.C. Bosworth, K.A. Cassida, W.J. Cox, E. Creech, S.C. Fransen, M.H. Hall, D.B. Hannaway, M.A. Islam, K.D. Johnson, J.W. MacAdam, E.C. Meccage, D.H. Putnam, E.B. Rayburn, C.C. Sheaffer, G. Shewmaker, J. Solomon, and R.M. Sulc. 2018. Forage crops don’t get no respect! Progressive Forage 1 September 2018. (8):14-16. Hannaway, D., L. Brewer, S. Fransen, G. Shewmaker, S. Williams, and S. Baker. 2018. CH 10: Planning and sowing grasslands. pp. 1-46. In Marshall, A. and Collins, R. (ed.), Improving grassland and pasture management in temperate agriculture, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2018, (ISBN: 978 1 78676 200 9; www.bdspublishing.com) Sagers, J., J.R. Findlay, G.E. Shewmaker, R. Roemer, and K. Jensen. 2018. Idaho grass trials—Tetonia 2017. P. 33-37 In Proceedings Idaho Hay and Forage Conference, 1-2 March 2018, Burley, ID, University of Idaho Extension. Shewmaker, G.E. 2018. The quest for nutritive value. Progressive Forage 1 February 2018. (2):36-38. Shewmaker, G.E. 2018. Hay storage losses. P. 1-11 In Proceedings Idaho Hay and Forage Conference, 1-2 March 2018, Burley, ID, University of Idaho Extension.  Montana Publications Meccage, E.C.G., D.M. Peterson. 2018. Seeding Date Impact on Production of Four Perennial Cool- Season Forage Species. NRCS Tech Note MT-15-008. Meccage, E.C., P. Carr, M. Bourgault, K. McVay, D. Boss. “Potential of Annual Forages in the Northern Great Plains”. Submitted. Crops and Soils Magazine. Accepted, pending publication. Meccage, E.C. “Alfalfa fields: be prepared for 2018”. AgWeek. February, 2018. Meccage, E.C. “Seeding decisions- the importance of variety trials”. AgWeek. February, 2018. Meccage, E.C. “Know your forage quality to be better prepared for winter”. AgWeek. November 22, 2017. Meccage, E.C. April 18, 2018. “Drought still a possibility in 2018”. Lane Nordlund for Northern Ag Network. Meccage, E.C. December 8, 2017. “Alfalfa leaf retention during harvest”. Jeff Caldwell for FarmLife Magazine. Meccage, E.C. April 19, 2018. “MT Forage Production Update”. Interview with Lane Nordlund. Northern Ag Network. Miller, P.R., E.C. Glunk, J.A. Holmes, and R.E. Engel. Pea and barley hay as fallow replacement for dryland wheat. J Agronomy. Accepted December 22, 2017. Peterson, D.M., J.G.P. Bowman, R.L. Endecott, A.L. Mack, E.C.G. Meccage*. The effects of feeding reduced-lignin alfalfa on growing beef cattle performance: a preliminary study. J. Ag. Studies. Sapkota, A., E.C. Meccage&dagger;, R.N. Stougaard, J.P. Tanner, D.M. Peterson, J.A. Torrion. 2018. Boron Fertilization of Alfalfa in Montana. Crop, Forage, and Turfgrass Mgmgt. Accepted pending revision. Staudenmeyer, D.M., D. Fuga, E.C. Glunk*. 2016. Preference and forage quality of 13 cultivars of forage barley and 2 cultivars of oats when grazed by sheep. Am. J. Exp. Agric.15:2.1-7.   Oregon Publications Ates, S., Cicek, H., Gultekin, I., Yigezu, Y. A., Keser M., & Filley, S. (2018) Bio-economic analysis of dual-purpose management of winter cereals in high and low input production systems. Field Crops Research, 227: 56-66. Daly, C., Halbleib, M., Hannaway, D.B., Eaton, L.M. 2018. Environmental Limitation Mapping of Potential Biomass Resources across the Conterminous United States. Global Change Biology: Bioenergy DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12496. Fery, Melissa, Maud Powell, and David B. Hannaway. 201X. Pasture and Grazing Management. Professional and Continuing Education Course. Oregon State Univ. Hannaway, David B., Linda Brewer, Steve Fransen, Glenn Shewmaker, Shannon Williams, and Sarah Baker. 2018. Planning and Sowing Grasslands. Chapter 5, pp. 125-170. In: Improving Grassland and Pasture Management in Agriculture. Athole Marshall and Rosemary Collins, Eds. http://dx.doi.org/10.19103/AS.2017.0024.10 Hannaway, D.B.*, L.J. Brewer, S. Ates, N.P. Anderson, G. Wang, S. Filley, C. Daly, M.D. Halbleib, C. Ringo, S. Monk, D.J. Moot, X. Yang, D.F. Chapman, and P. Sohn. 2018. Match Clover: Optimal selection of clover species. European Grassland Federation Conf., Cork, Ireland. 18-21 June. Hannaway, D., He, F., Moot, D., Yang, X., Mills, A., Smith, R., Teixeira, E., Shewmaker, G., Islam, A., Wang, G. 2018. Improving Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Cultivar Selection by GIS Mapping of Fall Dormancy and Winter Survival Index Classes and Modeling Seasonal and Annual Yield. 2nd World Alfalfa Congress, Cordoba, Argentina. 11-14 Nov. Abstract. He, Feng, Kun Wang, Xianglin Li, and David B. Hannaway. 2018. Effects of precipitation and clipping intensity on net primary productivity and composition of Leymus chinensis in temperate grasslands. PLoSONE PONE-D-17-14028R3. Misra, A. K. Kumar, S., Kumar, T.K., Ahmed, S., Palsaniya, D. R., Ghosh, P. K., Louhaichi, M., Sarker, A., Hassan, S. & Ates, S (2018). Nutrient intake and utilization in sheep fed opuntia [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.] in combination with conventional green and dry fodders. Range Management and Agroforestry, 39: 97-102 Roseberg, R.J., S. Norberg, and B.A. Charlton. 2018. Teff grass for forage: Nitrogen and irrigation requirements. PNW 709, Oregon State Univ. Extension Service. Revised Pasture Fertilizer Guide (FG63; submitted to OSU Extension and Experiment Station Communications, EESC). Grass Tetany article is on the OSU website (<a href="https://extension.oregonstate.edu/crop-production/pastures-forages/grass-tetany-fast-growing-grass-can-mean-problems">https://extension.oregonstate.edu/crop-production/pastures-forages/grass-tetany-fast-growing-grass-can-mean-problems</a>). Will submit for publication through EESC. Yang, X., Moot, D., Brown, H., Teixeira, E., Hung, T. Hannaway, D. 2018. Modelling Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Phenological Development. 2nd World Alfalfa Congress, Cordoba, Argentina. 11-14 Nov. Abstract.   Utah Publications Chail, A., J.F. Legako, S. Martini, and J.W. MacAdam. 2017. Consumer sensory evaluation and chemical composition of forage and conventional feedlot finished beef Gluteus medius and Triceps brachii steaks. Journal of Animal Science 95: 1553–1564. Christensen, R., J.-S. Eun, S.-Y. Yang, B.-R. Min, and J.W. MacAdam. 2017. In vitro effects of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) pasture on ruminal fermentation, microbial population, and methane production. Professional Animal Scientist 33: 451-460. Cox, S., M.D. Peel, J.E. Creech, B.L. Waldron, J.-S. Eun, D. Zobell, R.L. Miller, D.L. Snyder. 2017. Forage production of grass-legume binary mixtures on Intermountain Western USA irrigated pastures. Crop Science 57: 1742-1753. Creech, J. E., B.L. Waldron, M.D. Peel, S.R. Larson, I.W. Mott. 2017. Tall fescue forage mass in a grass-legume mixture: Predicted efficiency of indirect selection. Euphytica 213: 67. MacAdam, J.W. and C.J. Nelson. 2017. Physiology of forage plants. pp. 51-70 In M. Collins, C.J. Nelson, K.J. Moore, and R.F. Barnes (ed.) Forages, Vol. 1: An Introduction to Grassland Agriculture, 7th Ed., Wiley Blackwell, Hoboken, NJ. Sagers, J. K., B.L. Waldron, J.E. Creech, I.W. Mott, B.G. Bugbee. (2017). Salinity tolerance of three competing rangeland pant species: Studies in hydroponic culture. Ecology and Evolution 7: 10916-10929. Stettler, J.M., D.A. Johnson, B.S. Bushman, K.J. Connors, T.A. Jones, J.W. MacAdam, and D.J. Hole. 2017. Utah Lotus: North American legume for rangeland revegetation in the southern Great Basin and Colorado Plateau. Rangeland Ecology and Management 70: 691-699.  Washington Publications Roseberg, R., S. Norberg, and Brian Charlton. 2018. Teff Grass for Forage. Pacific Northwest Extension Publication PNW709, June 2018. Norberg, S. 2018. 2017 Washington State Hay Growers Association and Washington State University Alfalfa Variety Trials. Northwest Hay Expo. Kennewick, WA. Jan. 17-18, 2017.   Wyoming Publications Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles Islam, M.A. and Ashilenje, D. 2018. Diversified forage cropping systems and their implications on resilience and productivity. Sustainability. 10, 3920; doi:10.3390/su10113920. Nilahyane, A., Islam, M.A., Mesbah, A.O., and Garcia y Garcia, A. 2018. Effect of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization strategies on silage corn grown in semi-arid conditions. Agronomy. 8, 208; doi:10.3390/agronomy8100208. Dhakal, D. and Islam, M.A. 2018. Grass-legume mixtures for improved soil health in cultivated agroecosystem. Sustainability. 10, 2718; doi:10.3390/su10082718. Nilahyane, A., Islam, M.A., Mesbah, A.O., and Garcia y Garcia, A. 2018. Evaluation of silage corn yield gap: An approach for sustainable production in the semi-arid region of USA. Sustainability. 10, 2523; doi:10.3390/su10072523. Tracy, B.F., Foster, J.L., Butler, T.J., Islam, M.A., Toledo, D., and Vendramini, J.M.B. 2018. Resilience in Forage and Grazinglands. Crop Science (in press). Adjesiwor, A.T., Islam, M.A., Zheljazkov, V.D., Ritten, J.P., and Garcia y Garcia, A. 2017. Grass-legume seed mass ratios and nitrogen rates affect forage accumulation, nutritive value, and profitability. Crop Science. 57:1-13. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2016.09.0776. Islam, M.A., Obour, A.K., Rule, D., Bandara, M., and Acharya, S. 2017. Forage and seed production potential, nutritive value, and fatty acid profile of fenugreek. Crop Science. 57:1764–1772. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2016.08.0685.  Book Chapter (Refereed) Islam, M.A. and Ashilenje, D. 2018. Understanding species traits and biodiversity indices to solve problems associated with legume persistence in cropping systems. In: Plant Competition in Cropping Systems, (D. Dunea, Ed.). InTechOpen, Rijeka, Croatia (in press). Islam, M.A. and Adjesiwor, A.T. 2018. Nitrogen fixation and transfer in agricultural production systems. In: Nitrogen in Agriculture - Updates, (Amanullah and S. Fahad. Eds), pp. 95-110. InTechOpen, Rijeka, Croatia. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.71766. Available at: <a href="https://www.intechopen.com/books/nitrogen-in-agriculture-updates/nitrogen-fixation-and-transfer-in-agricultural-production-systems">https://www.intechopen.com/books/nitrogen-in-agriculture-updates/nitrogen-fixation-and-transfer-in-agricultural-production-systems</a>.  Reviewed Proceedings Islam, M.A. 2018. Effects of potassium, cultivar, and harvest time on sustainable alfalfa production. Proceedings of the 2nd World Alfalfa Congress, November 11‐14, 2018, Cordoba, Argentina.  Abstracts Baidoo, M. and Islam, M.A. 2018. Effect of Potassium and Harvest Time on Forage Accumulation and Potassium Uptake of Alfalfa. Proceedings of the Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meetings June 19-20, 2018. Laramie, WY (Western Society of Crop Science). Baidoo, M. and Islam, M.A. 2018. Potassium and Harvest Time Affect Production and Nutritive Value of Alfalfa. Proceedings of the Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meetings June 19-20, 2018. Laramie, WY (Western Society of Crop Science). Ashilenje, D.S. and Islam, M.A. 2018. Plant community structure and nitrogen dynamics underlie sustained productivity of grass-legume forage mixtures in Wyoming. Proceedings of the Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meetings June 19-20, 2018. Laramie, WY (Western Society of Crop Science). Ashilenje, D.S. and Islam, M.A. 2018. Benefits of grass-legume mixture extend to nitrogen gains and alleviation of greenhouse gas emissions in Wyoming. Proceedings of the Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meetings June 19-20, 2018. Laramie, WY (Western Society of Crop Science). Khatiwada1, B., Acharya, S.N., Larney, F., Lupwayi, N.Z., Smith, E., and Islam, M.A. 2018. Ability of sainfoin and cicer milkvetch populations to rejuvenate existing pastures in western Canada. Proceedings of the Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meetings June 19-20, 2018. Laramie, WY (Western Society of Crop Science). Islam, M.A. 2018. The silent decline in soil potassium levels and its effect on alfalfa productivity in the Central and Western U.S. Proceedings of the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference Annual Meetings June 4-6, 2018. Logan, UT (NAAIC, Trifolium, & Grass Breeders). Ashilenje, D.S. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Profiling canopy light interception and growth forms to predict forage yield and nutritive value for meadow bromegrass-alfalfa mixtures. Proceedings of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings October 22-25 2017. Tampa, FL (American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America). Islam, M.A. 2017. Legume adoption practices in the central great plains of USA for sustainable agricultural production in the face of climate change. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Plant Science and Physiology June 26-29, 2017 Bangkok, Thailand (Conference Series Limited, UK). Islam, M.A. 2017. Understanding Plant Diversity and Physiology for Resilient Production Systems and Environmental Benefits. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Plant Science and Physiology June 26-29, 2017 Bangkok, Thailand (Conference Series Limited, UK). Islam, M.A. 2017. Silent Decline in Soil Potassium May Influence Sustainable Production of Alfalfa. Proceedings of the International - Conference Frontiers of Potassium January 25-27, 2017 Rome, Italy (International Plant Nutrient Institute).  Extension publications Adjesiwor, A. and Islam, M.A. 2018. Birdsfoot Trefoil: Establishment and Management as Monocultures and Mixtures in Wyoming. University of Wyoming Extension Bulletin B-1321, Ed. S.L. Miller, pp.1-7, May 2018. University of Wyoming, Laramie. Available at: <a href="http://www.wyoextension.org/agpubs/pubs/b-1321.pdf">http://www.wyoextension.org/agpubs/pubs/b-1321.pdf</a> (verified July 12, 2018). Aryal, P. and Islam, M.A. 2018. Forage Kochia Establishment: Effects of Planting Time and Grass Mixtures. University of Wyoming Extension Bulletin B-1318, Ed. S.L. Miller, pp.1-4, April 2018. University of Wyoming, Laramie. Available at: <a href="http://www.wyoextension.org/agpubs/pubs/B-1318.pdf">http://www.wyoextension.org/agpubs/pubs/B-1318.pdf</a> (verified July 12, 2018). Dhakal, D. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Grass-legume mixtures improve forage yield, quality, stand persistence. University of Wyoming Extension Bulletin B-1309.1, Ed. S.L. Miller, pp.1-4, August 2017. University of Wyoming, Laramie. Available at: <a href="http://www.wyoextension.org/agpubs/pubs/B1309-1.pdf">http://www.wyoextension.org/agpubs/pubs/B1309-1.pdf</a> (verified July 12, 2018). Islam, M.A. 2018. Legume inoculation – an important factor for sustainable forage production-Part II. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, May 26, 2018. Islam, M.A. 2018. Legume inoculation – an important factor for sustainable forage production-Part I. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, March 3, 2018. Islam, M.A. 2017. Varieties of birdsfoot trefoil – a non-bloating forage legume. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, November 18, 2017. Dhakal, D. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Grass-legume mixtures improve forage yield, quality, stand persistence. University of Wyoming Extension Bulletin B-1309.1, Ed. S.L. Miller, pp.1-4, August 2017. University of Wyoming, Laramie. Available at: <a href="http://www.wyoextension.org/publications/Search_Details.php?pubid=1937&pub=B-1309.1">http://www.wyoextension.org/publications/Search_Details.php?pubid=1937&pub=B-1309.1</a> (verified October 27, 2017). Sarkar, S. and Islam, M.A. 2017. On-farm performance of bird’s-foot trefoil cultivars. 2017 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 146-147. Available at <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf">http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf</a> (verified October 26, 2017). Ashilenje, D. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Changes in plant community structure influence forage yield and quality of irrigated meadow bromegrass-legume mixtures in Wyoming. 2017 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 126-127. Available at <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf">http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf</a> (verified October 26, 2017). Horn, B.E., Islam, M.A., Smith, D., Jeliazkov, V., and Garcia y Garcia, A. 2017. Perennial cool-season grasses for hay production and fall grazing under full and limited irrigation. 2016 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 124-125. Available at <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf">http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf</a> (verified October 26, 2017). Dhekney, S., Jabbour, R., and Islam, M.A. 2017. Engineering alfalfa cultivars for alfalfa weevil resistance. 2017 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 121. Available at <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf">http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf</a> (verified October 26, 2017). Sarkar, S. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Effect of planting method, harvesting frequency, and cultivars on yield of bird’s-foot trefoil. 2017 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 104-105. Available at <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf">http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf</a> (verified October 26, 2017). Baskota, S. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Evaluation of forage nutritive value of different fenugreek entries in Wyoming. 2017 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 102-103. Available at <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf">http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf</a> (verified October 26, 2017). Nilahyane, A. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Evaluation of irrigation water and nitrogen management for silage corn production in Wyoming. 2017 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 58-59. Available at <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf">http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf</a> (verified October 26, 2017). Nilahyane, A. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Effect of water stress on yield and water use of corn for silage grown in a semiarid environment of Wyoming. 2017 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 56-57. Available at <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf">http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf</a> (verified October 26, 2017). Nilahyane, A. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Response of silage corn to irrigation water and nitrogen under on-surface and sub-surface drip irrigation. 2017 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 54-55. Available at <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf">http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf</a> (verified October 26, 2017). Ashilenje, D. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Meadow bromegrass in mixture with alfalfa affects light and nitrogen acquisition, forage yield, and nutritive value. 2017 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 20-21. Available at <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf">http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf</a> (verified October 26, 2017). Baskota, S. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Evaluation of forage nutritive value of quinoa cultivars. 2017 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 18-19. Available at <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf">http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf</a> (verified October 26, 2017). Baskota, S. and Islam, M.A. 2017. Effect of planting time on dry matter and seed yield of fenugreek. 2017 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 16-17. Available at <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf">http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf</a> (verified October 26, 2017). Islam, M.A. 2017. Grass-legume Mixtures Have Benefits Over Monoculture Systems. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, August 26, 2017. Islam, M.A. 2017. Establishment of birdsfoot trefoil – a non-bloating forage legume. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, June 24, 2017. Islam, M.A. 2017. Inoculation of Legumes. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, April 8, 2017. Islam, M.A. 2017. Silage: Production and Feeding – Part VI. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, February 11, 2017. GRANTS Colorado Grants Brummer, J.E. The Silent Decline in Soil Potassium Levels and its Effect on Alfalfa Productivity in the Central and Western US. USDA-NIFA Alfalfa and Forage Research Program, 9/1/2016 to 8/31/2019, $63,928. Rhoades, R., J. Brummer, J. Ippolito, and J. Ahola. A Long-term Integrated Evaluation of the ARDEC Irrigated Forage System. CSU Ag. Exp. Station, 1/1/2017 to 12/31/2018, $89,933. Schipanski, M.E. et al. Demonstrating the Potential of Cover Crop and Forage Mixtures to Improve Soil Health, Productivity, and Profitability in Water-Limited Regions. USDA-NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant, 11/12/2015 to 9/29/2019, $995,451.  Montana Grants Wanner, K., S. Schell, R. Ramirez, J. Vardijman, E. Meccage. Protecting alfalfa yield from weevil damage in the Intermountain West Region. USDA NIFA. 09/01/18-09/31/2021 Carr, P., A. Bekkerman, J. Eberly, K. Fuller, B. Menalled, E. Meccage, F. Menalled, P. Miller, Z. Miller, T. Murphy, T. Seipel. Creep Stop: Integrating biological, cultural, and mechanical/ physical tools for long-term suppression of creeping perennial weeds in Northern Great Plains and Pacific Northwest Cropping Systems. USDA NIFA. Meccage, E. Impact of Sulfur fertilization rate and timing on forage quality, yield, and persistence in cool-season perennial grass stands. MT Fertilizer Tax Assessment Committee. 05/1/2018-4/30/2020. Meccage, E. Do different methods of outdoor round bale hay storage impact dry matter and forage quality losses in Montana? BAIR Ranch Foundation. 8/1/17-7/31/18 Wanner, K. and E. Meccage. Increasing the adoption of alfalfa weevil integrated pest management in the Western region. WRIPM. 3/1/17-2/1/18. Olson, B. and J. Berardinelli. Winter Grazaing in Montana. NIFA MONB. 10/1/16-9/30/2021 Delcurto, T., M. VanEmon, L. McNew, T. Murphy, B. Sowell, J. Mosely, C. Carr, E. Glunk, C. Parsons, J. Dafoe. Beef production strategies that optimize use of western rangelands. NIFA MONB. 07/2/18-06/30/2023 Carr, P. Intensifying and diversifying dryland cropping systems using full and warm-season crops and crop mixtures in central Montana. Hatch Project. 07/1/17-06/30/2020 Seipel, T., A. Bekkerman, P. Carr, T. Murphy, E. Burns, F. Menalled. Integrating little hammers: using crop variety, crop diversification, cover crops, and targeted grazing to chip away at multiple herbicide resistant weeds. USDA NIFA. 09/01/17- 08/31/2020 Jabbour, R., F. Peairs, J. Ritten, M. Islam, T. Rand, B. Lee. Integration of early harvest with biological control for sustainable alfalfa production. USDA NIFA. 09/01/18-08/31/2022  Oregon Grants Ates, S. Evaluation of seasonal yield, forage quality, and persistence of cool-season grass and legume species for sheep production systems in non-irrigated western Oregon pastures (ARF Grant) Ates, S. Milk and Forage Production from Mixed or Spatially Separated Simple and Diverse Pastures (ARF Grant) Ates, S. Milk Yield and Composition of Dairy Cows from Diversified Grass, Herb or Legume-based Summer Pastures (ODFA Grant) Ates, S. Fodder Beets as winter forage for cattle in eastern Oregon (W. SARE farmer rancher/researcher) Filley, S. Prepared and received funding for a proposal for updating and improving the Forage Information System for the Forage-Livestock Systems Working Group. $10,000. Filley, S. “Evaluation of seasonal yield, forage quality, and persistence of cool-season grass and legume species for sheep production systems in non-irrigated western Oregon pastures.” Funded for $12,500 by the Agricultural Research Foundation, Oregon State University. PI: Serkan Ates; Cooperators: David Hannaway, Mary Smallman, Claudia Ingham, Shelby Filley, Gene Pirelli, and Jerry Hall. Wang, G. Cover crops after forage spring triticale in eastern Oregon. $12,500 from ARF. Wang, G. Developing a fall-winter grazing system by using fodder beets. $12,500 from ARF. Wang, G. Irrigation and seeding date effects on winter grasses and forbs forage production and quality in eastern Oregon. $17,434 from OBC.   Utah Grants Utah Native Plant Society. 07/01/16-06/30/18. Developing a restoration strategy for Eriogonum mitophyllum Reveal. $500. MacAdam, P.I. USDA NIFA AFRI Agroecosystem Management Program. 06/01/16-05/031/20. Tannin-containing legumes in pasturelands and their ecological services. Grant #2016-67019-25086. $499,884. MacAdam Co-P.I. USDA NIFA AFRI Food Security Program. 02/15/16-02/14/18. Legume-finished beef: Achieving current production with greater environmental, economic and social sustainability. Grant #2016-69004-24855. $150,000. MacAdam Co-P.I. USDA NIFA AFRI Climate and Microbial Processes in Agroecosystems program. 02/15/16-02/14/19. Microbial carbon-use efficiency in agroecosystems: The effect of drought and N availability on soil microbial production and respiration. Grant# 2016-67004-24920. $714,080. MacAdam Co-P.I. USU Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Research Catalyst Grant. Understanding the increased omega-3 fatty acid concentration in legume-fed beef. 05/01/18-04/30/20. $20,000. MacAdam P.I. Washington Grants Alfalfa Variety Trials. Washington Hay Growers Association $20,000. P.I.: S. Norberg. (03/18-4/19) Developing Practical Phosphorus and Potassium Tissue Test Recommendations and Utilizing Struvite in Modern Alfalfa Systems, National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance $50,000. P.I.: S. Norberg, Co-P.I.: D. Llewellyn, S. Fransen, J. Harrison and L. Whitefield. (11/18-11/19) Phenotypic Response of the Soil Microbiome to Environmental Perturbations, Subcontract of DOE Grant Received by PNNL (PI J.K. Jansson,) $148,671 (10/17 – 9/20) S. Fransen, S. Norberg. Determining Genetic Factors that Influence Forage Quality in Alfalfa, The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Alfalfa and Forage Program, $250,000. PD. S. Norberg, L. Yu, D. Combs, G. Shewmaker, G. Wang, D. Llewellyn, S. Fransen 9/17- 8/19. Developing Practical Phosphorus and Potassium Tissue Test Recommendations and Utilizing Struvite in Modern Alfalfa Systems, National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance $40,000. P.I.: S. Norberg, Co-P.I.: D. Llewellyn, S. Fransen, J. Harrison and L. Whitefield. (11/17-11/18) Capturing and Managing Phosphorus for Environmental Stewardship and a Sustainable Dairy Industry/ Evaluating Struvite Efficacy in Alfalfa, Subcontract with Joe Harrison $20,000. P.I.: S. Norberg, S. Fransen (8/17-07/18). Influence of Premier’s Arbuscular Mycorrhizae on Forage Yield and Quality of Alfalfa. Premier Tech Technologies Ltd. $5,147 P.I.: S. Norberg (8/1/17 – 7/31/19) Wyoming Grants Energy GA Fellowships, UW. 2018-2020. Islam, M.A. Reclamation of disturbed areas used by gas industries in Wyoming by using some promising grass and legume genotypes. $55,008. Y Cross Ranch Tuition and Fee Award, COANR, UW. 2018-2019. Islam, M.A. Developing a potassium fertility management program on alfalfa. $9,000 Edward H. and Susan King Lloyd Graduate Research Award, UW. 2018-2019. Islam, M.A and Baidoo, M. Potassium and harvest management in alfalfa. $3,000. UW School of Energy Resources. 2018-2019. Stahl, P.D., Eberle, C.A., Norton, J.B., Islam, M.A., and Coupal, R.H. Use of Coal Residues as a Soil Amendment. $83,000. Specialty Crop Block Grant Program – Farm Bill (SCBGP-FB), USDA Wyoming Department of Agriculture. 2017-2019. Islam, M.A. Evaluation of chickpeas in Wyoming Environments. $24,500. USDA-NIFA Alfalfa and Forage Research Program. 2016-2019. Islam, M.A., Burmmer, J., and Min, D. The silent decline in soil potassium levels and its effect on alfalfa productivity in the central and western US. $250,000. UW School of Energy Resources. 2016-2019. Stahl, P.D., Coupal, R.H., Islam, M.A., McLaughlin, J.F., and Norton, J.B. Use of coal residues as soil amendments. $242,000.

Impact Statements

Wyoming-Recommendations for the most cost-effective, water-efficient, persistent and highest quality grass, legume or grass-legume mixtures have resulted from studies of well-adapted, high performing accessions to determine the most suitable forages for Wyoming forage and livestock producers.

Date of Annual Report: 12/12/2019

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/15/2019 - 10/16/2019
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2018 - 09/30/2019

Participants

Serkan Ates, Oregon State University
Peter Ballerstedt, Barenbrug USA, Corvallis, OR
Mylen Bohle, Oregon State University
Brendan Brazee, NRCS Range Conservationist
Joe Brummer, Colorado State University
Earl Creech, Utah State University
Scott Duggan, Oregon State University
Melinda Ellison, University of Idaho
Shelby Filley, Oregon State University
Steve Fransen, Washington State University
John Hall, University of Idaho
Anowar Islam, University of Wyoming
Lynn Jaynes, Editor-Progressive Forage, Jerome, ID
Gordon Jones, Oregon State University
Reza Keshavarz, Colorado State University
Jennifer MacAdam, Utah State University
Joseph Sagers, University of Idaho
Carla Sanford, Montana State University
Glenn Shewmaker, University of Idaho
Guojie Wang, Oregon State University
Carmen Wilmore, University of Idaho

Brief Summary of Minutes

Project/Activity Number: WERA-1014

Project/Activity Title: Intensive Pasture Management for Sustainable Livestock Production in the Western US

Period Covered: 10/01/2018-09/30/2019

Date of This Report: 25 October 2019

Annual Meeting Date(s): 15-16 October 2019

Participants (21); *Members of WERA-1014

Serkan Ates*, Oregon State University

Peter Ballerstedt, Barenbrug USA, Corvallis, OR

Mylen Bohle*, Oregon State University

Brendan Brazee, NRCS Range Conservationist

Joe Brummer*, Colorado State University

Earl Creech*, Utah State University

Scott Duggan, Oregon State University

Melinda Ellison, University of Idaho

Shelby Filley, Oregon State University

Steve Fransen, Washington State University

John Hall, University of Idaho

Anowar Islam*, University of Wyoming

Lynn Jaynes, Editor-Progressive Forage, Jerome, ID

Gordon Jones, Oregon State University

Reza Keshavarz, Colorado State University

Jennifer MacAdam*, Utah State University

Joseph Sagers, University of Idaho

Carla Sanford, Montana State University

Glenn Shewmaker, University of Idaho

Guojie Wang*, Oregon State University

Carmen Wilmore, University of Idaho

Minutes of Annual Meeting:

The meeting was held at the Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension, and Education Center (NMCREEC) near Salmon, Idaho on October 15 and 16, 2019. Dr. Pat Hatfield, the Administrative Advisor, was unable to attend; Carla Sanford a beef extension specialist from Montana, attended in Dr. Hatfield’s absence and expects a forage extension position description will be released soon. John Hall, the superintendent of the NMCREEC, welcomed the group and noted that a new headquarters building for the center will open in mid-November. The center comprises 1100 acres including 850 acres of land with pressurized irrigation, and 390 beef cows.

Jennifer MacAdam from Utah State University discussed the non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) concentrations of perennial legumes grown under irrigation in the high-altitude Mountain West. She described typical NDF values of low-elevation, humid region-grown forages, and noted the reduced NDF values of alfalfa grown in high elevations, such as southern Oregon and northern California, was less than for comparable material grown at lower elevations. The NFC of perennial forage legumes grown in pastures under irrigation in the Mountain West is comparable to that of total mixed rations (~40%), and hay made from these perennial legumes is also in this range.

Guojie Wang from Oregon State University has a number of ongoing studies, including fodder beet and its nitrogen fertilization, industrial hemp management, foliar applied selenium to prevent white muscle syndrome, and NIFA-funded studies of alfalfa total track NDF and crude protein digestibility. Dr. Wang is continuing to study water quality in relation to salmon habitat in eastern Oregon, working with 20 perennial and 20 spring and fall annual forage species under four levels of irrigation. Treatments are no restriction or irrigation May 1 to June 15, May 1 to August 1, or May 1 to Sept. 15. Guojie plans to look at mixtures in the future, with mixture proportion based on the nutrition values for each forage.

Serkan Ates from Oregon State University presented data from his dairy pasture study comparing mixtures of clover with grass, forbs or the perennial legume birdsfoot trefoil, vs. these materials in side-by-side monocultures. Production (supplemented with 2 kg/d concentrate) was better in the side-by-side monocultures, and cows preferred legumes and forbs (Antler chicory and plantain) over grasses.

Mylen Bohle from Oregon State University described his participation in numerous projects on irrigation and fertilization of a wide range of forage crops.

Glenn Shewmaker, University of Idaho, presented data on Vernal and HiGest alfalfa from a project led by Steve Norberg (Washington State University) that also includes Goujie Wang, that is looking at 52 alfalfa varieties and 148 plant introductions for NDF, TTNDFD, and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) concentrations.

Steve Fransen from Washington State University presented results of a dual purpose canola study originally undertaken by a colleague Kefy Desta. Fall canola is planted in August and harvested for grain the following July, and spring canola is planted in mid-April and harvested in June for forage, then harvested for grain in the fall. In both cases, canola is harvested for silage the same year that it is planted, and fertilized twice – once for the forage crop and once for the grain crop. A stubble of 5-6 inches must be left after forage harvest to support grain production. Steve also discussed the allelopathic effect of leachate from wheat stubble on alfalfa germination.

Brendan Brazee, Idaho NRCS Range Conservationist, discussed the adaptation of the NRCS pasture condition scoresheet for western conditions. The scoresheet was originally developed for grazing-based dairies by Jim Cropper from North Carolina. Brendan is adapting the scoresheet for western beef production with the goal of sustainable rather than maximal production. Issues under consideration include the development of a desirable species list, scoring percent legume in mixtures, and clarifying plant cover for western pastures.

Joe Brummer from Colorado State University discussed a grazing study carried out under a center pivot, with each quarter planted to a different treatment (simple and complex grass mixtures or simple and complex grass-legume mixtures. Grasses were planted in the fall, and legumes were cross-planted in the spring, but the initial legume seedlings were killed by a late freeze. Data from the study includes a soil management assessment. Joe’s presentation led to a discussion of mob grazing and whether the source of associated soil organic carbon is plant or microbial. Joe also talked about a dryland grazing study of foxtail millet that resulted in gains of 3 lbs. per day because the millet had gone to seed.

Gordon Jones from Oregon State University is the agronomy agent in Jackson and Josephine counties, which are hotspots within Oregon for hemp CBD oil production. Gordon described a complex cover crop study that underwent extreme changes in botanical composition through the growing season. Gordon has also carried out a study of orchardgrass cutting intensity, where the treatments were 1 to 5 cuttings per season. One result is that infrequent cutting is associated with reduced tillering. When log-log data are plotted, they fit a decreasing 3/2 function, and the farther below this line the data fall, the lower the productivity. This study suggests that 2 or 3 cuttings are optimal for orchardgrass, while 1 or 5 cuttings have reduced productivity.

John Hall discussed the forage programs hosted by the NMCREEC, primarily in support of increasing the length of the grazing season. In general, dry matter is more important than forage quality, alfalfa is viewed as a supplement, and straw is appreciated because it keeps cows full and in the winter the heat increment of digesting straw tends to keep cattle warm. In a study of summer annuals, results were best for sudex and corn. The goal is for the highest quality (corn silking; 55-60% TDN) to be reached at frost. Wait 2 weeks after a hard frost to graze sudex to reduce prussic acid. This forage provides 180-200 animal grazing days per acre. This can be achieved by no-till plant July 1, using minimal nitrogen fertilizer, running a tractor over the crop after frost, and strip grazing. Triticale can be planted August 15-October 1 and harvested in the early heading to soft dough stage. The third cutting of ‘Rugged’ HiGest alfalfa can be swathed just after frost and grazed when the ground is frozen but before the elk arrive; it will have approximately 60% TDN. In a comparison of the calves of range cows and the calves of cows on irrigated pasture, the compensatory gain of range calves did not reach pasture calf weights. Range heifers are less efficient than cows on irrigated pasture.

Melinda Ellison discussed a study of the tolerance of annual cereal forage cover crops to (simulated) repeated grazing. Triticale and oats had lower quality and performed best under two cuttings while winter wheat could tolerate 3-4 cuttings. Nitrate from manure or a previous alfalfa crop can result in elevated nitrate; the higher yield of triticale (or corn) would dilute plant tissue nitrate concentrations.

Reza Keshavarz is studying root and shoot biomass accumulation and quality of a mid-October planted cover crop to replace seasonal fallow after dry beans or corn. Rye accumulated 6000 lbs. shoot biomass and 4000 lbs. root biomass per acre by late-April. Reza calculated the termination date for optimal biomass yield and forage quality to be April 20. The net economic return is $144 to $219 per acre in addition to increased soil organic matter and increased corn stubble mineralization rate. A professional + producer grant proposal is submitted to WSARE 2019 to continue this study on farmer’s field.

Earl Creech reported on a number of studies in progress including grass-birdsfoot trefoil mixtures to improve organic dairy heifer grazing performance; late-heading orchardgrass to better match alfalfa development; injury to glyphosate-resistant alfalfa when glyphosate is applied to regrowth greater than 2 inches and the herbicide application is followed by cold temperatures; oat cover crop and irrigation level effects on alfalfa establishment; and the first documented occurrence of Palmer amaranth in Utah in soybean. The seed was harvested in Arkansas.

Anowar Islam from the University of Wyoming discussed the use of ‘WyoWinter’ field peas developed to replace the fallow year in a winter wheat-fallow-winter wheat system; using the pea only reduced available moisture by 10-15% and increases in soil organic matter. Anowar is also working with yacon, a root crop from South America, and on full and deficit irrigation in alfalfa-grass mixtures. Anowar also reported on a collaborative study with Colorado and Kansas on the potassium fertilization of early- and late-harvested alfalfa

Peter Ballerstedt from Barenbrug, a family-owned seed company founded in the Netherlands, discussed the benefits of a diet high in meat and saturated fat compared with a carbohydrate-centered diet.

Scott Duggan from Oregon State University discussed strategies for holding the attention of diverse Extension audiences, and reported on the development of human illness caused by Cryptosporidium, one of the microbes that can cause scours in calves. Cryptosporidium can be killed with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide.

Joseph Sagers reported on several studies including his Tetona grass trials. In the first production year, tall fescue yielded the most and intermediate wheatgrass yielded the least; other species included perennial ryegrass, orchardgrass, meadow bromegrass, timothy and a mixture of grasses. Joseph also studied thrips on alfalfa, teff, and collaborated on a range study that demonstrated supplemented continuous grazing resulted in the highest gains.

In a brief business meeting Dr. Fransen agreed to host the 2020 meeting in Washington. Joe Brummer will continue to serve as chair and Jennifer MacAdam will continue to serve as secretary in the coming year. Joe will discuss changing WERA-1014 from a Western Education/Extension and Research Activities project to a Western Coordinating Committee (WCC) project and revising the title to encompass forage and hay production as well as irrigated pasture management with our administrative advisor, Pat Hatfield.

Accomplishments

State Accomplishments and Impacts: Colorado Completed the third year of data collection on a study looking at the feasibility of growing and grazing cover crops under dryland conditions in eastern Colorado, western Kansas, and southwestern Nebraska. Cover crops were planted on producer’s fields either in the early spring following a previous season grain crop such as corn or in the late summer following wheat harvest. Yields were variable depending on rainfall in a given area, but were generally high enough to be economically feasible to graze. For spring planted cover crops, cattle could generally be grazed for a period of 30 to 40 days before plants matured and palatability declined. If grazing commenced in the spring when the plants were vegetative, gains generally averaged over 2 lbs/hd/day. Cover crops that follow wheat need to be planted as soon after the wheat is harvested in order to achieve enough growth for fall/winter grazing. Cattle gains were variable for post-wheat planted cover crops depending on what species in the mixture dominated. For one producer, foxtail millet was the species that established and produced the most biomass. He grazed steers on the millet dominated cover crop from late December through early February and achieved 3 lbs/hd/day gain. This level of gain was attributed to the cattle consuming the seedheads of the millet. Essentially, they were eating the equivalent of a concentrate diet. In summary, cover crop yields and cattle performance were good, and several soil health variables increased with the addition of cover crops in these dryland systems. The drawback is that grain yields of corn and wheat crops that followed the cover crop decreased by up to 8 bushels per acre. This must be accounted for when looking at the overall economics of using cover crops in this low rainfall region. Completed the third year of data collection on a study looking at the effects of increasing rates of potassium fertilizer on yield and nutritive content of 2 cultivars of alfalfa (conventional and improved digestibility) harvested on 2 different schedules (normal 10% bloom and delayed until the plants reach 25 to 50% bloom). This is a cooperative project between the University of Wyoming, Colorado State University, and Kansas State University. Even though the soil at the Colorado site tested low in available potassium, there has been only minimal response to increasing levels of potassium fertilizer. The most significant finding from Colorado is that total seasonal yields are higher when the alfalfa is harvested on a normal schedule. When harvested on the delayed schedule, the last cutting is taken in late September or early October which is too late for the plants to be able to replenish carbohydrate reserves before winter dormancy. This has resulted in lower vigor, disease issues, and loss of stand in the alfalfa harvested on the delayed schedule which has contributed to lower total seasonal yields measured in those plots. If harvesting on the delayed schedule (i.e. about every 35 to 38 days), then producers should consider only cutting 3 times instead of the normal 4 to avoid impacts of that late season harvest. Casey Shawver completed and defended her thesis on an irrigated pasture study looking at the response of 4 different grass and grass-legume mixtures to management-intensive grazing. She collected a wide array of soils data and found a significant increase in microbial biomass and associated activity. This has implications for nutrient cycling, building organic matter, and contributing to soil aggregate stability. Potassium levels also increased significantly while phosphorus levels decreased slightly. The biggest negative change was an increase in bulk density (compaction), but levels were not high enough to affect plant productivity. The overall soil health indicator (SHI) value as determined through the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) program did not change as the positive changes were negated by the negative changes in soil parameters. With proper management, we hypothesize that the overall SHI value will increase over time. A new project was initiated in 2019 to evaluate yield and winterhardiness of 26 cultivars of perennial ryegrass. This is a productive, high quality species but does not survive well in the dry, cold winters throughout much of the western United States. Plots were seeded in June and all cultivars established well with first year yields ranging from 1.8 to 3.4 tons/acre. Winter survival will be evaluated in the spring of 2020 with yields measured through 2021. Oregon Overall: The “Forage-Livestock” Oregon State University (OSU) Extension working group addressed WERA-1014 project objectives. An annual meeting was held on September 25 and 26, 2019 to report and discuss recent project accomplishments and develop a list of high priorities for 2020. With this new structure to organize extension and research efforts at OSU, this working group designed and initiated development of an Oregon Forages web segment (<a href="https://forages.oregonstate.edu/oregon">https://forages.oregonstate.edu/oregon</a>) to simplify producer’s information searches and build a better connection between research and outreach. It also creates a cohesive environment for statewide collaboration. Research: 1) Two dairy grazing experiments were conducted over the spring-summer 2019 by Dr. Serkan Ates and his group. These experiments were the first dairy grazing experiments conducted at OSU in recent years. Dr. Ates and his group at the main campus dairy, beef, and goat centers investigated the effect of mixed or spatially separated simple and diverse pasture mixtures on cows’ milk yields, N partitioning in the body, and methane emissions. The second study compared the grass-clover pastures to specialized forb or legume pastures for their effects on milk yield and environmental effects. 2) Continued research projects on Se fertilization and fodder beets forage potential led by Dr. Shelby Filley along with Gene Pirelli, Jean Hall, Mylen Bohle, Serkan Ates, and Guojie Wang advocate Se fertilization to avoid white muscle syndrome and adoption of fodder beets as fall/winter grazing forages. 3) Continued research projects on forage species (13 clover species) suitability modeling and mapping, alfalfa modeling and mapping, and cool-season grass maturity index development by Dr. David Hannaway and his group has an international impact and Oregon impact. With the on-line “MatchClover” tool (<a href="https://forages.oregonstate.edu/matchclover">https://forages.oregonstate.edu/matchclover</a>), producers are aided in making science-based clover species selection decisions. 4) Continued research projects on N, P, K, Se, Ag lime, and other organic soil fertility amendments by Mylen Bohle and his group led to updated soil fertility management recommendations for irrigated pastures in Oregon. 5) Continued research projects on forage production with limited irrigation water by Dr. Guojie Wang and his group include diverse forage species (perennials and annuals, grasses and forbs) with diverse cropping systems (spring seeded, summer seeded, and fall seeded cover crops). They studied these forage species and their corresponding cropping systems under four irrigation treatments that related to partial-season irrigation shut down. They found a balance between agricultural production and ecosystems services including wildlife and fish habitats. 6) A research project on alfalfa and grass mixtures led by Dr. Ruijun Qin focused on mixture seeding configurations and seeding ratios under full irrigation and deficit irrigation situations. This project is expected to enlarge alfalfa acreage and increase alfalfa use in beef production. Outreach: 1) On-line tools including the Oregon Forages website, Box, and “Ask an Expert” were used by Extension specialists and agents and forage-livestock research faculty to communicate with and assist Oregon forage and beef producers. 2) Ongoing diverse activities including a Central Oregon Forage Seminar, Hay King Contest, Field Days, Grazing Class, and Irrigation Workshop led by Mylen Bohle provided farmer and rancher education. 3) A Forage ID Garden and booklet (field toolkit) being developed by Ian McGregor and Gordon Jones will provide producers with hands-on experience in identifying forage species under grazing systems. 4) A fire management (fuel load) workshop led by Dr. Sergio Arispe included instruction in the use of GPS and GIS to help eastern Oregon livestock producers to mitigate wildfire hazards and employ high-tech tools for their management. Impact Statements (Oregon) Development of new methodology or approaches: <ul> <li>Se fertilization to growing forages by spraying to increase forage Se concentration to meet livestock needs and to avoid white muscle syndrome.</li> <li>Fuel load reduction by grazing to mitigate wildfire ill effects.</li> <li>Sequential grazing to increase pasture carrying capacity and improve animal performance.</li> </ul>  Implementation of solutions or adoption of recommendations developed: <ul> <li>Match the right forage species with irrigation water rights or producers’ specific objectives to achieve agricultural sustainability while conserving salmon habitat.</li> <li>Forage ID field kit helps producers to identify species and manage their pastures.</li> </ul>  Adoption of technology: <ul> <li>Livestock producers adopted GIS and GPS along with digital collars to improve grazing efficiency.</li> </ul>  Cleaner environment and healthier communities: <ul> <li>Novel forage species such as birdsfoot trefoil, plantain, and chicory in Oregon grazing pastures lowers methane emission potential, urine leaching to the groundwater, and increases atmospheric nitrogen fixation potential to lower the nitrogen fertilizer demand.</li> </ul> Utah Employing forage legumes to improve the sustainability of ruminant production. Jennifer MacAdam, project leader. In a rotational stocking pasture project, we demonstrated that the season-long average fiber (NDF) concentration of cicer milkvetch and birdsfoot trefoil grown in the Mountain West was less than 30% while the non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) concentration of these pasture species was nearly 40%. Feedlot diets also contained approximately 30% NDF and 40% NFC. Meadow bromegrass in the same study had NDF and NFC concentrations of 50% and 20%, respectively. Carcass weights of feedlot, birdsfoot trefoil- and grass-finished yearling cattle were 370, 343, and 291 kg (816, 763 and 642 lbs.), respectively. The enteric methane emissions on pasture were similar for legume and grass pastures, but legume pasture intake was 40% greater than for grass pastures, resulting in a significantly lower rate of enteric methane emissions per kg intake. Feedlot intake was greater than pasture intake, but enteric methane emissions were similar to feedlot and legume pastures. Scaling up soil quality assessment and sustainable production at local, landscape and regional levels. Jennifer Reeve, project leader. In grazing studies, tannin-containing sanfoin significantly reduced nitrate levels in the soil profile. In an organic crop-forage rotation, compost applications increased soil carbon while manure increased soil nitrogen. In an organic fruit study, alleyways planted to birdsfoot trefoil significantly increased soil carbon and nitrogen, and increased nutrient cycling potential in the treerows compared to grass and fallow treatments. The tillage treatment had the lowest measured soil health indicators. Chemical diversity in rangelands and pasturelands: a sustainable tool to enhance livestock production and ecological health while minimizing environmental impacts. Juan Villalba, project leader. In a pasture study, alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil had greater degradability and speed of fermentation than sainfoin, attributable to the greater contents of cell walls and lower concentration of protein in sainfoin. In a cut and carry study, the proportion of alfalfa plus sainfoin or alfalfa plus birdsfoot trefoil (70:30) chosen by lambs given a two-way choice, or the proportion of alfalfa plus birdsfoot trefoil plus sainfoin selected by lambs given a 3-way choice (50:35:15) allowed animals to maintain ruminal degradability and speed of fermentation values comparable to pure alfalfa, and at the same time reduce the risk of bloating while improving the utilization of dietary protein. In a hay feeding study, tannin-containing hays, as well as other non-traditional tannin-free legumes such as cicer milkvetch have the potential to reduce environmental impacts relative to alfalfa hay by lowering methane emissions and nitrogen excretion in urine. These results are significant for beef production systems as they suggest that non-traditional hays containing bioactive secondary compounds could contribute to reductions in methane production during the cow-calf phase while maintaining or enhancing levels of animal productivity.

Publications

Publications and Presentations since the previous report: Refereed Publications Clark, L.V., M.S. Dwiyanti, K.G. Anzoua, J.E. Brummer, B.K. Ghimire, K. Głowacka, M.C. Hall, K. Heo, X. Jin, A.E. Lipka, J. Peng, T. Yamada, J.H. Yoo, C.Y. Yu, H. Zhao, S.P. Long, and E.J. Sacks. 2019. Biomass yield in a genetically diverse Miscanthus sinensis germplasm panel evaluated at five locations revealed individuals with exceptional potential. GCB Bioenergy: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12606">https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12606</a>. Clark, L.V., M.S. Dwiyanti, K.G. Anzoua, J.E. Brummer, B.K. Ghimire, K. Głowacka, M.C. Hall, K. Heo, X. Jin, A.E. Lipka, J. Peng, T. Yamada, J.H. Yoo, C.Y. Yu, H. Zhao, S.P. Long, and E.J. Sacks. 2019. Genome-wide association and genomic prediction for biomass yield in in a genetically diverse Miscanthus sinensis germplasm panel phenotyped at five locations in Asia and North America. GCB Bioenergy: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12620">https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12620</a>. Clemensen, A., G.E. Rottinghaus, S.T. Lee, F.D. Provenza, and J.J. Villalba. 2018. How planting configuration influences plant secondary metabolites and total N in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.): Implications for grazing management. Grass and Forage Science,73: 94-100. Costes-Thire, M., J. Villalba, H. Hoste, and C. Ginane. 2018. Increased intake and preference for tannin-rich sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) pellets by both parasitized and non-parasitized lambs after a period of conditioning. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 203: 11-18. Distel, R. A., and J. Villalba. 2018. Use of unpalatable forages by ruminants: The influence of experience with the biophysical and social environment. Animals, 8: 56. Dong, H., L.V. Clark, A.E. Lipka, J.E. Brummer, K. Głowacka, M.C. Hall, K. Heo, X. Jin, J. Peng, T. Yamada, B.K. Ghimire, J.H. Yoo, C.Y. Yu, H. Zhao, S.P. Long, and E.J. Sacks. 2019. Winter hardiness of Miscanthus (III): Genome-wide association and genomic prediction for overwintering ability in Miscanthus sinensis. GCB Bioenergy: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12615">https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12615</a>. Findlay, J.R., J. Thomas, 2019. Thrips in Alfalfa, P. 11, Proceedings Idaho Hay and Forage Conference, February 21-22, 2019, Burley, ID, University of Idaho Extension. Ghelichkhan, M., J.-S. Eun, R.G. Christensen, R.D. Stott, and J.W. MacAdam. 2018. Urine volume and nitrogen excretion are altered by feeding birdsfoot trefoil compared to alfalfa in lactating dairy cows. Journal of Animal Science.96: 3992-4001. Gomes Monteiro, A.L., A.M. Fonseca Faro, M.T. Piquera Peres, R. Batista, C.H., Poli, and J. Villalba. 2018. The role of small ruminants on global climate change. Acta Scientiarum Animal Sciences 40. Gregorini, P., F.D. Provenza, J. Villalba, P. Beukes, and M. Forbes. 2018. Diurnal patterns of urination and drinking by grazing ruminants: A development in a mechanistic model of a grazing ruminant, MINDY. Journal of Agricultural Science 156: 71-81. Gregorini, P., F. D. Provenza, J. Villalba, P. Beukes, and M. Forbes. 2018. Dynamics of forage ingestion, oral processing and digesta outflow from the rumen: a development in a mechanistic model of a grazing ruminant, MINDY. Journal of Agricultural Science 156: 980-995. Legako, J.F., T. Cramer, K. Yardley, T.J. Murphy, T. Gardner, A. Chail, L.R. Pitcher, and J.W. MacAdam. 2018. Retail stability of three beef muscles from grass-, legume- and feedlot-finished cattle. Journal of Animal Science 96: 2238-2248. Ouyang, Y., J. Reeve, and J.M. Norton. 2018. Soil enzyme activities and abundance of microbial functional genes involved in nitrogen transformations in an organic farming system. Biology and Fertility of Soils 54: 437-450 Poli, C.H., K. Thornton-Kurth, J. Legako, C. Bremm, V.S. Hampel, J.O., Hall, I. Ipharraguerre, and J. Villalba. 2018. Self-selection of plant bioactive compounds by sheep in response to challenge infection with Haemonchus contortus. Physiology and Behavior 194: 302-310. Rigby, C.W., K.B. Jensen, J.E. Creech, E.T. Thacker, B.L. Waldron, and J.D. Derner. 2018. Establishment and trends in persistence of selected perennial cool-season grasses in the western United States. Rangeland Ecology and Management 71: 681-690. Robins, J.G., K.B. Jensen, B.S. Bushman. 2018. Registration of USDA-UTWH-102 winter hardy orchardgrass germplasm. Journal of Plant Registrations. 12: 251-252. Ryder, N., K.M. Dorn, M. Huitsing, M. Adams, J. Ploegstra, L. Dehaan, S.R. Larson, N.L. Tintle. 2018. Transcriptome assembly and annotation of johnsongrass (Sorghum holepense) rhizomes identifies candidate rhizome-specific genes. Plant Direct. 2:e00065. Smith, R.W., M. Webb, D. Kidd and D.B. Hannaway. 2019. Mapping pasture species suitability using fine scale soils and climate data. Crop & Pasture Science. (Accepted: <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/CP/justaccepted/CP18573">https://www.publish.csiro.au/CP/justaccepted/CP18573</a>) Tan, Shuhao, Bo Liu, David B. Hannaway, Tingyu Li. 20XX. Can Social Capital Help Younger Herders Rent Grassland? Land Use Policy (Accepted)  Wang, L., Y.L. Qian, J. Brummer, S.J. Wilhelm, and J.E. Leach. 2019. Biomass production and soil carbon analysis of switchgrass under rainfed or minimal irrigation in a semiarid environment. Agron. J. 111:1704-1711. Zhang, Ruxin, Shuhao Tan, David Hannaway, and Weizhu Dai. 20XX. Multi-household Grassland Management Pattern Promotes Ecological Efficiency of Livestock Production. Eco. Econ. (Accepted) Bulletins and Extension Factsheets Brummer, J.E., S. Johnson, A. Obour, K. Caswell, A.C. Moore, J. Holman, M.E. Schipanski, and K. Harmoney. 2018. Managing spring planted cover crops for livestock grazing under dryland conditions in the High Plains Region. Colorado State Univ. Ext. Fact Sheet 0.309. Fort Collins, CO. 5 pp. Leggett, K., R. Brain, J.W. MacAdam, and J. Villalba. 2018. Rocky Mountain Trefoil Beef. Cooperative Extension sustainability/2018/01pr ed., Utah State University, Logan. Stewart, E., J.W. MacAdam, and J. Villalba. 2018. Alternative legume species can reduce the environmental impacts of cattle. Cooperative Extension AG/Forage/2018-02pr ed.. Utah State University, Logan. Stewart, E.K., J. Villalba, and K. Rood. 2018. Environmental and animal benefits when beef cattle consume condensed and hydrolysable tannins. Cooperative Extension AG/Forage/2018-01pr ed. Utah State University, Logan. Briscoe, J., J.E. Creech, M. Peel, B. Waldron, G. Cardon, and K. Heaton. 2018. Successfully inter-seeding legumes into existing cool-season pastures. Cooperative Extension AG/Crops/2018-01pr, Utah State University, Logan. Popular Press Cherney, J.H., K.A., Albrecht, M.T. Berti, M. Bohle, S.C. Bosworth, K.A. Cassida, W.J. Cox, J. E. Creech, S.C. Fransen, M.H. Hall, D.B. Hannaway, M.A. Islam, K.D. Johnson, J. W. MacAdam, E.C. Meccage, D.H. Putnam, E.B. Rayburn, C.C. Sheaffer, G.  Shewmaker, J.  Solomon, R.M. Sulc, and J.J. Volenec. 2018. Forage crops need respect. Hay and Forage Grower 33: 18-19. Cherney, J.H., K.A., Albrecht, M.T. Berti, M. Bohle, S.C. Bosworth, K.A. Cassida, W.J. Cox, J. E. Creech, S.C. Fransen, M.H. Hall, D.B. Hannaway, M.A. Islam, K.D. Johnson, J. W. MacAdam, E.C. Meccage, D.H. Putnam, E.B. Rayburn, C.C. Sheaffer, G.  Shewmaker, J.  Solomon, R.M. Sulc, and J.J. Volenec. 2018. Forage in crisis: Forage crops don’t get no respect. Progressive Forage, September, pp. 14-16. MacAdam, J. W. 2018. Legume-finished beef. Hay and Forage Grower, April-May, pp. 30-31. Sagers, J., J.R. Findlay, G, Shewmaker, R. Roemer, K. Jensen, Idaho Grass Trials- Tetonia, P. 14, Proceedings Idaho Hay and Forage Conference, February 21-22, 2019, Burley, ID, University of Idaho Extension. Shewmaker, Glenn. Haystacks are home to profit loss. Hay & Forage, November, 2018 Shewmaker, Glenn, Why are hay lab test results different? Progressive Forage, September, 2018. Tracy, B.F., K. Albrecht, J. Flores, M. Hall, A. Islam, G. Jones, W. Lamp, J.W. MacAdam, H. Skinner, and C. Teutsch. 2018. Evaluating grass-legume mixtures across different environ-ments. Crops and Soils,51: 30-34 & 47. Whitesides, R.E., and J.E. Creech, 2018. When the alfalfa stand is done. Progressive Forage 19: 22-23. Whitesides, R.E., and J.E. Creech. 2018. Simple tips for determining 10 percent bloom in alfalfa. Progressive Forage, 19: 26-27. Whitesides, R.E., and J.E. Creech. 2018. Establishing alfalfa: Old school rules of thumb. Progressive Forage 19: 50-51. Scientific and Outreach Presentations Bohle, M. 2019. Annual Central Oregon Forage Seminar. (Prineville 75 participants) Bohle, M. 2019. Four Central Oregon Irrigation Field Days focused on Converting MESA Pivots and Linears to LESA/LEPA/MDI systems in Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, and Lake Counties. (80 participants) Bohle, M. 2019. Pasture and Grazing Management Class. Living On A Few Acres Expo. (Redmond, 20 participants) Bohle, M. 2019. Presented Alfalfa and Weed Yield Results for Organic Alfalfa Fertility Trials at the NW Hay Expo, Kennewick, WA. Bohle, M. 2019. Presented Tilled and Non-tilled Lime Rate Effect on Incremental soil Depth pH and Grass Hay Yield at the NW Hay Expo, Kennewick, WA. Bolletta, A., J. Villalba, X. Dai, and J.W. MacAdam. 2018. In vitro digestibility and fermentation kinetics of six irrigated forage hays in the US Intermountain West. Journal of Animal Science, Suppl. 3, 96: 218-219. Briscoe, J., M. Peel, and J.E. Creech. 2018. Forage nutritive value in alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, cicer milkvetch, orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue at differing stages of maturity through the growing season. North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference, Logan, UT. Briscoe, J., M. Peel, J.E. Creech, B. Waldron, and R.L. Miller. 2018. Inter-seeding forage legumes into existing cool-season grass pastures. In Annual Meetings Abstracts. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI. Brummer, J.E. 2019. Management-intensive Grazing (MiG). Rocky Mountain Agribusiness Association Winter Conference, Broomfield, CO, Jan. 8, 2019. Brummer, J.E. 2019. Winter Killed Alfalfa Decision Management & Interseeding Thin Stands. Southern Rocky Mountain Ag Conference, Monte Vista, CO, Feb. 5, 2019. Brummer, J.E. 2019. Integrating Livestock with Cover Crops for Forage. 6th Annual High Plains Organic Farming Conference, Cheyenne, WY, Feb. 28, 2019. Brummer, J.E. 2019. Alfalfa Update: Potassium Fertility, Low Lignin Variety, and Cutting Schedule. Western Colorado Research Center Annual Field Day, Fruita, CO, July 12, 2019.\ Brummer, J.E. 2019. Short-term Effects of Management-intensive Grazing on Soil Health. Poster Presentation, 2019 Western Alfalfa and Forage Symposium, Reno, NV, November 19-21. Creech, J.E., M. Deakin, J. Reeve, D.J. Hole, and A. Jacobson. 2018. Long-term compost effects in dryland organic wheat-fallow systems. In Annual Meetings Abstracts. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI. Creech, J.E., S. Orloff, and R. Wilson. 2018. Glyphosate injury to glyphosate resistant alfalfa. Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting, Laramie, WY. Findlay, J.R., Forage School, Diseases and Pests of Significance, Blackfoot, Idaho, March 13, 2019. Findlay, J.R., Forage School, Diseases and Pests of Significance, Mud Lake, Idaho, March 12, 2019. Findlay, J.R., Thrips, Idaho Forage and Hay Conference, Burley, Idaho, February 22, 2019. Findlay, J.R., Grass Variety Trials, Range and Pasture Seminar, Blackfoot, Idaho, January 23, 2019. Findlay, J.R., Thrips Identification, Range and Forage Grower Meeting, Bingham Cooperative CHS, Blackfoot, Idaho, January 17, 2019. Findlay, J.R., A New Pest in Alfalfa, Thrips In-Service, Rupert, Idaho, January 9, 2019. Findlay, J.R., Hay Outlook, Idaho Ag Outlook Seminar, Idaho Falls, Idaho, December 11, 2018. Findlay, J.R., Wireworm Control, Pesticide Applicator Training, Arco, Idaho, December 6, 2018. Findlay, J.R., Wireworm Control, Pesticide Applicator Training, Rigby, Idaho, December 6, 2018. Findlay, J.R., Wireworm Control, Pesticide Applicator Training, Blackfoot, Idaho, December 5, 2018. Findlay, J.R., Wireworm Control, Pesticide Applicator Trai, American Falls, Idaho, December 5, 2018. Findlay, J.R., Wireworm Control, Pesticide Applicator Training, Malad, Idaho, December 4, 2018. Findlay, J.R., Wireworm Control, Pesticide Applicator Training, Preston, Idaho, December 4, 2018. Findlay, J.R., Wireworm Control, Pesticide Applicator Trainin, Montpelier, Idaho, December 3, 2018. Findlay, J.R., Wireworm Control, Pesticide Applicator Traini, Soda Springs, Idaho, December 3, 2018. Findlay, J.R., Aquatic Weed Issues Introduction, Blackfoot, Idaho, November 1, 2018. Findlay, J.R., G.E. Shewmaker, J. Hogge, J. Sagers, and R. Roemer. Idaho alfalfa variety trials Tetonia. University of Idaho Extension Annual Confernce. Idaho Falls, Idaho. March 25-28, 2019. Findlay, J.R., G. Shewmaker, J. Sagers, J. Hogge, R. Roemer, Idaho Alfalfa Variety Trials- Tetonia, UI Extension Annual Conference, Idaho Falls, Idaho, March 25, 2019. Findlay, J.R., G. Shewmaker, J. Sagers, J. Thomas, A. Rashad, S. Reitz, J. Hogge, Evaluation and monitoring of thrips in alfalfa, Blackfoot/Mud Lake, Idaho, 2018-2019. Hannaway, David B. 2019. MatchClover: a Web-based Tool to Match Clovers to Climates, Soils, and Intended Uses. Lucerne Modeling Workshop. Sept. 15-27. Lincoln University, New Zealand. Hannaway, David; He, F.; Moot, D.; Yang, X.; Mills, A.; Smith, R.; Teixeira, E.; Shewmaker, G.; Islam, A.; Wang, G. Improving alfalfa cultivar selection by GIS mapping of fall dormancy and winter survival index zones and modeling seasonal and annual yield. 2nd World Alfalfa Congress, Fall, 2018 Lagrange, S., R. Guevara Ballesteros, K. Beauchemin, J.W. MacAdam, and J. Villalba. 2018. Methane emissions by cattle grazing tannin-containing legumes. Journal of Animal Science Suppl. 3, 96: 223-224. MacAdam, J. W. 2018. Forage Legumes for Meat and Milk Production. North America Alfalfa Improvement Conference, Logan, UT. Rose, M., B. Waldron, J.E. Creech, S. Isom, and M. Peel. 2018. Grass-birdsfoot trefoil mixtures to improve pasture-based dairy performance. In Annual Meetings Abstracts. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI. Rose, M., B. Waldron, J.E. Creech, S. Isom, M. Peel. 2018. Grass-birdsfoot trefoil mixtures to improve pasture-based dairy performance. North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference, Logan, UT. Sagers. Pasture Renovation. Pasture Management Workshop. 3 locations March 2019. Sagers. Control de ratones del campo y topos (Vole and gopher control, Spanish). 4 Locations. March-April 2019. Sagers. Identificación de Malezas (Weed Identification, Spanish). 4 Locations. March-April 2019. Sagers. Timing the Harvest for Annual Cover Crops. Preston Forage School. Preston, Idaho. March 14, 2019. Sagers. Weed Control in Alfalfa. Preston Forage School. 4 Locations. March 2019. Sagers, J., J.R. Findlay, G. Shewmaker, Quantifying the effects of planting dates and cutting height on teff yield and quality, Aberdeen, Idaho, 2018-2019. Sagers, J., J.R. Findlay, G. Shewmaker, Grass Variety Trials, Tetonia, Idaho, 2017-2019. Sagers, J., J.R. Findlay, G. Shewmaker, UI Grass Variety Trial- Tetonia, UI Extension Annual Conference, Idaho Falls, Idaho, March 25, 2019. Sagers, J.K., R. Findlay, G. Shewmaker, J. Hogge, R. Roemer, K. Jensen. Tetonia Grass Trials. National Association of  County Agricultural Agents Western Regional Conference. Great Falls, Montana. October 1-3, 2019. Sagers, J.K., R. Findlay, G. Shewmaker, J. Hogge, R. Roemer, K. Jensen. Tetonia Grass Trials. University of Idaho Extension Annual Confernce. Idaho Falls, Idaho. March 25-28, 2019. Sahin, E., S. Reid, M. Sahin, S. Ates, S. Elias, and D.B. Hannaway. 2020.  Breeding for Improved Fiber Digestibility and Yield Potential in Tall Fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort). Poster at AFGC Annual Conf., Greenville, SC, January 5-8. Sahin, M., S. Reid, E. Sahin, S. Ates, S. Elias, and D.B. Hannaway. 2020. Selection for Persistence in Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) through Improved Tolerance to Northern Anthracnose. Poster at AFGC Annual Conf., Greenville, SC, January 5-8. Shewmaker. Inorganic Bromide Concentration in Crops Following Soil Fumigation with Methyl Bromide, Poster, Crop Science Society of America Annual Meeting, 7 November 2018 Baltimore, MD Schipanski, M.E., S.J. Fonte, C. Kelly, J.E. Brummer, D. Finney, C. White, S.T. Rosenzweig, and J.P. Kaye. 2019. Integrating plant functional diversity into cropping systems to support multifunctionality. Abstract 40-3, SSSA International Soils Meeting, Jan. 6-9, 2019, San Diego, CA. Shawver, C., J. Brummer, J. Ippolito, J. Ahola, and R. Rhoades. 2019. Short-term effects of management-intensive grazing on soil health. In: Proceedings, 2019 Western Alfalfa and Forage Symposium, Reno, NV, November 19-21. UC Cooperative Extension, Plant Sciences Department, University of California, Davis, CA. Shewmaker. Measuring Reduced Lignin Alfalfa, Idaho Hay and Forage Conference, 21 February 2019 Burley, ID Shewmaker. Forage Research and Extension Parity for Funding, Idaho Hay & Forage Conference, 21 February 2019 Burley, ID Shewmaker. Measuring Reduced Lignin Alfalfa Quality, Utah Hay and Forage Symposium, 7 February 2019 St. George, UT Shewmaker. How Storage Affects Hay Quality and Dry Matter, Central Oregon Forage Seminar, 30 January 2019 Prineville, OR Shewmaker. Measuring Reduced Lignin Alfalfa Varieties, Central Oregon Forage Seminar, 30 January 2019 Prineville, OR Shewmaker. Managing Grass for Competition Against Weeds, Idaho Noxious Weed Conference, 16 January 2019 Boise, ID Shewmaker. Environmental Effects on Forage Yield and Quality, FWAA Winter Conference, 10 January 2019 Twin Falls Shewmaker. Agronomy and Soil Health, Agri-Service Operator Training, Kimberly, ID Shewmaker. Engagement: Judging at Oregon Hay King Contest, 17 November 2019 Corvallis, OR Shewmaker. Storing Hay: What is the cost to quality? Fall Forage Festival, 17 November 2019 Corvallis, OR Shewmaker, Glenn; Curl, C.; Marshall, J.; Moll, M.; Morra, M.; Porter, J.; Rogers, C. Inorganic bromide concentrations in crops following soil fumigation with methyl bromide. American Society of Agronomy, November/2018 Slebodnik, K. J.M. Norton, J.W. MacAdam, and J. Reeve. 2018. Effects of tannins on nitrogen cycling in pasture soils. Spring Runoff Conference, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Sprinkle, J., J.R. Findlay, A. Kolok, M. Strickland, E. Winford, R. Mickelson, C. Luce, M. Pratt. Water Quality on the Mink Creek Watershed: A characterization of fecal pollution across time and species, Pocatello, Idaho, 2019. Villalba, J., K. Beauchemin, K., and J.W. MacAdam. 2018. Nutrients and plant secondary com-pounds in pasturelands and their ecological services. Journal of Animal Science, Suppl. 3, 96: 211. Villalba, J. 2018. Self-selection of plant bioactive compounds by sheep in response to challenge infection with Haemonchus contortus. American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) - Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS), July 8, 2018 - July 12, 2018, Vancouver, Canada. Wan, J., J.E. Creech, Y. Wang, X. Zhang, Z. Yu. 2018. Effects of wilting and additives on the fermentation quality, chemical composition and in vitro of sudangrass silage. Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting, Laramie, WY. Wang, G. 2019. Presented Nitrate levels in alfalfa hay and its mitigation practices at the NW Hay Expo, Kennewick, WA. Zhang, Y., and J.W. MacAdam. 2018. In vitro rumen fermentation of six pasture species and their isolated fiber. In Annual Meetings Abstracts. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.   Theses and Dissertations Shawver, C.J. 2019. Effects of management-intensive grazing in relation to soil health and forage production in an irrigated perennial pasture system. M.S. Thesis, Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins, CO. Collaborative Grants Ates, S. Effects of Se biofortified chicory pasture on immune system and response to intramammary infection in eves. Animal Health and Disease, USDA. Brummer, J.E. Evaluation of 26 Cultivars of Perennial Ryegrass for Yield and Winter Survivability. Barenbrug USA, June 2019 to December 2021, $9,750. Findlay, J.R., J. Thomas, G. Shewmaker, A. Rashad, S. Reitz, J. Hogge. Evaluation and monitoring of thrips in alfalfa, Innovative Award Grants, University of Idaho Extension, October 2018- June 2019. $5,000. Spending authority $5,000. Isom, S.C., R.H. Miller, A.L. Young, M.I. Peel, B.L. Waldron, J.E. Creech, K.E. Rood, D.I. Feuz, D.E. Heleba, and K.A. Thornton-Kurth. 01/09/17-31/08/20. Economic and environmental sustainability of heifer development strategies in pasture-based organic dairy systems. Grant 2017-51300-26866, $999,404. USDA NIFA Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative program. Keshavarz, R., P. Nachappa, J. Brummer, D. Mooney, P. Cabot, A. Islam, X. Liang, and R. Qin. Increasing Yield, Quality, and Economy of Alfalfa Hay through Grass Species Selection and Planting Configuration. USDA-NIFA Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa Forage System Program, 9/1/19 to 8/31/21, $227,104. MacAdam, J.W. 07/01/18-06/30/19. Cattle Methane Emissions, Nitrogen Use and Fatty Acid Processing of Legumes. $32,886.42. State of Utah Pasture and Forage Initiative. MacAdam, J.S., R.E. Ward, and K. Hintze. 05/01/18-04/30/20. Understanding the increased omega-3 fatty acid concentration in legume-fed beef. $20,000. USU Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Research Catalyst Grant. Norberg. USDA-NIFA Alfalfa and Forage Research Program. Description: Determining Genetic Factors That Influence Forage Quality in Alfalfa. Begin Date: 10/01/2017. End Date: 09/30/2020. Amount: $250,000.00. Norberg USDA-NIFA Alfalfa and Forage Research Program. Description: Determining Genetic Factors that Influence Protein Quality and Yield in Alfalfa.. Begin Date: 10/01/2019. End Date: 09/30/2020. Amount: $250,000.00. Total Team Grant: $500,000.00 Reeve, J.R., A.J., Caplan, M.-K. Kim, C.E. Dyreson, J.W. MacAdam, and B. Chamberlain. 07/01/18-06/30/20. Scenario analysis of ecosystem services of agricultural land along the Wasatch Front, Utah. $60,000. UAES Seed Grant, Sagers Idaho Extension Innovation Grant. Description: Determinizing regrowth potential of teff in Idaho. Begin Date: 10/01/2018 End Date: 09/30/2020 Amount: $5,000 Sagers, J., J.R. Findlay, X. Liang, G. Shewmaker, E. Creech. Quantifying the effects of planting dates and cutting height on teff yield and quality in Eastern Idaho, Innovative Award Grants, University of Idaho Extension, October 2018- June 2019. $5,530. No substantive spending authority. Sprinkle, J., J.R. Findlay, A. Kolok, M. Strickland, E. Winford, R. Mickelson, C. Luce, M. Pratt. Water Quality on the Mink Creek Watershed: A characterization of fecal pollution across time and species, David Little Livestock Range Management Endowment, Pocatello, Idaho, 2019, $73,895. No substantive spending authority. Stark, J.O., J.M. Norton, and J.W. MacAdam. 02/15/16-02/14/20. Microbial carbon-use efficiency in agroecosystems: The effect of drought and N availability on soil microbial production and respiration. Grant# 2016-67004-24920. $714,080. USDA NIFA AFRI Climate and Microbial Processes in Agroecosystems program. Villalba, J.J., J.W. MacAdam, Caplan, A.J., J.R. Reeve, M.-K. Kim, R. McCann, and J.M. Norton. 06/01/16-05/031/20. Co-P.I. Tannin-containing legumes in pasturelands and their ecological services. Grant #2016-67019-25086. $499,884. USDA NIFA AFRI Agroecosystem Management program. Villalba, J.J., J.W. MacAdam, M.-K. Kim, and E. Burritt. 02/15/16-02/14/19. Legume-finished beef: Achieving current production with greater environmental, economic and social sustainability. Grant #2016-69004-24855. $150,000. USDA NIFA AFRI Food Security program. Wang, G. Quantifying protein degradability and yield stability in alfalfa and determining generic factors that influence them. NIFA, USDA.

Impact Statements

Colorado - Cattle perform well when grazing cover crops, and several soil health variables will increase with the addition of cover crops in dryland systems in eastern Colorado, western Kansas, and southwestern Nebraska. The drawback is that grain yields of corn and wheat crops that follow cover crops can decrease by up to 8 bushels per acre.

Date of Annual Report: 09/29/2021

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/27/2021 - 07/28/2021
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2019 - 07/31/2021

Participants

Steve Fransen, Washington State University
Steve Norberg, Washington State University
Sen Lin, Washington State University
Guojii Wang, Oregon State University
Gordon Jones, Oregon State University
Jennifer MacAdam, Utah State University
Joseph Sagers, University of Idaho
Anowar Islam, University of Wyoming
Troy Downing, Oregon State University
Earl Creech, Utah State University
David Hannaway, Oregon State University
Jerome Magnuson, DLF Pickseed
Ian McGregor, Oregon State University
Glenn Shewmaker, University of Idaho
Mylen Bohle, Oregon State University
Tip Hudson, Washington State University
Ray Qin, Oregon State University
Chad Hale, Byron Seeds, LLC
Cher Gillson, Ioka Marketing, LLC
Peter Ballerstedt, Barenbrug Seed
Joe Brummer, Colorado State University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Welcome from Steve Fransen, Washington State Forage Crops Specialist.

The Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center near Prosser is the state’s largest off-campus research and extension center and also houses personnel from the USDA-ARS and the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Most scientist work on one commodity. Forages are a small part of the state’s agriculture. The elevation at Prosser is 650 ft., annual precipitation totals 8-10 inches/year, and the silt-loam soils are alkaline (pH ≥ 8). There is a long growing season and irrigation water comes from the Cascade Mountains. Currently there are issues getting exports into containers headed to the Pacific Rim.

Steve Norberg, WSU – Can NIR forage quality provide P & K recommendations for alfalfa?

Steve applied incremental concentrations of P and K to the soil and measured alfalfa tissue concentrations. Phosphorus was applied as monoammonium phosphate in April. For all treatments, about half of the yield was in the first out of five cuttings. The highest whole plant tissue P concentration of 0.36% was achieved at the second cutting, and Steve recommends this as a target tissue concentration. The optimal soil concentration of potassium is 240 lbs. K₂O/acre. Year 1 there was a linear response to applied K and tissue concentrations were 1.9 and 1.5% K; in years 2 and 3 they were 2.5 and 1.6. In years 2 and 3, adding P resulted in less yield than no P. Steve suggested he was “crashing the system.”

Sen Lin is Steve Norberg’s post doc, doing identification of markers associated with alfalfa quality. 148 accessions came from two sources: 52 came from commercial seed companies and the rest were from the National Plant Germplasm Center. Checks were used as covariates and 34 quality traits were evaluated, with special focus on 28 markers for 16 traits related to fiber quality or protein quantity. The location of growth causes variables to differ. Publication of this study was in Frontiers in Plant Science.

Guojii Wang – Research Stories from Eastern Oregon from 2015-2021

Guojii’s projects have included evaluation of perennials, annuals, cereal-legume mixtures, and fall-seeded and late-season annuals as individual species and in systems, overlaid with irrigation treatments. Irrigation levels were no irrigation (control) or irrigation through June 15, August 1 and September 15, using alfalfa ET as the basis for water application. Drought decreased ADF and resulted in higher quality. Guojii also has worked with chicory and hemp, and has done a selenium fertility study; selenium can be deficient in central Oregon. Need to add at every cutting, but it can be toxic to livestock.

Gordon Jones – Gordon has recently worked on under-vine cover crops in vineyards in a fine-wine region. In some environments, cover crops are used to provide a level of stress to the grapes, but in a dry environment less competition for water is more desirable. Gordon studied 8 different species used in California and Australia and a blend of all eight. He has also worked on improving water quality by decreasing pesticides in streams. A particular success occurred in the Rogue valley where he was able to identify a producer contributing to pollution by subdividing the watershed, then contacting producers in the vicinity of the elevated pesticide concentration. One producer he contacted had indeed been using the pesticide in a less than optimal way and stopped, solving the problem! Gordon also recently published “Stewarding a Working Landscape,” a comprehensive guide to establishing and managing pastures.

Jennifer MacAdam talked about tannin assays and a study where she looked at freeze-dried and oven-dried samples of birdsfoot trefoil and sainfoin. The assay or the standard the is used can make concentrations seem much greater in freeze-dried than oven-dried samples, but using the Terrill sequential extraction appears to measure more tannin in the hay than in freeze-dried purple prairie clover. The Grabber assay of whole plant material doesn’t require sequential extraction and appeared to measure total tannins in birdsfoot trefoil, with the same tannin concentration in freeze-dried as oven-dried samples, but in sainfoin, the concentration of condensed tannin in freeze-dried samples was 20-30% greater than in oven-dried samples.

Joseph Sagers from the University of Idaho Extension, Jefferson and Clark counties talked about a study on rotational grazing and supplementation of yearling heifers carried out at the ARS sheep experiment station at Dubois with Jim Sprinkle. The dominant grass was crested wheatgrass with about 600 lbs. of available dry matter per acre that had crude protein in the range of 4-8% in October. Treatments were rotational vs. continuous grazing and with or without protein supplementation using a distillers’ grain (McNess Bova Cubes). Animals were fed once per week. Joseph helped calibrate accelerometers fabricated by Jim Sprinkle. Rotational grazing resulted in more ADG than continuous, probably because continuous grazing results in more walking, especially in animals with no supplementation. Supplementation was fed on the ground in the tracks of the four-wheeler to optimize access.

Anowar Islam (UW) – Response to P and K in Wyoming

Soil test: K=243, P=9.7, Ca=3526 and Mg=328. Sampled to 15 cm and applied P and K August 30, planted alfalfa at 22 lbs./acre on Sept. 3, 2019, then applied Ca and Mg oxides on Dec 23. Applied K and P at 400 lbs./acre K2O and 150 lbs./acre P2O5. The concentration of K, Ca, and Mg interact, and high Ca and Mg can interfere with K and P uptake. Harvested monthly for two years from June 17 to Sept 24, at early bud and 10 days later for bloom. Will tissue test. Applied Ca oxide and Mg oxide. Ca oxide is slaked lime (!); David suggested calcium and magnesium sulfate as an alternative.

Troy Downing, OSU – Development of a ryegrass index for milk production

There is a need to know the energy value when comparing perennial ryegrass and fescue cultivars. Worked with Dave Chapman (NZ) to develop a ryegrass cultivar energy index. Took 6 cuttings/year at approximately the 3-leaf stage or 3000 kg/ha. Calculated the milk cwt-equivalent energy and got between 215 and 255 cwt/acre, which is a 40 cwt/acre difference. Also calculated over 100 #/A more beef based on net energy. Jerry Hall distributes “Aber” high-sugar perennial ryegrass. Roughly 10,000 Kcal/lb. of grass dry matter.

Also, Troy is working (along with Elise Weisshaar) on denitrifying water from tile drains using a passive woodchip bioreactor. The woodchips are in the tile drain stream, anaerobic, and can therefore denitrify nitrate via fermentation. The woodchips should last for 10-15 years, serving as a carbon source for the heterotrophic bacteria. Each weir costs about $2000. The end product should be N2, but the system can leak small amounts of N2O.

Earl Creech, USU

Gramoxone (Paraquat) used to be used more commonly to burn down weeds (including annual grasses) but is now much more restricted. Aim (and the similar produce Sharp) is a contact annual broadleaf herbicide that turns perennials like alfalfa and grasses brown, but both will recover. Can be used on seedling alfalfa at the 2 trifoliolate leaf stage and is very safe for grasses, including annuals. Aim allows much faster regrowth, so you can use it on a dormant established alfalfa stand.

Roundup injury on RR alfalfa – bad injury on the plants most recently frosted, and least injury on plants 3 days after a frost.

An oat companion crop with alfalfa was used under a line source to show the interaction effects on alfalfa of a companion crop with drought.

Rejuva (Bayer) can be used to kill annual grasses in perennial grasses (e.g., cheatgrass on rangeland) but it’s too expensive for extensive use.

David Hannaway (OSU) – Collaboration Project

Dave is working with PRISM climate data to create forage species fact sheets with seasonal production profiles. Reproductive stages will be based on GDD and the fact sheets will use a common template. Yield will be presented as 0-25%, 25-50%, 50-75%, and 75-100% of maximum.

Jerome Magnuson, DLF

What does “early maturity” mean? We know what an alfalfa with a FD of 5 means. With grasses, each species has a range of maturity. Early maturity means something different for orchardgrass and other grasses, but they should remain similar relative to one another.

Joe Brummer, working with Jim Ippolito (soil scientist), looked at mountain hay meadows with low potassium and adequate phosphorus. Which extraction should be used for phosphorus, sodium or ammonium bicarb? Their study found no response to K; all the response was to P.

Joe (with Jay Norton) is also studying perennial ryegrass and bromegrass spp. cultivars (smooth, meadow, Alaska, etc.). Nitrogen is limited in high-elevation hay meadows because plants become sodbound. Reza Keshavarz resigned so Joe inherited his grass-alfalfa mixture partial irrigation study. Joe is also studying changes in soil health when land goes from annual cropping to perennial management, and is studying conserved consumptive water use in the Upper Colorado.

Ian McGregor, OSU, Klamath Co. (high elevation, short season), east of the Cascades, has been there 3.5 years. He did a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition at Montana State University. Works mostly with grass and potato producers, mostly irrigated agriculture. Forages is 95% of his work. He split Klamath Co. into 6 beef production zones and is working with 6 ranchers in each area. He collected forage samples in six random locations and composited them for each pasture. He is studying over- or interseeding tall fescue pastures, and looked at where roots were found. Looked at depths of 50 and 95 cm and maximum depth. Overseeded pastures with deeper-rooting annual species such as wheat and barley. Used a spectrometer to measure light above the canopy and light interception below the canopy. Used the ALMANAC model (Kiniry 2018 Forage Yield Estimation with a Process-Based Simulation Model, Intech Open). This model is used to predict forage yield.

Glenn Shewmaker (U of I) commented on forage variety trials. Wishes he had participated in the alfalfa variety review board; there are fewer actual varieties now. The pasture calendar publication is coming out. Idaho is building a $10 million, 2000-cow dairy and will be collecting lots of soil nutrient data. U of I is not refilling Glenn’s position. The university wants a forage research and teaching person on campus.

Mylen Bohle has tracked the history of PNWFW and WERA through 2021. He will retire July 31, 2021 and return August 4, 2021 with OSU. He’ll write up data for 2 years then move to Plevna, Montana, 27 miles from North Dakota, where they’ll refurbish a 1-room schoolhouse.

Tip (Tipton) Hudson is a range and livestock specialist, WSU Ellensburg, a range person, originally from Arkansas. He promotes dynamic grazing, which results in more appropriate stocking rates. Forage availability on rangeland is highly variable. Can do long-term damage in a single year. He is concerned with what is sustainable in a particular place and time.

Tip has produced a February 2021 Rangelands Decision Support Tool with a map of stocking rates, 3 short film documentaries, case studies to increase resilience for pacific northwest farmers & ranchers and The Art of Range Podcast.

Steve Fransen – started in 1975 at KSU in Mound Valley, KS in the southeast corner of the state. 2021 was Steve’s last year to teach forages (via zoom). He’s working on the Inland Pasture Calendar. Wants to hold a retiree panel at the Western Alfalfa & Forage Conference. He has a teff starch NIRS project. Canola – winter or spring dual-purpose silage and inter-cropping. He works on switchgrass as a biofuel crop in the Pacific Northwest and dual-purpose pea-winter canola. Using tall wheatgrass, his biomass project can produce 10-12 tons of dry matter. This is tall wheatgrass grown with drip irrigation. Can have problems with lodging when it gets 2 meters tall. It is the only C3 species recognized as a biofuel crop. Need to harvest to a stubble height of 8 inches; if it’s cut at a stubble height of 4 inches it will not persist. With tall wheatgrass, 2 cuttings, all the seedheads are in the first cutting. Switchgrass can get 2 cuttings, July 4 with seedheads and again October 2 with seedheads.

Ray (Ruigun) Qin from Hermiston, Oregon, OSU

Extension Agronomist working on hay production of alfalfa mixtures with grasses. Can add grass to alfalfa to improve the WUE. Grasses may also decrease the alfalfa weevil. He inherited the mixes and intercropping project from Reza. For each sampling, he needs to separate grass, alfalfa, and weeds. He also works on potato black spot, wheat lodging and azuki bean, and he wants to understand potassium dynamics in the soil, specifically the amount of applied potassium that becomes fixed.

Chad Hale from Byron Seeds.

His company’s forage work is in the Midwest; the plot work is done in Indiana, but he lives in Yakima, WA and buys seed in the West. Three years of winterkill (flooding & freezing) in Wisconsin resulted in lots of producers being done with alfalfa and wanting an alternative forage. One alternative that can be planted on Labor Day is spring triticale, tiger oats, Jerry oats and Haymaker barley. They can be harvested in the fall and are gone in the spring.

Other crop mixtures: the “yield mix” is sorghum-sudan, legumes and Italian ryegrass. It provides 2 cuttings of sorghum-sudan, a fall cutting of Italian ryegrass and a spring cutting of Italian ryegrass. Another way to grow more feed is to double-drop triticale after corn, or to grow successive plantings of triticale followed by sorghum followed by oats, giving 14 tons/acre, compared with corn silage that yields 10 tons/acre. He has also tested 60-inch-row corn with peas planted in the spring. The peas were dead by July 4. However, in one year the peas killed the corn.

Comparing alfalfa and red clover, the quality of red clover is greater than that of alfalfa and doesn’t decrease with delayed harvest as it does for alfalfa. Hay-making killed alfalfa in the Midwest (too hard to avoid rain) and poor perenniality killed red clover. In side-by-side comparisons, alfalfa has the greater yield than red clover in year 4, but most producers rotate a field out of alfalfa before that.

Jerome Magnuson, DLF

DLF is the dominant grass seed company in the world. He is excited about novel endophyte tall fescue, which is important in the Transition Zone. Pennington introduced MaxQ 20 years ago. The Alliance for Grassland Renewal is a collaboration of 4 grass seed companies with the Universities of Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. The mission of the Alliance for Grassland Renewal is to reduce or eliminate the negative effects of toxic tall fescue on the livestock forage industry through education and outreach, industry led quality control standards, and incentives, while pursuing new technologies and techniques.

Cher Gillson, Ioka Marketing (PGG Seeds)

Cher has a background in the beer industry and spent 4 years in Istanbul. She got started in the seed industry via a 20-acre experimental hops field that led to her present position at a 5000-acre seed cleaning and domestic and international seed marketing business in Silverton, Oregon. Ioka markets PGG seed to the US and Canada.

Peter Ballerstedt, Barenbrug Seed

Peter talked about red meat and health, and his concern about the quality of protein in human diets and the chronically elevated insulin that results from excessive intake of sugars and starch. He’s available to talk to forages classes. Peter talked about the work of Paul J. Moughan, who distinguishes between the total protein in human diets and the quality of protein in human diets: [e.g., “When protein quality is taken into account, for many countries of the world protein is found to be deficient for the average adult, and different rankings are found for various environmental footprints.”]. Peter also mentioned an event that occurred on 12 July 2021, The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021 (SOFI) that provided a platform for advocates of plant-based human diets. Peter noted that 88% of Americans don’t have optimal metabolic health; only 12% do, as reported in the scientific literature. He also mentioned the work of Dr. Benjamin Bikman at BYU [From the Bikman Lab: The purpose of our lab is twofold. First, we aim to identify the molecular mechanisms that explain the increased risk of disease that accompanies weight gain, with particular emphasis on the etiology of insulin resistance and disrupted mitochondrial function. Second, we hope to reveal novel cellular processes that are responsible for fat development.], and the work of Adegbola Adesogan [e.g., Animal source foods: Sustainability problem or malnutrition and sustainability solution? Perspective matters]. Peter has a podcast, “Meet Your Herdmates”. Peter suggests that a steak a day keeps the doctor away, and wants us to take our MEDS (meat, eggs, dairy, and seafood).

Accomplishments

Montana State Report Presentations: Goosey, H.B. HAY U Web Series: Forage Seeding and Stand Establishment. 18 March 2021. 49 views Goosey, H.B. HAY U Web Series: Crop Management and Pest Control. 25 March 2021. 26 views Goosey, H.B. HAY U Web Series: Forage Harvest and Storage. 1 April 2021. 14 views. Goosey, H.B. Drought, Forages, and Nitrates. 26 April 2021. Sidney, MT. 57 attendees.  Goosey, H.B. Drought, Forages, and Nitrates. 27 April 2021. Miles City, MT. 34 attendees. Goosey, H.B. Drought, Forages, and Nitrates. 28 April 2021. Havre, MT. 15 attendees.  Goosey, H.B. Drought, Forages, and Nitrates. 29 April 2021. Lewistown, MT. 5 attendees.  Goosey, H.B. Drought, Forages, and Nitrates. 6 May 2021. Deerlodge, MT. 9 attendees.  Goosey, H.B. Drought, Forages, and Nitrates. 24 June 2021. Helmville, MT. 14 attendees.  Goosey, H.B. MSU Agriculture/Natural Resource Agent Update. 18 May 2021. Lewistown, MT. 45 attendees Goosey, H.B. Annual Forage Production. MSU NARC Field Day-presentation one. 29 June 2021. Havre, MT. 58 attendees. Goosey, H.B. Annual Forage Production. MSU NARC Field Day-presentation two. 29 June 2021. Havre, MT. 39 attendees. Goosey, H.B. Sainfoin Production in Montana. MSU POST Farm Field Day. 8 July 2021. Bozeman, MT. 53 attendees. Goosey, H.B. Warm Season Annual Forages.  MSU NWARC. 15 July 2021. Bozeman, MT. 65 attendees. Goosey, H.B. Hay Bale Core Sampling. MSU AGSC 342. 2 Sept. 2021. Bozeman, MT. 4 attendees. Oregon State Report Collaborative Efforts: Oregon State University Extension and Research faculty working together through a “Forage and Livestock Systems” Extension (and Research and Teaching) Working Group. The mission of this working group is to increase collaboration on planning and execution of high priority projects and contributing to the many integrated scientific disciplines involved in sustainable forage-livestock systems. The “Oregon Forages” website (https://forages.oregonstate.edu/oregon) is developing and presenting comprehensive content of forage and livestock topics and segments devoted to the interrelationships among soil, water, plant, animal, and human health and the economic and social implications of sustainable agricultural systems. This site simplifies the search for information by county agents and specialists, farmers and ranchers, and agricultural agency personnel and builds stronger linkages among research, outreach, and classroom and eCampus teaching efforts. Progress to date includes developing the organizational outline of 19 topic areas, numerous sub-topics, and content authors. Initial drafts have been completed for many of the sections and a review process is being developed. This review process is necessary for ensuring “scholarly accomplishments” credit for authors. This past year has used funding from the Extension Program Leader to the Forage Work Group to develop nearly-completed drafts for 11 annual forage fact sheets and initial drafts for numerous other species. A uniform template has been developed and extensive content has been developed. Key components of the template include: Description and Uses, Identification, Cultivar Types, Suitability Zones, Suitability Maps (based on quantitative tolerances and GIS gridded data), Seasonal Production Profiles, Phenological Development (Bloom time for legumes), Establishment and Management, Quality and Antiquality, Image Gallery, Resources, Authors, Reviewers, and Funding Support. Internal and external reviews have been solicited, received, and incorporated. The primary challenges remaining for completion of these fact sheets include the Seasonal Production Profiles and Phenological Development graphics based on photo-thermal time. This information has not been developed to date, despite hundreds of years of location-based experimentation.    Research: PI and Project Descriptions Serkan Ates: Evaluation of novel forage species, especially legumes and other forbs, to diversify forage production and extend the grazing season for dairy and sheep grazing systems. David Hannaway: Modeling and mapping of forage species suitability leading to improved species and cultivar selection. Guojie Wang: Evaluation of forage species for increased water use efficiency and seasonal forage production to develop systems that balance agricultural production needs for irrigation water with ecological needs for ecosystems services including wildlife and fish habitat. Ruijun Qin: Evaluating the effect of the intercropping of alfalfa and grass on the hay production, quality, and economy under two water regimes. Field Days: Jefferson County Irrigation Field Day (Focus on pivot and Linear LESA/LEPA/MDI systems and SSDI/VFD pumps). May 11.  50 participants. Crook County Irrigation Field Day (Focus on pivot and linear LESA /LEPA/MDI systems and above ground drip systems /VFD pumps).  May 12.  12 participants. Deschutes County Irrigation Field Day (Focus on pivot and linear LESA /LEPA/MDI systems and VFD pumps). May 13.  25 participants. Harney County Irrigation Workshop and Field Day (Focus on pivot LESA/LEPA/MDI systems and VFD pumps).  Harney County Hay and Forage Association assisted by OSU Extension Service. May 18. 35 participants. Lake County Irrigation Meeting (Focus on North Lake county groundwater wells and water table; and new irrigation technologies). Sponsored by Lake County Hay and Forage Association assisted by OSU Extension Service. May 19. 65 participants. Klamath County Irrigation and Forage Field Day.  (Focus on dryland forages and wheel line sprinkler irrigation.) Sponsored by Klamath County SWCD and OSU Extension Service. (Set up by Ian McGregor)  May 20. 50 participants. All 6 educational events, while set up to extend and extol new irrigation technologies to producers, were also set up so new OSU Extension Irrigation Specialist, Maria Zamora Re, new Extension Soil and Water Quality Specialist, Abigail Tomasek, and new NRCS Irrigation Engineer, Mathew Alongi, could tour and survey the irrigated landscape of these counties. Utah State Report Improving forage and bioenergy crops for better adaptation, resilience, and flexibility (Hatch 2019-2022). Earl Creech. Selection of late-heading orchardgrass to improve yield and nutritive value in grass-alfalfa mixtures; the use of companion seeding oats as an aid to alfalfa establishment; evaluation of management practices to avoid injury from freezing temperatures to glyphosate-resistant alfalfa; evaluation of the performance of dairy cattle breeds on various pasture grasses (tall fescue, orchardgrass, meadow brome, and perennial ryegrass) grown in mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil. Multi-year trials of reduced lignin alfalfa were completed, and new variety trials of alfalfa and timothy were established including a 43-entry alfalfa trial on a saline location. Economic and environmental sustainability of heifer development strategies in pasture-based organic dairy systems (NIFA Grant 2017-51300-26866; 2017-2021 for $999,404). Isom, S. C.; Miller, RH, L.; Young, AL, J..; Peel, MI, .; Waldron, BL, .; Creech, J., EA.; Rood, KE, .; Feuz, DI, M.; Heleba, DE, .; and Thornton-Kurth, KA. Treatments were tall fescue, meadow bromegrass, orchardgrass, and high-carbohydrate perennial ryegrass planted in pastures as monocultures and mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil and rotationally grazed by peri-pubertal Jersey heifers. Factors to be determined include forage production and dry matter intake (BFT mixtures had greater herbage intake than grass monocultures in the order MB+BFT, OG+BFT, OG, MB, PR+BFT, TF+BFT, PR, TF). Heifers grazing grass-BFT mixture pastures had better growth and development compared to heifers grazing grass monocultures. Mixed pastures with BFT may be a sustainable alternative to feeding a TMR for adequate growth of dairy heifers. The economic evaluation has not been completed and one Extension fact sheet has been published and the project has a presence on eOrganic. Employing forage legumes to improve the sustainability of ruminant production (Hatch 2017-2022). Jennifer MacAdam. 1. In a column study of two legumes, a grass and a non-legume forb that was carried out in the greenhouse through 10 harvests, equivalent to approximately three years of field growth, we demonstrated that the two legumes reduced total soil nitrogen concentration while the grass and forb increased total soil nitrogen. This was due to a far greater investment in roots by the grass and the forb. 2. In a study of long-chain fatty acids from four beef diets (two legume pastures, a grass pasture and a feedlot concentrate diet, we demonstrated that the subcutaneous fat of cattle grazing one of the legumes, birdsfoot trefoil, had elevated omega-3 fatty acid concentration relative to cattle on the feedlot diets or the other pasture diets. Grass pastures resulted in the greatest ratio of acetic to propionic acid (A:P), followed by birdsfoot trefoil pastures, with the lowest A:P in cattle fed a feedlot diet. A greater A:P is associated with reduced methane emissions. 3. In a field study of alfalfa and meadow bromegrass, it was demonstrated that alfalfa accumulates between 35 and 45% of dry matter as non-fiber carbohydrate, including 25% of dry matter as pectins, while pectins comprise about 7% of grass dry matter. Management and environmental factors affecting nitrogen cycling and use efficiency in forage-based livestock production systems (Hatch 2019-2024). Rhonda Miller. Treatments were tall fescue, meadow bromegrass, orchardgrass, and high-carbohydrate perennial ryegrass planted in pastures as monocultures and mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil and rotationally grazed by Jersey heifers. The dairy impact of pasture production on nitrogen cycling in response to grazing grass-legume mixtures will be evaluated. Soil samples from 2016-2018 have been analyzed for nitrate, ammonia, and phosphorus. All leachate samples have been analyzed from 2016, 2017 and 2018 for nitrate. Urine samples have been analyzed for urea for all three years. Fecal samples have been run for total nitrogen and total carbon for all three years, but still need to be analyzed for ammonia. Chemical diversity in rangelands and pasturelands: a sustainable tool to enhance livestock production and ecological health while minimizing environmental impacts (Hatch 2017-2022). Juan Villalba. The invasive weed medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski) was managed by grazing and herbicide applications, and intake of and preference for medusahead treated with glyphosate by livestock was evaluated, as well as the influence of the potassium salt present in glyphosate on selection of this grass. Non-treated medusahead was consumed to a greater extent than glyphosate-treated medusahead by lambs (P < 0.05) but in a two-way choice, all lambs tended to consume more medusahead treated at a high rate of glyphosate (P = 0.052). In a study with angus-cross steers of medusahead-infested pastures, medusahead defoliation declined to a greater extent in the glyphosate-treated plots than in the rest of the treatments (P = 0.022). Only small improvements in nutritional composition (reduced fiber contents and increased fiber digestibility) were observed in glyphosate-treated medusahead relative to the control. Both sheep and cattle showed increments in the use of medusahead. A combined herbicide-grazing treatment shows promise as a practical tool to reduce medusahead. In another study, pairs of heifers grazed 7 treatments: monocultures of birdsfoot trefoil, sainfoin and alalfa and all possible 2- and 3-way choices among strips of these legumes during two 15-d periods in 2 consecutive years. Average daily gains of heifers grazing tanniferous legumes (1.05 kg/d) were 40% greater (p b 0.10) than that of heifers grazing alfalfa during the first year. Heifers grazing the 3-way choice had greater intakes and gain than those grazing legume monocultures, suggesting a nutritional synergism among legumes. The average methane emissions for legume monocultures was greater than for 2- and 3-way choices. For heifers grazing sainfoin and birdsfoot trefoil compared with alfalfa, blood urea N was less but fecal N concentrations were. Combining the two tanniferous legumes (sainfoin and birdsfoot trefoil) led to the greatest declines in urinary N and urea-N concentrations, suggesting that different types of tannins in different legumes result in associative effects that enhance N economy. Heifers grazing 3-way choice treatments partitioned less N into urine and retained more N than heifers grazing legume monocultures. Heifers grazing the 3-way choice gained more BW than the average gains observed for animals grazing in all legume monocultures or 2-way choices, suggesting a synergism among pasture species for the treatment with the highest diversity. Spatial segregation of forage species into patches has the potential to enhance animal performance without influencing foraging behavior. The incorporation of a diverse array of chemicals into the diet, like the ingestion of different types and concentrations of condensed tannins or soluble carbohydrates may promote synergisms that benefit animal nutrition and health. Washington State Report Steve Fransen, WSU Prosser: In 2021, Steve started wrapping up his career at WSU as the state Extension specialist and forage researcher. He started in 1983 at WSU Puyallup, transferred to WSU Prosser in 2001 and will conclude his career in 2022. Along the way he has worked with numerous producers, scientists, and faculty regionally, nationally and internationally. They have made the work fun, challenging and a strong desire to learn and share findings with everyone. This reports highlights progress and completion plans for several projects to be completed within the next seven months, plus. To be completed in the next few months is our Inland Pasture Calendar, currently about 165 pages and will likely increase by 5% when finished. Most of the revised chapters are now submitted and the webinar series has been edited and ready for posting. Our WSARE PDP grants ends this December that funded the Calendar project. We have been conducting, on truly marginal lands, at WSU Prosser, a tall wheatgrass cultivar and irrigation study, funded by the Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL). Cultivar treatments were established in 2018 and irrigation treatments in 2019. During the 2018 season, all plots received about the same water under solid set irrigation. Five irrigation treatments were imposed using drip irrigation, e.g., 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% ET all on grass and 25% on bare soil. The study was repeated in 2020 and a manuscript is in progress. My final graduate student thesis focused on teff grass as a low carbohydrate hay crop. Yield and standard forage quality are completed. Out of >1100 NIR scanned samples, about 10% were used to determine starch and simple sugars. Once a new equation is developed for these final analytes, we will re-predict the original teff samples followed by bulletins and manuscripts. About a decade ago, our research focused on a series of studies evaluating winter and spring canola as a forage crop, always dual-purpose, e.g., forage and harvestable seed. We have several bulletins and manuscripts in development highlighting, when grown under irrigation in the PNW, consistent successes in production of silage followed by regrowth and harvested grain crops. We learned timing and harvest stubble heights were essential management factors in successful dual-purpose canola management. Finally, we have several joint projects that need to be completed and published. Each of these projects is forage focused and will add to the base of knowledge so others learn and can adapt in the future. In conclusion, I feel very blessed working at WSU, for my WSU Extension and animal science colleagues. For all those forage agronomists in the PNW region, we have had some wonderful projects and experiences, all which produced memories that will last a lifetime. To other forage and animal scientists nationally and internationally, I’m truly grateful for shared experiences and progresses. To my USDA-ARS and NRCS colleagues, it has been rewarding to work with you and conduct / explore new avenues of forages that few ever thought possible. It has been humbling and fun!!

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles Bateman, T. M., Villalba, J., Ramsey, R., and Sant, E. D. (2020). A multi-scale approach to predict the fractional cover of medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae). Rangeland Ecology and Management, 73, 538-546. Cicek, Harun, Serkan Ates, Gazi Ozcan, Mehmet Tezel, Jennifer G. Kling, Mounir Louhaichi and Gurhan Keles. 2020. Effect of nurse crop and seeding rate on the persistence, productivity and nutritive value of sainfoin in a cereal-based production system. Grass and Forage Science 75: 86-95. Clemensen, A. K., Villalba, J., Rottinghaus, G. E., Lee, S. T., Provenza, F. D., and Reeve, J. (2020). Do plant secondary metabolite-containing forages influence soil processes in pasture systems? Agronomy Journal, 112, 3744-3757. Costes-Thire, M., Laurent, P., Ginane, C., and Villalba, J. (2019). Diet selection and trade-offs between condensed tannins and nutrients in parasitized sheep. Veterinary Parasitology, 271, 14-21. Distel, R. A., Arroquy, J. I., Lagrange, S., and Villalba, J. (2020). Designing diverse agricultural pastures for improving ruminant production systems. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 4. Gaudin, E., Costes-Thire, M., Villalba, J., Hoste, H., Gerfault, V., and Ginane, C. (2019). Relative abilities of young sheep and goats to self-medicate with tannin-rich sainfoin when infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Animal, 13, 1498-1507. Gultekin, Yunus, Shelby Filley, Mary Smallman, David Hannaway, Serkan Ates. 2020. Pasture production, persistence of legumes and lamb growth in summer-dry hill pastures.  Grass and Forage Science. Article ID: GFS12497. DOI 10.1111/gfs.12497. Lagrange, S., Beauchemin, K. A., MacAdam, J. W., and Villalba, J. (2020). Grazing diverse combinations of tanniferous and non-tanniferous legumes: Implications for beef cattle performance and environmental impact. Science of the Total Environment, 746, 140788. Lagrange, S., and Villalba, J. (2019). Tannin-containing legumes and forage diversity influence foraging behavior, diet digestibility, and nitrogen excretion by lambs. Journal of Animal Science, 97, 3994-4009. Lagrange, S., Lobon, S., and Villalba, J. (2019). Gas production kinetics and in vitro degradability of tannin-containing legumes, alfalfa and their mixtures. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 253, 56-64. Lin, S., Medina, C., Boge, B., Hu, J., Fransen, S., Norberg, S., Yu, L. 2020. Identification of genetic loci associated with forage quality in response to water deficit in autotetraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Biomed Central (BMC) Plant Biology. 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-020-02520-2. Lin, S., C.A. Medina, S. Norberg, D. Combs, G.J. Wang, G. Shewmaker, S. Fransen, D. Llewellyn & L.X. Yu. 2021. Genome-wide association studies identifying multiple loci associated with alfalfa forage quality. Frontiers in Plant Science/Plant Breeding 12: 648192. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2021.648192. Lira, R., MacAdam, J. W., Sales, F., and Villalba, J. (2020). Supplementation strategies to enhance intake of romerillo (Chiliotrichum diffusum) by sheep in southern Patagonia. Small Ruminant Research, 192. Lira, R., MacAdam, J. W., Sales, F., and Villalba, J. (2020). Supplemental levels of protein and energy influence ingestion of Romerillo (Chiliotrichum diffusum) by sheep in southern Patagonia. Small Ruminant Research, 191 MacAdam, J. W. (2019). The value of condensed tannins in forages: overview of the symposium. Crop Science 59: 858-860. Mata-Padrino, D.J., D.P. Belesky, C.D. Crawford, B. Walsh, MacAdam, J. W., and S.A. Bowdridge (2019). Effects of grazing birdsfoot trefoil-enriched pasture on managing Haemonchus contortus infection in Suffolk crossbred lambs. Journal of Animal Science 97: 172-183. Norberg, O.S., D. Llewellyn, S. Fransen, S. Kesoju. 2021. Intercropping irrigated corn with two soybean maturity groups at different planting rates for forage. Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management. 2021;e20074. https://doi.org/10.1002/cft2.20074. Pedernera, M., Mereu, A., Cromer, E., and Villalba, J. (2020). Preference for inorganic sources of calcium and phosphorus by sheep as a function of need. Animal Science Journal, 91, e13460. Pound, C., Yost, M., Creech, J. E., Cardon, G., Gale, J. A., Heaton, K., Price, S., Kitchen, B. M., Wilde, T., and Pace, M. (2020). Nitrogen fertilizer needs of first-year small grain forages following alfalfa. Agronomy Journal 113, 2006-2017. Qin, Ruijun, C. Noulas, D. Wysocki, X. Liang, G. Wang and S. Lukas. 2020. Application of plant growth regulators on soft white winter wheat under different nitrogen fertilizer scenarios in irrigated fields. MDPI-Agriculture. DOI: 10.3390/agriculture10070305. Shawver, C.J., J.A. Ippolito, J.E. Brummer, J.K. Ahola, and R.D. Rhoades. 2021. Soil health changes following transition from an annual cropping to perennial management-intensive grazing agroecosystem. Agrosyst. Geosci. Environ. 4:e20181. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20181">https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20181</a>. Silva, J. A., Poli, C. H., Tontini, J. F., Irigoyen, L. R., Modesto, E. C., and Villalba, J. (2020). Ingestive behavior of young lambs on contrasting tropical grass sward heights. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 643. Smith, R.W., M. Webb, D. Kidd and D.B. Hannaway. 2020. Mapping pasture species suitability using fine scale soils and climate data. Crop & Pasture Sci. 70 (12): 1175-1183. https://doi.org/10.1071/. Spackman, C. N., Monaco, T. A., Stonecipher, C. A., and Villalba, J. (2020). Plant silicon as a factor in medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) invasion. Invasive Plant Science and Management, 13, 143-154. Stewart, E. K., Beauchemin, K. A., Dai, X., MacAdam, J. W., Christensen, R., and Villalba, J. (2019). Effect of tannin-containing hays on enteric methane emissions and nitrogen partitioning in beef cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 97, 3286-3299. Stonecipher, C.A., Thacker, E., Welch, K.D., Ralphs, M.H., and Monaco, T.A. 2019. Long-term persistence of cool-season grasses planted to suppress broom snakeweed, downy brome, and weedy forbs. Rangeland Ecology and Management. 72:266-274. Tan, Shuhao, Weizhu Dai, Ruxin Zhang, and David B. Hannaway. 2020. Multi-household Grassland Management Pattern Promotes Ecological Efficiency of Livestock Production. Ecological Economics: 171. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106618">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106618</a> Villalba, J., Beauchemin, K. A., Gregorini, P., and MacAdam, J. W. (2019). Pasture chemoscapes and their ecological services. Translational Animal Science, 3, 829-841. Villalba, J., and Manteca, X. (2019). A case for eustress in grazing animals. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6, 303. Villalba, J., Spackman, C., and Lobon, S. (2019). The interplay between exposure and preference for unpalatable foods by lambs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 212, 44-51. Waldron, B., Bingham, T., Creech, J. E., Peel, M., Miller, R. L., Jensen, K., Zobell, D., Eun, J.-S., Heaton, K., and Snyder, D. L. (2020). Binary mixtures of alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil with tall fescue: herbage traits associated with the improved growth performance of beef steers. Grassland Science, 66, 74-87. Waldron, B., Sagers, J., Peel, M., Rigby, C., Bugbee, B. G., and Creech, J. E. (2020). Salinity reduces the forage quality of forage kochia: a halophytic Chenopodiaceae shrub. Rangeland Ecology and Management, 73, 384-393. Wang, G.J., G. Bobe, S.J. Filley, G.J. Pirelli, M.G. Bohle, T.Z. Davis, G.L. Banuelos & J.A. Hall. 2021. Effects of springtime sodium selenate foliar application and NPKS fertilization on selenium concentrations and selenium species in forages across Oregon. Animal Feed Science and Technology 276: 114944. Wang, M., R. Gao, M. Franco, D.B. Hannaway, W. Ke, Z. Ding, Z. Yu, X. Guo. 2021. Effect of Mixing Alfalfa with Whole-Plant Corn in Different Proportions on Fermentation Characteristics and Bacterial Community of Silage. Agriculture 11: 174-185. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11020174">https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11020174</a> Wilson, R.L., Bionaz, M., MacAdam, J. W., Beauchemin, K.A., Naumann, H.D., and Ates, S. (2020). Milk production, nitrogen utilization, and methane emission of dairy cows grazing grass, forb, and legume-based pastures. Journal of Animal Science 98 skaa220. Wilson, Randi L., Massimo Bionaz, Jennifer W. MacAdam, Karen A. Beauchemin, Harley D. Naumann, and Serkan Ates. 2020. Milk production, nitrogen utilization, and methane emission of dairy cows grazing grass, forb, and legume-based pastures. Journal of Animal Science. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa220">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa220</a> Yang, Yungui, Yanyan Lin, Lu Zhao, Xuemei Yang, Ting Guo, and David B. Hannaway. 2021. Influence of ensiling additives on silage quality of several oat cultivars. International Journal of Science 8(2): 23-31. <a href="http://www.ijscience.org/download/IJS-8-2-23-31.pdf">http://www.ijscience.org/download/IJS-8-2-23-31.pdf</a> Zhang, Ruxin, ShuhaoTan, David Hannaway, and Weizhu Dai. 2020. Multi-household grassland management pattern promotes ecological efficiency of livestock production. Ecological Economics 171 106618. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106618">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106618</a>. Zhang, Y., MacAdam, J. W., Villalba, J., and Dai, X. (2020). Nutritive value and plant secondary compounds influence forage in vitro digestibility. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 101:334-340. Zhu, Yajuan and Guojie Wang. 2020. Rainwater use process of Caragana intermedia in semi-arid zone, Tibetan Plateau. Frontiers in Earth Science-Hydrosphere. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.00231">https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.00231</a>. Extension Publications Bohle, M. (2021) On-Farm Nitrogen Rates Effect on ‘Hoody’ Winter Barley Yield, Quality, Nutrient Concentration and Uptake at Lone Pine, Oregon in 1994.  Central Oregon Ag Research and Extension Center 2020 Report.  Oregon State University Pages: 47-53. <a href="https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/assets/coarec_annual_report_2020_final.pdf">https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/assets/coarec_annual_report_2020_final.pdf</a> Brummer, Fara, Serkan Ates, David B. Hannaway, 2021. Birdsfoot Trefoil in Irrigated Pastures: Northern Great Basin Pasture Systems Can Benefit From Legume Interseeding. Oregon State Univ. Extension Ser. EM 9319. <a href="https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9319">https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9319</a> Creech, J. E., Yost, M., Cardon, G., Ransom, C., and Clark, J. (2020). Considerations for crop rotation from alfalfa to corn. USU Extension. Dreves, A., N. Kaur, M. Bohle, D. Hannaway, G. Fisher, and S. Rondon. 2020. Insect and Mite Pests of PNW Pastures. <a href="https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/pnw750.pdf">https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/pnw750.pdf</a> Fery, Melissa, David Hannaway, David Chaney, Maud Powell, and Garry Stephenson. 2020. Introduction to Pasture & Grazing Management. Oregon State University Extension Service Circular. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/em9302.pdf Hannaway, and Forage-Livestock Systems Working Group. 2021. Oregon Forages. Web segment within Forage Information System. https:/forages.oregonstate.edu/Oregon Johnson, S., Brummer, J. E., Obour, A., Moore, A. C., Holman, J., Schipanski, M. E. (2020). Cover Crops Grown Post-Wheat for Forage Under Dryland Conditions in the High Plains (MF3523 ed.). Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Extension. Norberg, O.S., C. Tanner, M. Bohle, S. Fransen. 2021. Soil nutrient management and importance for Inland PNW perennial forage/pastures systems. Chapter in East-side Pasture Management Calendar. Norberg, O.S., D. Llewellyn, S. Fransen, S. Kesoju. 2021. Increasing Value of Corn Silage in Corn-Triticale System by Intercropping with Forage Soybean. WSU Extension Publications. Shawver, C. J., Brummer, J. E., Ippolito, J., Ahola, J. K., Rhoades, R. D. (2020). Management-intensive Grazing (MiG) on Irrigated Pasture (1.635st ed.). Fort Collins, CO: CSU Extension. Shawver, C. J., Brummer, J. E., Ippolito, J., Ahola, J. K., Rhoades, R. D. (2020). Management-intensive Grazing (MiG) and Soil Health (0.570th ed.). Fort Collins, CO: CSU Extension. Shawver, C. J., Brummer, J. E., Ippolito, J., Ahola, J. K., Rhoades, R. D. (2020). Managing Cattle Impacts When Grazing on Wet Soils (1.634st ed.). Fort Collins, CO: CSU Extension. Yost, M., Allen, L., Creech, J. E., Putnam, D. H., Gale, J. A., and Shewmaker, G. (2020). Ten reasons why alfalfa is highly suitable for the West. USU Extension. Yost, M., Cardon, G., Allen, L., Sorenson, B., Egbert, K., Creech, J. E., Ransom, C., and Ramirez, R. (2020). Chemigation guide. USU Extension Yost, M., Powell, C., Creech, J. E., Cardon, G., Gale, J. A., Pace, M., Kitchen, B. M., Price, S., Heaton, K., Nelson, R. M., Wilde, T., and Russell, K. (2020). Nitrogen Fertilizer Guide for First-Year Small Grains Following Alfalfa. USU Extension Book Chapters Allen, L., and MacAdam, J. W. (2020). Irrigation and water management. pp. 497-513 In M. Collins, C.J. Nelson, K.J. Moore, and D. Redfearn (ed.) Forages, Vol. II: The Science of Grassland Agriculture, 7th Ed., Wiley Blackwell, Hoboken, NJ. MacAdam, J. W., and Nelson, C.J. (2020). Plant-water relations in forage crops. pp. 113-126 In M. Collins, C.J. Nelson, K.J. Moore, and D. Redfearn (ed.) Forages, Vol. II: The Science of Grassland Agriculture, 7th Ed., Wiley Blackwell, Hoboken, NJ. Parajuli, A., L. Yu, M. Peel, D. See, S. Wagner, S. Norberg, Z. Zhang. Chapter 15: Self-Incompatibility, Inbreeding Depression, and Potential to Develop Inbred Lines in Alfalfa: A Review. In The Alfalfa Genome. Springer Nature L. Yu and C. Kole editors. Proceedings and Abstracts Creech, J. E., Loveland, C., Yost, M., Ransom, C., and Putnam, D. (2020). How to avoid glyphosate injury in glyphosate-resistant alfalfa. (vol. 73, pp. 72). Proceedings of the Western Society of Weed Science. Lin, S., C.A. Medina, S. Norberg, D. Combs, G. Wang, G. Shewmaker, S. Fransen, D. Llewellyn, Long-Xi Yu. 2020. Genome-Wide Association Studies Identifying Multiple Loci Associated with Alfalfa Forage Quality. Virtual 2020 American Society of Agronomy. Harrison, J. H., K. Fullerton, L. Whitefield, E. Mackey, K. Bowers, S. Norberg. 2020. Economics of Capture of Phosphorus from Liquid Dairy Manure (Abstract #81629). 2020 American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. Norberg, O.S., L. Yu, D.K. Combs, G.E. Shewmaker, G.J. Wang, D. A. Llewellyn, S.C. Fransen and E. van Santen. 2020. Genetic Range in Forage Quality Constituents and Their Value to Forage Quality. Virtual 2020 American Society of Agronomy Annual Meeting. Norberg, S., E. Mackey, S. Fransen, J. Harrison, J. H., D. Llewellyn, L. Whitefield. 2020.  Refining Practical Phosphorus and Potassium Tissue Test Recommendations and Utilizing Struvite in Modern Alfalfa Systems. Virtual 2020 American Society of Agronomy Annual Meeting. Norberg, S., E. Mackey, S. Fransen, J. Harrison, J. H., D. Llewellyn, L. Whitefield. 2020.  Developing Practical Phosphorus and Potassium Tissue Tests Recommendations and Utilizing Struvite In Modern Alfalfa Systems. Virtual National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting. Norberg, O.S., L. Yu, D.K. Combs, G.E. Shewmaker, G.J. Wang, D. A. Llewellyn, S.C. Fransen and E. van Santen. 2020. Quantifying the Potential increase in Alfalfa Value and Identifying Molecular Markers That Influence Quality. Virtual National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting. Norberg, S., E. Mackey, S. Fransen, J. Harrison, J. H., D. Llewellyn, L. Whitefield. 2020. Phosphorus and Potassium: How Low Can You Go In Alfalfa? 2021 Virtual Western Nutrient Management Conference. Shawver, C. J., Brummer, J. E., Ippolito, J. A., Ahola, J. K., Rhoades, R. D. (2019). Short-term Effects of Management-intensive Grazing on Soil Health. Davis, CA: Proceedings, 2019 Western Alfalfa and Forage Symposium, Cooperative Extension, Plant Sciences Department, University of California. Conference Papers and Presentations Burgos-González, C., Villalba, J., Vázquez, R., and Pedernera, M., 2020. Free-choice diet selection by sheep during peripartum. American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) - Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS), Virtual Meeting. (July 19, 2020 - July 23, 2020) Clemensen, A., Villalba, J., Rottinghaus, G., Lee, S. T., and Provenza, F. D., 2020. Do plant secondary metabolite-containing forages influence soil dynamics in pasture systems?, Society for Range Management, Denver, CO. (February 16, 2020 - February 20, 2020) Getz, M., and Creech, J. E. (2020). Targeting late flowering time and forage quality association study within a segregating orchardgrass population. Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting. Lagrange, S. P., MacAdam, J. W., and Villalba, J., 2020. Grazing diverse combination of tanniferous and non-tanniferous legumes: implications for foraging behavior, performance and hair cortisol in beef cattle, American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) - Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS), Virtual Meeting. (July 19, 2020 - July 23, 2020) Lira, R., MacAdam, J. W., Sales, F., and Villalba, J. 2020. Supplementation strategies to enhance intake of romerillo (Chiliotrichum diffusum) by sheep in southern Patagonia, Society for Range Management, Denver, CO. (February 16, 2020 - February 20, 2020) MacAdam, J. W. 2019. The elevated carbohydrate concentrations of high altitude-grown perennial legume forages. Crop Science Society of America, San Antonio, Texas. Miller, R. L., Long, J., Waldron, B., Isom, S., Rood, K., Creech, J. E., Peel, M., Briscoe, J., Rose, M., and Hadfield, J. (2020). Impacts of grass-legume mixtures versus monocultures on nitrogen cycling in an organic dairy grazing system. Washington State University: Pacific and Mountain West Nutrient Cycling, Soil Health and Food Safety Virtual Conference. Miller, R. L., Long, J., Waldron, B., Isom, S., Rood, K., Creech, J. E., Peel, M., Briscoe, J., Rose, M., and Hadfield, J. (2020). Improving organic grazing systems. Washington State University: Pacific and Mountain West Nutrient Cycling, Soil Health and Food Safety Virtual Conference. Pedernera, M., Vulliez, A., and Villalba, J., 2020. The influence of prior experience on dietary diversity in sheep, American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) - Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS), Virtual Meeting. (July 19, 2020 - July 23, 2020) Roberts, C., Yost, M., Ransom, C., and Creech, J. E. (2020). The impacts of irrigation, herbicide, and oat companion crop on spring-seed alfalfa. Western Society of Crop Science annual meeting. Spackman, C., Monaco, T., and Villalba, J. 2020. Medusahead silicon, constraining factors of control, and research needs, Society for Range Management, Denver, CO. (February 16, 2020 - February 20, 2020) Spackman, C., Cooper, A., and Villalba, J. 2020. Society for Range Management Annual Meeting,, "Timing of Glyphosate Application to Increase Cattle Consumption of Medusahead," Society for Range Management, Denver, CO. (February 16, 2020 - February 20, 2020) Villalba, J., Pedernera, M., Mereu, A., 2019. Preference for inorganic sources of calcium and phosphorus in sheep, American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) - Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS), Austin, Texas, July 8, 2019 - July 11, 2019. Villalba, J., Pedernera, M., Mereu, A., 2019 Preference for inorganic sources of magnesium and phosphorus in sheep," American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) - Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS), Austin, Texas, July 8, 2019 - July 11, 2019. Volenec, J.J., MacAdam, J. W. 2019. C. Jerry Nelson: A Career with global impact. Crop Science Society of America Theses and Dissertations Bolletta, A. I. (MacAdam, J.W., advisor). 2020. Enhancing the production and sustainability of pasture-fed beef using non-traditional legume forages. Doctoral Dissertation, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Guevara, R.D. (Villalba, J.J., advisor). 2019. Enteric methane and nitrogen emissions in beef cattle grazing a tannin-containing legume relative to feedlot and traditional pasture-based production systems. Master’s Thesis. Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Lagrange, S. P. (Villalba, J.J., advisor). 2020. Influence of forage diversity and condensed tannins on livestock foraging behavior, production and environmental impact. Doctoral Dissertation, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Loveland, C. (Creech, J. E., advisor). 2020. Response of glyphosate-resistant alfalfa to glyphosate application in the Intermountain West. Master’s Thesis. Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Pound, C. (Yost, M., advisor). 2020. Nitrogen fertilizer needs of first-year small grains following alfalfa. Master’s Thesis. Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Rose, M. (Creech, J. E., advisor). 2019. Herbage characteristics affecting intake by dairy heifers grazing grass-monoculture and grass-birdsfoot trefoil pastures. Master’s Thesis. Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Slebodnik, K.A. (Reeve, J.R., advisor). 2020. Effect of plant-derived tannins on nitrogen and carbon cycling in pasture soils. Master’s Thesis. Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Spackman, C.N. (Villalba, J.J., advisor). 2019. A model explaining medusahead invasion and novel targeted grazing approaches to control. Doctoral Dissertation, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Popular Press MacAdam, J. W., and Yost, M. (2020). Mountain Hay. Progressive Forage, Issue 2, February 1, 2020. Shawver, C. J., Brummer, J. E. (2020). Land Use Change, MiG and Soil Health. Progressive Forage. https://www.progressiveforage.com/forage-types/grasses-and-grazing/land-use-change-mig-and-soil-health.

Impact Statements

Impact of Phosphorus Tissue Testing on Alfalfa in Washington State: Results indicate phosphorus is at an adequate level in tissues of alfalfa at mid-bud when there is 0.36% P or higher in the plant. This is higher than target levels that have been used in the past which would decrease the need for P fertilization and increase the return on alfalfa $135 / acre compared to the old level when alfalfa is priced at $200/ton. If applied to 45,000 acres, this would result in $6 million dollars in savings in WA state alone.

Date of Annual Report: 10/31/2022

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 08/31/2022 - 09/01/2022
Period the Report Covers: 09/01/2021 - 08/31/2022

Participants

Participants: Ates, Serkan – Oregon State Univ.; Hannaway, David – Oregon State Univ.; Brewer, Linda – Oregon State Univ.; Norberg, Steve – Washington State Univ.; Hall, Jerry – Grassland Oregon; Ballerstedt, Peter – Barengrug USA; Cappallezzi, Shannon – DLF-Pickseed; Wirth, Don – Saddlebutte Ag, Inc.; Gillson, Cher – Ioka Turf & Forage Seed; Adeniji, Amanda – Emerald Green Seeds; Maxwell, Tom – Lincoln Univ (New Zealand); Bohle, Mylen – Oregon State Univ.; Jones, Gordon – Oregon State Univ.;Halbleib, Mike – Oregon State Univ.;Nelson, Berit – Oregon State Univ.; Owens, Vance – Oregon State Univ.;McGregor, Ian – Oregon State Univ.; Cruickshank, Jenifer – Oregon State Univ.;Silvernail, Ian – Oregon State Univ.; Smith, Evie – Oregon State Univ.; Brummer, Joe – Colorado State Univ.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Brief summary of minutes of annual meeting: Discussed that the annual report for WERA 1014 is due by October 31 and should be integrated by objective rather than by state. The current project is expiring next year and those in attendance decided to prepare and submit a project renewal by January 15, 2023. The following updates were presented: Vance Owens (USDA-NIFA Program Leader), Joe Brummer (Colorado report), Steve Norberg (Washington report), Woody Lane (grower groups), Peter Ballerstedt (healthy diets), Tom Maxwell (New Zealand), Beret Nelsen (survey), Gordon Jones (pleasure horse problems on dryland pastures), Shelby Filley (international forage trial – herbal leys), Ian McGregor (overseeding annual forages into perennial existing perennial pasture), Shayan Ghajar (review of the first 13 months at OSUES), and Serkan Ates (agrivoltaics).

Minutes Attachment:

WERA 1014 Combined Annual Report 2022.docx

Accomplishments

Accomplishments:  The work of the WERA 1014 Intensive Management of Irrigated Forages for Sustainable Livestock Production in the Western U.S. investigates and disseminates information on producer response to drought and consequent financial stress. Current areas of research and outreach emphasize alternative forages, grass and legume mixtures, the place of annual and perennial forages in a time of increasing drought stress and irrigation cutbacks, and animal preference for and performance on novel or alternative forage species. Progress over the past year toward completion of project objectives includes the following: Objective 1: Conduct an annual review of current research and extension programming in the western region specific to cultivated, irrigated forage systems or as integrated components of rangeland forage-livestock systems, and compile/update a list to be shared among all participants. Participants presented the current research and Extension activities from their state at the annual meeting. These presentations keep all participants informed of regional activities related to production and use of irrigated forages, encourage sharing of ideas and resources, and avoid duplication of efforts. Examples of the project-related activities, outputs, and outcomes are as follows: <ul> <li>Evaluation of novel forage species, legumes and other forbs, to diversify forage production and extend the grazing season for dairy and sheep grazing systems. Previous work in New Zealand, Syria and Jordon has provided significant exposure to other species not used in the arid West of the USA.</li> <li>Evaluation of forage species for increased water use efficiency and seasonal forage production to develop systems that balance agricultural production needs for irrigation water with ecological needs for ecosystems services including wildlife and fish habitat.</li> <li>On-farm Oregon Pasture/Forage Needs Assessment (Sept 2021 – June 2023). The objective of this on-going mixed-methods needs assessment is to assess the current practices, preferred information sources, and research and extension needs of Oregon pasture and forage producers. The secondary objective is to trial best practices in agricultural needs assessments and provide a model for the conduct of needs assessments for other crops, in other regions, and in the future. The project is funded ($14K) by OSU Ag. Extension Program Leader.</li> <li>Oregon State University Extension and Research faculty working together through collaboration with WERA 1014 members, participants in the NCCC31 group and the OSU Forage and Livestock Systems Extension Working Group seek to increase collaboration on planning and execution of high priority projects of sustainable forage-livestock systems. As part of the USDA-NIFA funded Sustainable Agricultural Systems project, the <a href="https://forages.oregonstate.edu/matchforage">MatchForage</a> website is developing comprehensive content of forage and livestock topics and segments devoted to the interrelationships among soil, water, plant, animal, and human health and the economic and social implications of sustainable agricultural systems. Fact sheets for dozens of important forages are under development. This content will be combined in a species selection system to help extension field faculty and specialists, farmers and ranchers, and agricultural agency personnel select species appropriate to local conditions. These resources will also be used in teaching applications for species selection and management.</li> </ul> Objective 2: Based on the above review, identify emerging issues and opportunities related to cultivated, irrigated forages and forage-livestock systems in the western region, prioritize those issues, and work cooperatively to develop regional funding proposals to support research and outreach activities. As an outcome of Objective 1, gaps in the knowledge base are continuously identified and used to direct future research and Extension priorities. WERA 1014 members have a long history of working together in collaborative efforts across the region to develop and submit regional grant proposals, conduct research, and develop joint Extension programming. Examples of collaborative projects: <ul> <li>Evaluation of ecosystems benefits of pastures and role of forages for pollinators</li> <li>Monitoring of GHG emissions from phytochemically diversified pastures</li> <li>Exploring the potential of spent hemp biomass as potential livestock and poultry feed</li> <li>Development of pasture systems for agrivoltaics.</li> </ul> Objective 3: Identify regionally based colleagues and stakeholders working with cultivated, irrigated forages and forage-livestock systems to include in the project, and mentor early-career colleagues. The Annual Meeting provided mentoring for early- and mid-career colleagues. Energetic and productive discussion about experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation followed most of the presentations, with a free exchange of ideas, and offers of further collaborations. Over the years, participants in this group have included industry representatives and field personnel from the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the annual meeting. The perspective of these individuals guides research and Extension activities conducted by this group. We will continue to develop these relationships and include these individuals to our annual meeting. At the 2022 Annual Meeting, nine seed company representatives and eight forage producers were invited and planned to attend. Sudden and extreme weather circumstances prevented many from participating. However, one seed company hosted an evening barbeque on a local research farm. Many interested faculty, industry representatives, and producers who had been unable to attend the weekday meetings attended this evening event. This casual event provided opportunities for networking among the WERA 1014 participants with industry, producer and faculty groups not formally part of the project. Discussion and brainstorming during the 2022 WERA Annual Meeting of forage species and management options to improve the establishment and persistence in the xeric environment of the Rogue Valley in Oregon. Valuable information and ideas were shared to address issues of dryland perennial stand failure associated with climate change-induced drought. Future research ideas generated include use of novel-endophyte tall fescue, adjusted planting time to mitigate annual grass competition, and experimentation with wheatgrasses for dryland pasture. Impacts: The overarching project goal is to achieve environmentally and economically sustainable forage and grassland management. These efforts promise grower benefits including reduced costs, improved productivity, and greater enterprise sustainability. Although project members acknowledge relatively low adoption of intensive management of irrigated forages, this and similar work conducted world-wide demonstrate the following benefits to growers from adoption of these practices: 1) reduced production costs, 2) increased animal output per acre, 3) land use efficiency, 4) reduced fertility inputs, 5) increased carbon sequestration, 6) reduced runoff and wind erosion, and 7) improved quality of life for farmers and ranchers. Examples of specific impacts are as follows: <ul> <li>Alfalfa variety trials are common across WERA 1014 participants. In Washington, an economic analysis of adopting the top three varieties compared to using the average variety in the trial showed an increase of $95 acre-1 year-1, resulting in a measured impact of 8 million dollars a year-1 and a seven-year impact of $19.5 million.</li> <li>A hay quality project funded by NIFA at Washington State Univ. is using markers to decrease the time required for release of a variety from an average of seven years to five years. The shorter timeframe increases profits for each release for those companies. Also, use of the markers can increase the nutrient value of new alfalfa hay varieties by $30 ton-1. The potential financial benefit just from forage quality increase in alfalfa sold to dairies is $477 million year-1 in the US.</li> <li>Research on phosphorus at WSU has produced updated recommendations that can increase alfalfa yields 0.5-ton acre-1 year-1, worth $86 acre-1 year-1 with the potential impact of $17.6 million year-1 in Washington state.</li> <li>In Utah, agronomists and growers have reported widespread adoption of new N fertilizer guidelines that no additional N fertilizer is needed for first year corn grown after alfalfa. If half of Utah’s 84,000 acres of corn is grown in the first year after alfalfa, and if the typical grower has traditionally applied 150-200 lbs N/acre for first-year corn, not applying N fertilizer would result in $3.2 to $4.2 million (at $0.50/lb N) in cost savings to Utah corn growers, annually.</li> </ul>

Publications

Publications: Refereed publications: Anderson, J.D., Ochoa, C.G., Sahin M. and Ates, S. (2022) The effects of self-regenerating annual clovers on plant species composition and heifer performance in an irrigated pasture in western Oregon, USA. Grassland Science doi: 10.1111/grs.12378 Clark, J.D., M.A. Yost, T.C. Griggs, G.E. Cardon, C.V. Ransom, and J.E. Creech. 2021. Nitrogen fertilization and glyphosate-resistant alfalfa termination method effects on first-year silage corn. Agronomy Journal. 113:1712-1723. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20583">https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20583</a> Clark, J.D., M.A. Yost, G.E. Cardon, C.V. Ransom, and J.E. Creech. 2021. Tillage method and glyphosate-resistant alfalfa termination timing affect soil properties and subsequent corn yield. Agronomy Journal. 113:321-334. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20478">https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20478</a> Feng He, Zongyong Tong, David B. Hannaway, Xianglin Li. 2021. Erratic precipitation and clipping frequency reshape the community structure and species stability of Leymus chinensis steppe. Ecological Indicators 133 108432. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.108432">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.108432</a> Goosey, H.B., W. Carr, M. King, C. Jones. 2022. Nitrate Toxicity of Montana Forages.  Montana State University Extension Service MontGuide. MT200205AG. <a href="https://store.msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/MT200205AG.pdf">https://store.msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/MT200205AG.pdf</a> Goosey, H.B., A. Williams, M. Van Emon, and R. Malisani. 2022. Collecting a Forage or Feed Sample for Analysis. Montana State University Extension Service MontGuide. MT201610AG. <a href="https://store.msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/MT201610AG.pdf">https://store.msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/MT201610AG.pdf</a> Gultekin, Yunus, Shelby J. Filley, Mary A. Smallman, David B. Hannaway, Serkan Ates. 2021. Pasture production, persistence of legumes and lamb growth in summer-dry hill pastures. Grass and Forage Science 76 (1): 159-172. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12497">https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12497</a> Hadfield, J., B.L. Waldron, S.C. Isom, R. Feuz, R. Larsen, J.E. Creech, M.F. Rose, J. Long, M.D. Peel, R.L. Miller, K.A. Rood, A. Young, R. Stott, A. Sweat, and K. Thornton. 2021. The effects of organic grass and grass-birdsfoot trefoil pastures on Jersey heifer development: Heifer growth, performance, and economic impact. Journal of Dairy Science. 104:10863-10878. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-19524. Hall, Jean A., Gerd Bobe, Shelby J. Filley, Gene J. Pirelli, Mylen G. Bohle, Guojie Wang, T. Zane Davis, Gary L. Bañuelos (2022). Effects of amount and chemical form of selenium amendments on forage selenium concentrations and species profiles. Biological Trace Element Research. Submitted. Harrison, J.H., S. Norberg, K. Fullerton, L. Morgon, E. Whitefield. 2021. Comparison of Struvite to Mono-ammonium Phosphate for Alfalfa Production at Commercial Alfalfa Farms: A Case Study ISSN 2158-9429 Journal of NACAA Volume 14: Issue 2 – December 2021. <a href="https://www.nacaa.com/file.ashx?id=8b9e96af-4a3d-4cf7-ac5c-4d569e00dad6">https://www.nacaa.com/file.ashx?id=8b9e96af-4a3d-4cf7-ac5c-4d569e00dad6</a> Louhaichi, M., Hassan, S., Gamoun, M., Safi, N., Abdallah, M. A., & Ates, S. (2022). Evaluation of rainwater harvesting and shrub establishment methods for sustainable watershed management in northern Afghanistan. Journal of Mountain Science, 1-14. Mackey, E., J. H. Harrison, H. Tao, S. Norberg, A. Adams‑Progar, E. Whitefeld. 2021.  Effect of Application Season on Release of Available Phosphorus from Soil Receiving Mono‑ammonium Phosphate or Struvite. Water Air Soil Pollution (2021) 232:467 <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11270-021-05396-6">https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11270-021-05396-6</a> Parker, N. B., Bionaz, M., Ford, H. R., Irawan, A., Trevisi, E., & Ates, S. (2022). Assessment of spent hemp biomass as a potential ingredient in ruminant diet: Nutritional quality and effect on performance, meat and carcass quality, and hematological parameters in finishing lambs. Journal of Animal Science. skac263, doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac263 Peter J. Ballerstedt, David B. Hannaway, T. D. Noakes. 2021. Why We Need a Ruminant Revolution: Combating Malnutrition and Metabolic Illnesses to Enable Sustainable Development. XXIV International Grassland Congress / XI International Rangeland Congress. <a href="https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/24/3/19">https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/24/3/19</a> Pound, C.A., M.A. Yost, J. E. Creech, G.E. Cardon, J. Gale, K. Heaton, S. Price, M. Pace, T. Wilde, and B. Kitchen. 2021. Nitrogen fertilizer needs of first-year small grain forages following alfalfa. Agronomy Journal. 113:2006-2017. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20561">https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20561</a> Rose, M.F., B.L. Waldron, S.C. Isom, M.D. Peel, K.J. Thornton, R.L. Miller, K.A. Rood, J.A. Hadfield, J. Long, B. Henderson, and J.E. Creech. 2021. The effects of organic grass and grass-birdsfoot trefoil pastures on Jersey heifer development: Herbage characteristics affecting intake. Journal of Dairy Science. 104:10879-10895. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-19563. Seeno, E., Naumann, H., and Ates, S. (2022). Production and chemical composition of pasture forbs with high bioactive compounds in a low input production system in the Pacific Northwest. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 289, 115324. Wang, G., Bobe, G., Filley, S. J., Pirelli, G. J., Bohle, M. G., Davis, T. Z., Bañuelos, G. L., & Hall, J. A. (2021). Effects of springtime sodium selenate foliar application and NPKS fertilization on selenium concentrations and selenium species in forages across Oregon. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 276(114944), 15. https://doi.org/https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2021.114944 Wang, M., R. Gao, M. Franco, D.B. Hannaway, W. Ke, Z. Ding, Z. Yu, X. Guo. 2021. Effect of Mixing Alfalfa with Whole-Plant Corn in Different Proportions on Fermentation Characteristics and Bacterial Community of Silage. Agriculture 11: 174-185. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11020174">https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11020174</a> Yang, Yungui, Yanyan Lin, Lu Zhao, Xuemei Yang, Ting Guo, and David B. Hannaway. 2021. Influence of ensiling additives on silage quality of several oat cultivars. International Journal of Science 8(2): 23-31. <a href="http://www.ijscience.org/download/IJS-8-2-23-31.pdf">http://www.ijscience.org/download/IJS-8-2-23-31.pdf</a> Yost, M.A., C.A. Pound, J.E. Creech, G.E. Cardon, M.G. Pace, B. Kitchen, M. Nelson, and K. Russell. 2021. Nitrogen requirements of first-year small grains after alfalfa. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 85:1698-1709. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2.20269">https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2.20269</a> Zhensong Li, Feng He, Zongyong Tong, Xianglin Li, Qingchuan Yang, David B. Hannaway. 2022.  Metabolomic changes in crown of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) during de-acclimation. Research Square (Preprint)  <a href="https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1515778/v1">https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1515778/v1</a> Extension Publications Bouska, C., Filley, S., and Jones, G. (2021-2022). Livestock and Forages Newsletter for Western Oregon. Oregon State University Extension Service. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/newsletter/livestock-forages-e-news Brummer, Fara, Serkan Ates, David B. Hannaway, 2021. Birdsfoot Trefoil in Irrigated Pastures: Northern Great Basin Pasture Systems Can Benefit From Legume Interseeding. Oregon State Univ. Extension Ser. EM 9319. <a href="https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9319">https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9319</a> Dreves, A., N. Kaur, M. Bohle, D. Hannaway, G. Fisher, and S. Rondon. 2020. Insect and Mite Pests of PNW Pastures. <a href="https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/pnw750.pdf">https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/pnw750.pdf</a> Fery, Melissa, David Hannaway, David Chaney, Maud Powell, and Garry Stephenson. 2020. Introduction to Pasture & Grazing Management. Oregon State University Extension Service Circular. <a href="https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/em9302.pdf">https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/em9302.pdf</a> Filley, S. (2022). Foxtail Control in Pastures and Hayground. Oregon State University Extension Service. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/crop-production/pastures-forages/foxtail-control-pastures-hayground Fransen, Steve, et.al. “Northwest Inland Pasture Calendar”. WSARE Grant approved in 2019 to be published Fall, 2022. Jones, G., S. Ghajar, S. Duggan, and M. Fery. Understanding Sugar and Nonstructural Carbohydrates (NSC) in Equine Pasture and Hay. OSU Extension Bulletin – In Review. The idea for this bulletin was conceived through discussion with WERA 1014 colleagues, and an early draft of the document was much improved with comments and suggestions from J. Brummer (CSU), and S. Franzen (WSU). Goosey, H.B., M.G. Rolston, and G.D. Johnson (Retired). 2022. Effects of Eprinomectin Residues on Face Fly (Musca autumnalis) Survival in Dung of Cattle (Bos tarus) Vaccinated with Longrange. Arthropod Management Tests. 47(1): 1-2. doi.org/10.1093/amt/tsac071 MacAdam, Jennifer and Mylen Bohle. (August 10, 2022) Altitude Adds Energy Value to Alfalfa Hay.  Hay and Forage Grower (online). https://hayandforage.com/article-4061-altitude-adds-energy-value-to-alfalfa-hay.html    Wanner, K.W., C. Christopher Caron, H.B. Goosey, and E.A. Rodbel. 2022. Efficacy of Select Insecticides to Control Pyrethroid Resistant Alfalfa Weevils, 2021, Arthropod Management Tests. 47(1): 1-2. doi.org/10.1093/amt/tsac062   Yost, M., Holt, J., Austin, J., Creech, J. E., Allen, L., McAvoy, D., Winward, D. (2021). Biochar impacts on crop yield and water use. USU Extension. <a href="https://extension.usu.edu/crops/biochar-factsheet">https://extension.usu.edu/crops/biochar-factsheet</a>   Yost, M., Austin, J., Miller, R. L., Allen, L., Cardon, G., Larsen, R., Creech, J. E. (2021). Manure application through pressurized irrigation systems. USU Extension. <a href="https://extension.usu.edu/crops/research/manure-application-through-pressurized-irrigation-systems">https://extension.usu.edu/crops/research/manure-application-through-pressurized-irrigation-systems</a>   Yost, M., Sullivan, T., Kitchen, B. M., Allen, L., Baker, M., Creech, J. E. (2021). Strategies for deficit irrigation of forage crops. USU Extension. <a href="https://extension.usu.edu/crops/research/strategies-for-deficit-irrigation-of-forage-crops">https://extension.usu.edu/crops/research/strategies-for-deficit-irrigation-of-forage-crops</a>