Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Day 1: Participants were welcomed by the meeting host, Juan Solomon, who introduced Dr. William Payne, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources and Director of the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station. Dr. Payne described the commodities of the greatest importance to the State of Nevada, which are dairy, beef and alfalfa-production (seed, fed hay and compressed alfalfa) and timothy hay for export. He noted the historical importance of alfalfa to the state, and a current need for water-efficient approaches to forage production. Since joining the CABNR at the University of Nevada four years ago, 30 faculty have been hired and 28 positions are currently being filled, including two in irrigation.

David Hannaway recounted the history of the Pacific Northwest Forage Workers. Changes that have affected the group include the fact that Canadian colleagues are no longer funded to attend, colleagues in northern California are no longer active in the group, and no technical training workshops have been organized recently, although WERA-1014 members have successfully competed for WSARE funding to support independent training workshops.

State Reports:

Colorado: Joe Brummer reported on a study of soil health under a 200-acre pivot on a clay-loam soil near Ft. Collins, CO. In the fall of 2016, each quarter of the pivot was planted to a different complex mixture of introduced grasses (3-way and 6-way) or introduced grass-legume mixtures (6- and 10-way). Each quarter pivot was divided into 8 management units with a stock water source, and management-intensive grazing supported a 150 cow-calf pair (1350#) herd for the grazing season (late April to October). Paddock size was adjusted to remove 50% of available forage in each daily move. Initial soil assessment was carried out using the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF). Precipitation resulted in soil pugging, so the study now has a grazing damage component. Other data include pre-grazing dry mass, botanical composition, ground cover, body condition score and calf gain.

Idaho: Glenn Shewmaker reported on a study of foliar-applied products on alfalfa which are being marketed to producers. Reputable products were tested in 2014 on a stand of Roundup-Ready alfalfa established in 2012. Each product was applied at each of four cuttings to 5- x 20-foot plots. Products tested included NutriSyncB (boron), Accomplish (fertilizer catalyst), CPBio, Re-NForce, and LI700 (penetrant acidifier). The study had low CV and there were no significant differences in yield or quality. The study also had vole issues. Glenn concluded that producers should be reminded of the relevance of fertilizer guides that are likely to be of more relevance than more heavily marketed products that do not alter yield or quality.

In a second study, supported by the McGreggor company, a gypsum-based seed coating had a positive effect, but only on the 4^th cutting. The untreated check actually had the best digestibility.

Montana: Emily Glunk-Meccage has carried out studies on cover crops, large round bale outdoor storage, alfalfa weevil, annual forages (e.g., winter wheat and triticale), and an alfalfa variety trial. In alfalfa sulfur research, a 100% increase in yield was seen with the application of 10# of sulfur.

A trial of low-lignin alfalfa was planted in May with a second harvest taken in October of the first year. No improvements were found in the average daily gain of newly-weaned calves fed low-lignin alfalfa hay. Hay was assessed using a 240-h in situ digestion analyzed for total tract neutral detergent fiber digestion (TTNDFD). While dairy cow digestion has demonstrated benefits of low-lignin alfalfa, this was the first beef cow study using TTNDFD. Emily suggested that differences in the growth environment may have influenced beef study results.

Wyoming: Anowar Islam reported on a birdsfoot trefoil study harvested 1, 2 or 3 times (early October, late August or early October, or early June, late August and early October). Other factors were a wheat or wheat stubble companion crop. Weeds in initial stands were reduced by planting into wheat stubble.

Nevada: Steve Foster is located in Lovelock, NV, a 9” precipitation area, and advises beef producers grazing pasture and rangeland; cropland is 100% irrigated. There is a local reservoir fed by the Humbolt River, and Steve described land purchases in the Battle Mountain area related to the control of irrigation water. Irrigation is now metered to document water use.

Steve advocated for the inclusion of Extension agents in applied research led by state Extension specialists. Steve described studies on corn rootworm in corn-soybean rotations with Bt and potassium fertilization treatments; on outcome-based grazing including a cheatgrass grazing study carried out with the BLM; a Russian knapweed control study; and suggested the use of alfalfa producer “walks” similar to pasture walks where a team of experts meet in the field with a group of producers to discuss a range of issues. Steve advocated remembering that the citizens of the state are our employers.

Alfalfa Variety Trial Discussion: There was a general discussion of the cost of carrying out a multiple-site, multiple-year variety trial, with $1500 suggested as the actual per-cultivar cost. Private companies are reluctant to pay the cost of the trials, but producers need these data, along with information on fall dormancy, disease resistances, and the other characteristics that are provided by NAFA. Glenn is the Crop Science Society of America board rep., and will introduce this issue at the next CSSA board meeting.

Panel Discussion (Teaching): David Hannaway led a discussion of a common forage curriculum that includes core competencies; he has solicited curricula from forage course instructors as a first step. Juan suggested focusing on pedagogical approaches that would increase student interest in grasslands. Steve noted that students process new information in the context of what they know coming into the class.

Potential Grant Proposal: Anowar shared information on coordinated agricultural projects (CAP) requests for proposals related to grasslands expected in 2018, suggesting collaborative proposals among WERA-1014 members. A number of relevant topics and current collaborations were discussed, including projects to reduce nitrogen losses and increase water use efficiency.

Additional Discussion: Juan requested advice for rookie forage scientists which led to a discussion of dossier development, program focus vs. a diverse research portfolio, documentation of program impacts, and the development of a narrative that demonstrates the establishment of a solid career trajectory.

Day 2:

Nevada (continued): Juan introduced his colleague Mozart Fonseca, a ruminant nutritionist studying the mathematical modeling of the rumen. Mozart is a 5^th-generation beef producer who came to the US from Brazil for graduate study. His rumen feed degradation model sums rates of feed degradation and passage, supported by measured data for pools of volatile fatty acids and amino acids, with the goal of synchronizing energy and protein availability. Mozart also studies the tradeoffs related to water intake on rangeland. Outflow from the rumen is described via particle and liquid flow. He described his in vitro rumen fermentation and continuous culture studies, and the improvements in instrumentation he has made in his lab.

Juan Solomon discussed his program at UNR on irrigated improved pastures. While he does not have an Extension appointment, his research is applied and supportive of livestock producers. He is studying alfalfa cultivar differences, tall fescue responses to forms of nitrogen fertilizer, orchardgrass cultivar morphological and nutritive value responses to grazing frequencies, greenhouse gas emissions of two-way grass-legume mixtures as well as the same forages in monoculture, and average daily gain on grass-legume mixtures. Juan is also studying mixtures and monocultures of legumes, the dry matter production and botanical composition of mixtures of a soft-leafed tall fescue with different legumes, different cultivars of teff, and he is evaluating deficit irrigation of sorghum.

Oregon: David Hannaway reported on his efforts to model seasonal and annual yield of forages, particularly with respect to dormancy. Dave will be visiting Lincoln University in New Zealand to work with a data set containing 8 years of plant shoot and root dry matter for the development of a crop simulation model. The goal is to predict adaptation for specific sites.

Mylen Bohle described work on liming rates in the range of 0 to 8,000 lbs. per acre. The land was limed in 2014, either tilled or not tilled, and planted to a number of different introduced temperate grasses. In 2015 and 2016, the second harvest was evaluated for soil pH, dry matter, yield and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) via GreenSeeker. Soil pH increased from 0-2 inches in untilled and 2-4 inches in tilled plots.

Utah: Earl Creech reported on a study of four grasses in mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil that were grazed by Jersey heifers. The cattle grazed birdsfoot trefoil in preference to tall fescue, but eventually did graze the tall fescue. Earl also carried out a Roundup Ready alfalfa trial included both Hi-Gest (non RR and non GMO) and HarvXtra.

Jennifer MacAdam reported on the results of an in vitro hay fermentation study that demonstrated differences among temperate legumes in rate and final gas volume of digestion.

Washington: Steve Norberg is collaborating with Earl on a study of soybeans for hay and silage. Dry bean producers are concerned that soybeans will be a source of diseases and pests. In soybeans, the seed corn maggot can be a problem; Cruiser (labeled for forages) is effective. Forage quality was higher in Logan than in Washington; the study demonstrated a yield of 8 tons/acre by September. Cows preferred the soybean hay to timothy hay.

Steve also reported on a NIFA alfalfa grant to determine genetic factors that influence forage quality in alfalfa hay, employing Dave Combs’ TTNDFD method, and a NAFA grant to study Struvite, a slow-release phosphorus fertilizer, in alfalfa. Tissue-testing will be used to determine the phosphorus and potassium in alfalfa hay.

Barenbrug: Bryan Weech is the West Coast forage manager at Barenbrug, and discussed an ongoing demonstration of Barenbrug tall fescue on 1500 acres at the Winecup Gamble Ranch in northeast Nevada. Barenbrug is currently developing portfolios for dryland systems (8-12 inch and 12-20-inch precipitation zones) with the USDA ARS in Logan, and is looking for legumes to add to the mix. The goal is to develop a cost-effective 300-day beef grazing system that retains quality in the fall.

The membership of WERA-1014 comprises Cooperative Extension and applied research professionals engaged in studies and extension of sustainable approaches to forage-livestock management.

Objective 1: Proposal development, coordination, and publication of innovative research in economically and environmentally sustainable forage-livestock management for the western U.S.

Accomplishments from the past year relevant to Obj. 1 of WERA-1014 include joint research on soybean hay carried out by members from Washington and Utah, and a study of the value of low-lignin alfalfa hay for beef cattle carried out by the member from Montana.

In an orchardgrass clipping study in Oregon, first-year results indicate lower clipping heights result in higher yield; this is contrary to current recommendations. Second year data will give initial indication of persistence impact. International collaboration by the member from Oregon led to new ideas related to sheep grazing of alfalfa: the potential to start grazing earlier to improve forage quality while maintaining stand persistence through end-of-season management. In Oregon, clipping height impact on orchardgrass and tall fescue (simulated MiG) was observed. In an evaluation of three clipping heights (1-, 2-, and 4-inch) for yield, monthly clippings (7 harvests annually) were carried out. Funding source: ARF grant ($12,500).  Cooperators: Scott Duggan, Mylen Bohle, and Clare Sullivan. In a study of selenium fertilization of orchardgrass hay, the interaction of S and Se fertilization was evaluated. Funding source: ARF grant ($12,500).  Cooperators: Guojie Wang, Jean Hall, Gene Pirelli, Shelby Filley, Serkan Ates, Mylen Bohle, Tracy Wilson, Scott Duggan, Clare Sullivan. A tilled and non-tilled lime application on mixed grass species hay will demonstrate long-term (5 year) effects of several lime rates and application methods on soil pH and hay yield. Funding source: Oregon Hay & Forage Association ($3,000). Cooperators; Mylen Bohle and Tracy Wilson. A study of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization of orchardgrass will be used to evaluate several rates of N and P fertilization on orchardgrass yield, quality, and nutrient concentration. Funding source: Oregon Hay & Forage Association ($3,000). Cooperators: Mylen Bohle, Tracy Wilson, Scott Duggan, and Clare Sullivan. In a forage species and cultivar evaluation in Oregon, research has been initiated to evaluate water-use efficiency, seasonal production profiles, and quality of 20 annual and 20 perennial species for use in grazing and hay systems. Funding source: New faculty start-up funds and Collaborative Project AES Hatch project ($36,000 over 3 years). Cooperators: Guojie Wang, David Hannaway. An Oregon study of crop simulation modeling will be carried out in collaboration with international colleagues, strengthened for developing an alfalfa model using the APSIM-X modeling framework. Multiple experiment datasets over the past 8 years will be used to develop and validate the model. Funding source: Lincoln University, New Zealand (PhD student teaching assistantship). Cooperators: Derrick Moot, Xiumei Yang, David Hannaway.

In Wyoming, forages are very important crop commodities and the mainstay of livestock production. Alfalfa is an important forage crop in the US and produces quality forage and is 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 a current 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 at 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 provide the best grass-legume mixture ratio recommendation for the profitability of Wyoming producers.

Demand for new and suitable plant materials is a long-term issue, and is of increasing importance in the Intermountain West. The objective of a Wyoming 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 2009-2017 differ among species and lines. Long-term data collection will help in the selection and development of superior and well-adapted cultivars.

A guest speaker from Nevada described the mathematical modeling of rumen function. The member from Wyoming described an upcoming USDA NIFA AFRI Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP) grant opportunity; further discussion will depend upon the wording of the published request for proposals. Wyoming determined that the weather in 2017 was comparatively dry compared to 2016, allowing a comparison of growth and yield performance of accessions/lines of two consecutive different years.

Grants:

Agricultural Research Foundation, Oregon State University. PI: Serkan Ates; Cooperators: David Hannaway, Mary Smallman, Claudia Ingham, Shelby Filley, Gene Pirelli, and Jerry Hall. 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. $12,500

BAIR Ranch Foundation, 2017. Do different methods of outdoor round bale hay storage impact dry matter and forage quality losses in Montana? Glunk Principle Investigator. $31,240.

Brummer, J.E. (PI), Rhoades, R.D., Ippolito, J., Ahola, J.K. 2016. A Long-term Integrated Evaluation of the ARDEC Irrigated Forage System. Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station, Colorado State University, $89,933.

Brummer, J. E. (PI). 2016. The Silent Decline in Soil Potassium Levels and its Effect on Alfalfa Productivity in the Central and Western US. Subcontract with University of Wyoming (USDA-NIFA Grant), $63,928.

Cabot, P.E. (PI), Brummer, J.E. 2017. Measuring Consumptive Use for Alfalfa and Grass Hayfields Using Reflectance-Based Methods at Ground Surface. Colorado River Water Conservation District, $29514.

Little Shell Enterprises, Inc., 2017. Van Emon, M. (Principal), Endecott, R. (Co-Principal), Glunk, E. (Co-Principal), Evaluating hay feeding methods on heifer performance, hay waste, and economics. $7,865.00

Schipanski, M.E. (PI), Brummer, J.E., Ward, S.M., Fonte, S.J., Seshadri, A., Dalsted, N.L. 2015. Demonstrating the Potential of Cover Crop and Forage Mixtures to Improve Soil Quality, Productivity, and Profitability in Water-Limited Regions. USDA-NRCS, $995,451.

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. Integrating little hammers: Using crop variety, crop diversification, cover crops, and targeted grazing to chip away at multiple herbicide resistant weeds. Grant# MONW-2017-04712, $199,997, 01/09/2017 to 31/08/2020. T. Seipel, PI; A.N. Bekkerman, P.A. Carr, T.H. Murphy, E.R. Burns, F.A. Menalled, Co-PIs.

USDA NIFA AFRI Plant Breeding for Agricultural Production Program. Increasing legume grazing for higher beef gain on pastures: An improved high-tannin birdsfoot trefoil cultivar with trans-regional potential. Grant# 2013-67013-21408. $402,500. 9/17/13-9/16/18. van Santen, PI; MacAdam, Cassida, Shewmaker, Kallenbach, Griggs, Goff & Johnson, Co-PIs.

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.

WSARE, 2017. The impact of integrating livestock into cropping systems on soil health and crop production. Glunk Collaborator. $72,571.

WSARE, 2017. D. Ragen (PI). The impacts of integrating livestock into cropping systems on soil health and crop production. Glunk Collaborator. $249,882.08.

New Equipment and Facilities

Colorado - Completed infrastructure installation (seeding, fencing, and water) on a 200 acre irrigated pivot that will be used to study changes in soil health, species composition, forage yield, and nutrient content over time in relationship to four forage mixtures managed under intensive rotational grazing. Total animal unit days of grazing will also be measured as a means of quantifying the most productive mixture. Initial growth was taken as a hay crop while grazing of the regrowth commenced in mid-August and ran through mid-October in 2017.

Utah - Picarro 2201-I for Picarro CO₂ analyzer to measure concentrations of ¹³C in both CO₂ and CH₄. Shimadzu 2700 UV/VIS spectrophotometer to measure optically dense samples

Wyoming - Installed Moisture Neutron Probe for determining moisture levels in different experimental plots.

Objective 2: Coordination and publication of Extension media to support the adoption of improved forage-livestock management practices, including workshops for producers, lenders and outreach personnel.

Accomplishments from the past year relevant to Obj. 2 of WERA-1014 include a study of the efficacy of foliar-applied nutrients on Roundup Ready alfalfa carried out by the member from Idaho, a study of beef production using management-intensive grazing of complex forage mixtures under a pivot, evaluated using the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) carried out by the member from Colorado, and a study of the value of sulfur fertilization for alfalfa carried out by the member from Montana.

Outreach in Oregon is largely collaborative in nature, within and among campus-based units, field-based extension and research professionals, agribusiness, and stakeholder organizations. The Forage-Livestock Systems Working Group, comprising Oregon and NW region extension and research faculty, met to report progress and plan future collaboration. The Forage Management Course (Animal & Range Science; ARS599) was developed and presented to farmers and ranchers, livestock unit managers, and graduate students by A&RS and Crop & Soil Science Department faculty. A Core Competencies discussion was begun with project collaborators to develop grassland sciences core competencies, with the goal of creating instructional modules and assessment tools to increase expertise in effective management of lands and to develop appropriate policies. Living on a Few Acres Expo included classes taught to small acreage land owners. The seminars Irrigation Principles and Management, Pasture and Grazing Management, Sensory Evaluation of Hay, Irrigation Principles and Management were presented to forage producers with focus on LEPA, LESA, and PMDI systems in Harney County, Oregon (with Dustin Johnson, local field faculty), Lake County (with Pete Schreder, local field faculty), Central Oregon Forage Seminar. (With Central Oregon Hay Growers’ Association), OHFA Fall Forage Seminar (with Oregon Hay and Forage Association), at the Oregon Hay King Contest (with the Oregon Hay and Forage Association), at the Pasture and Grazing Management Workshop (with Scott Duggan, local field faculty and Deschutes County Oregon SWCD), at Pasture and Grazing Management Tours/Field Days (3; with Scott Duggan, local field faculty and Deschutes County Oregon SWCD), and at the On-Farm Forage and Irrigation Field Day (with Central Oregon Hay Growers’ Association).

In Nevada in 2017, there were approximately 30 direct discussions with farmers on forage production, and one farmer put in 100 acres of alfalfa using a cultivar based on alfalfa varietal trial evaluation data. In Wyoming, forage production, management, quality, and economic returns have been presented at Wyoming Forage Field Day, Agriculture Experimentation Field Days, and local and regional workshops/meetings.

At the WERA-1014 meeting in Reno, a guest speaker from Nevada proposed the idea of alfalfa walks patterned after pasture walks to the membership. The membership discussed the benefits and costs of alfalfa variety trials; the member from Idaho is a Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) board member and will carry this discussion forward to the CSSA.

Extension Programming and Other Presentations:

Allen, L. 2016. Irrigation of pasture. Rich County Crop School, USU Extension, Woodruff, Utah.

Allen, L., and A. Torres-Rua. 2016. Verification of reduced consumptive use from deficit irrigated pastures in the Upper Colorado River Basin using Landsat data. Improving Irrigation Water Management - Latest Methods in Evapotranspiration and Supporting Technologies. US Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, October 11-13, 2016, Fort Collins, Colorado.

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.

Hannaway, David B. 2017. A Proposal Presented to Guizhou Governor SUN: “Restoring Desertified Rocky Karst Landscapes and Strengthening Guizhou’s Forage-Livestock Sector.” Guiyang, Guizhou Province, PRC. March 21.

Hannaway, David B. 2017. Using GIS and Spatial Analysis Techniques for Species Suitability Modeling & Mapping. Lincoln University, Christchurch, NZ. March 8.

Hannaway, David. 2017. MatchClover – Web Based Tools for Matching Clovers to Climates, Soils and Intended Uses. Oregon Clover Growers’ Annual Meeting. February 8. Wilsonville, Oregon.

Hannaway, David and Shirley Lindsey. 2017. What Oregon State University Can Offer the Alliance. China-US Agricultural Alliance Inaugural Meeting. Zhejiang University, China.  March 23-24.

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.

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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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.

Reeve, J. 2016. Use of cover crops in orchards, vinyeards and vegetables. Western Colorado Horticultural Society Annual Conference, January 20-21, 2016. Grand Junction, CO.

Solomon, J. Nevada Small Farm Conference, Non-Academic, Conference, "Pasture Stand Establishment and Management", Invited, Nevada Department of Agriculture. (February 4, 2017).

Refereed Journal Articles

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.

Chail, A., J.F. Legako, L.R. Pitcher, T.C. Griggs, R.E. Ward, S. Martini, and J.W. MacAdam. 2016. Legume finishing provides beef with positive human dietary fatty acid ratios and consumer preference comparable with grain-finished beef. Journal of Animal Science 94:2184-2197.

Daly, C., Halbleib, M., Hannaway, D.B., Eaton, L.M. 201X. In Press. Environmental Limitation Mapping of Potential Biomass Resources across the Conterminous United States.  Global Change Biology: Bioenergy DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12496.

He, Feng, Kun Wang, Xianglin Li, and David B. Hannaway. 2017. Effects of precipitation and clipping intensity on net primary productivity and composition of Leymus chinensis in temperate grasslands. PLoSONE PONE-D-17-14028R3.

Hunt, S.R., J.W. MacAdam and T.C. Griggs. 2016. Seeding rate, oat companion crop and planting season effects on irrigated organic birdsfoot trefoil stands in the Mountain West USA. Crop Science 56: 463-473.

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.

Lui, Bo, David B. Hannaway, and Shuhao Tan. 201X. In Final Review. Can Social Capital Help Younger Herders Rent Grassland Areas? Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

Mikha, M.M., Widiastuti, D.P., Hurisso, T.T., Brummer, J.E., Davis, J.G. 2017. Influence of Composted Dairy Manure and Perennial Forage on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Fractions during Transition into Organic Management. Agriculture-Basel, 7(5).

Payne, C., Wolfrum, E.J., Nagle, N., Brummer, J.E., Hansen, N.C. 2017. Evaluation of Fifteen Cultivars of Cool-Season Perennial Grasses as Biofuel Feedstocks Using Near-Infrared. Agronomy Journal, 109(5), 1923-1934.

Solomon, J., Macoon, B., Lang, D. J., Vann, R. C., Ward, S. (2017). Animal and forage responses on Maximus, a tetraploid cultivar vs Marshall, a diploid cultivar of annual ryegrass. Grass and Forage Science. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12331

Solomon, J., Macoon, B., Lang, D. J. (2017). Harvest management based on leaf stage of a tetraploid vs. a diploid cultivar of annual ryegrass. Grass and Forage Science, 72(4), 743-756. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12313

Solomon, J., Davison, J. C., Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting, Academic, Conference, "Deficit Irrigation Influence on Forage Sorghum Biomass Production and Silage Quality", Accepted, Crop Science Society of America. (June 7, 2017).

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.

Staudenmeyer, D. M., Bowman, J., Endecott, R., Mack, A. L., Glunk, E. (2017). The effects of feeding reduced-lignin alfalfa on growing beef cattle performance. Translational Animal Science, 1(1), 62-65. https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/tas/articles/1/supplement1/62

Tracy, B.F., K. Albrecht, J. Flores, M. Hall, A. Islam, G. Jones, W. Lamp, J.W. MacAdam, H. Skinner, and C. Teutsch. 2016. Evaluation of alfalfa–tall fescue mixtures across multiple environments. Crop Science 56: 2026-2034.

Villalba, J.J., C. Spackman, B.M. Goff, J.L. Klotz, T. Griggs, and J.W. MacAdam. 2016. Interaction between a tannin-containing legume and endophyte-infected tall fescue seed on lambs’ feeding behavior and physiology. Journal of Animal Science 94: 845-857.

Villalobos, L., Brummer, J.E. 2017. Yield and Nutritive Value of Cool-Season Annual Forages and Mixtures Seeded into Pearl Millet Stubble. Agronomy Journal, 109(2), 432–441.

Wang, Musen, Zhu Yu, and David Hannaway. 2017. Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum KR107070 and a propionic acid based preservative on the fermentation characteristics, nutritive value and aerobic stability of alfalfa-corn mixture silage ensiled with four ratios. Japanese Society of Grassland Science. doi: 10.1111/grs.12178. 

Wang M., L. Hou, Q. Zhang, X. Yu, L. Zhao, J. Lu, P. Mao, D. B. Hannaway. 2017. Influence of row spacing and P and N applications on seed yield components and seed yield of Siberian wildrye (Elymus sibiricus L.). Crop Science 57(4): 2205-2212. doi:10.2135/cropsci2016.08.0713

Books and Chapters in Books

Hannaway, David B., Linda Brewer, Steve Fransen, Glenn Shewmaker, Shannon Williams, and Sarah Baker. 2017. Planning and Sowing Grasslands. Chapter 10 In: Improving Grassland and Pasture Management in Agriculture. Athole Marshall and Rosemary Collins, Eds.

Islam, M.A. and Adjesiwor, A.T. 2017. Nitrogen fixation and transfer in agricultural production systems. In: Nitrogen in Agriculture - Updates, (Khan A. and Fahad S. Eds). InTech Open Publishing, London, UK (in press).

Proceedings

Ates, S.*, H. Cicek, W.B Lindsay, C.N. Hayley, D.E. Mayberry, S. Kassam, D.B. Hannaway, and M. Louhaichi. 2017. Sustainable Development of Smallholder Crop-Livestock Farming in Developing Countries. pp. XXX, In: Proc. 4th International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Environment. 10-12 August 2017, Solo, Indonesia.

Extension Bulletins

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 http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf (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 http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf (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 http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf (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 http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf (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 http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdfBrummer, J., J.W. MacAdam, G. Shewmaker, and A. Islam. 2016. Establishing birdsfoot trefoil in the Mountain West. Electronic Bulletin. AG/Forages/2016‐02pr. Utah State University Cooperative Extension Service, Logan.

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 http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified October 26, 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: http://www.wyoextension.org/publications/Search_Details.php?pubid=1937&pub=B-1309.1 (verified October 27, 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 http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified October 26, 2017).

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.

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.

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 http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf (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 http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf (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 http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified October 26, 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 http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf (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 http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/2017-field-days-bulletin.pdf (verified October 26, 2017). (verified October 26, 2017).

Popular Press and UAES Publications

Creech, J.E. 2016. Considerations when switching from alfalfa to corn (9th ed., vol. 17, pp. 21-22). Progressive Forage Grower.

Davison, J. C., Solomon, J., Lawry, T. (2017). 2016 Alfalfa Variety Trial in Western Nevada: Initial Production Results. UNCE.

Miller, P.R., E.C. Glunk, J.A. Holmes, and R.E. Engel. Pea and barley hay as fallow replacement for dryland wheat. Accepted December 22, 2017.

Sapkota, A., D.M. Staudenmeyer, R.N. Stougaard, E.C. Glunk, J.A. Torrion. 2016. Optimizing Boron maintenance fertilizer for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in Montana. MSU College of Agriculture and Extension Research Report. Vol 2.

Shewmaker, G.E.  2017.  Maximize hay marketing and feeding with hay tests. Progressive Forage web page: 15 June 2017 https://www.progressiveforage.com/forage-production/harvest-and-storage/maximize-hay-marketing-and-feeding-with-hay-tests; and print: 7:18-19.

Shewmaker, Glenn. 2017. Measure bale moisture in real time. Hay and Forage Grower, April/May 2017: 18-19

Shewmaker, G.E. 2017. Did the alfalfa survive the winter? Progressive Forage 1 April 2017. 18(4):11-13.

Shewmaker, G.E. 2017. Organic hay—is it right for you? Progressive Forage 8 February 2017https://www.progressiveforage.com/forage-production/management/organic-hay-is-it-right-for-you

Shewmaker, G.E. 2016. What is your cost of hay production this season? Progressive Forage 1 December 2016. https://www.progressiveforage.com/forage-production/management/what-is-your-cost-of-hay-production-this-season

Villalobos, L., Brummer, J.E. 2017. High Quality Forage Mixtures Extend Grazing Season. CSA News Magazine, 62(4):16. dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/csa/pdfs/62/4/16.

Published Abstracts

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).

Chail, A., J. Legako, S. Martini, R.E. Ward, and J.W. MacAdam. 2016. Comparison of proximate composition, pH and fatty acids of beef ribeye steaks from forage and conventional feedlot finished cattle. Meat Science 112: 147. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0309174015002430

Gardner, T., J. Legako, T. Murphy, K. Yardley, A. Chail, and J.W. MacAdam. 2016. Effect of beef finishing diet and retail display on oxidative volatile compounds and their relationship with beef color. Meat Science 112: 147. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0309174015002429

Glunk, E., Stougaard, R., Torrion, J. (2017). Effects of irrigation and Boron fertilization on yield and forage quality of alfalfa. Parma, ID: Western Section of Crop Science.

Hannaway, David B., David Mouat, and Linda J. Brewer. 2017. Greening the Desert: Strategies and Tools for Sustainability. Proc. Kubuqi International Desert Forum. Kubuqi, Inner Mongolia. July 28-30.

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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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).

Khan, M.G., S.Y. Yang, J.-S. Eun and J.W. MacAdam. 2016. Nitrogen excretion of lactating dairy cows fed alfalfa hay- or birdsfoot trefoil hay-based high-forage diet. ADSA ASAS Joint Annual Meeting, 19-23 July 2016, Salt Lake City, UT.

Kreykes, M., K. Cassida, E. van Santen, J.W. MacAdam, and T. Griggs. 2016. Forage yield, quality, and root characteristics of birdsfoot trefoil-tall fescue pastures. Annual Meeting of ASA/CSSA/SSSA, Phoenix, AZ, Nov. 6-9,2016. Online https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2016am/webprogram/Paper99596.html (poster)

MacAdam, J.W., K.A. Beauchemin, A.I. Bolletta, and L.R. Pitcher. 2016. Reduced enteric methane emissions on legume vs. grass irrigated pastures. ADSA ASAS Joint Annual Meeting, 19-23 July 2016, Salt Lake City, UT.

MacAdam, J.W. and T.C. Griggs. 2016. Source and implications of elevated non- fibrous carbohydrates in the perennial legume birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). In Annual Meetings Abstracts. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.

Miller, P., Bekkerman, A., Rick, T. L., Menalled, F., Walker, R., Ward, L., Zabinski, C., Glunk, E. (2017). Integrated Crop Livestock Research in Montana – Challenges and Challenges (222-1 ed., vol. 2017). Madison, WI: ASA-CSSA-SSSA. https://scisoc.confex.com/crops/2017am/webprogram/Paper106163.html

Myers, Cheyanne A., G. Shewmaker, R. Findlay, R. Roemer, J. Sagers, J. Hogge, and G. E. Chibisa.  2017.  The nutritive value of alfalfa varieties grown at two different elevations in Idaho. Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research 26-27 July 2017, Boise State University, Boise, ID.

Pieper, M., J.E. Creech, S.L. Hines, G. Cardon, and R. Ramirez. 2016. Silage corn hybrid response to row spacing and plant density in the Intermountain West. Madison, WI: American Society of Agronomy. scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2016am/webprogram/Paper101330.html

Shewmaker, G.E.  2017.  Evaluation of seed coating products on alfalfa. [Abstract 101455 and Poster 459-1319] American Society of Agronomy Annual Meeting, Tampa, FL, 6-8 November 2017.

Shewmaker, G.E. and R.R. Roemer.  2017.  Evaluation of Foliar Applied Products on Alfalfa. [Abstract] Western Crop Science Society Annual Meeting, Parma, ID 6-7 May 2017.