Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

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.

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 (https://forages.oregonstate.edu/oregon) 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 (https://forages.oregonstate.edu/matchclover), 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:

• Se fertilization to growing forages by spraying to increase forage Se concentration to meet livestock needs and to avoid white muscle syndrome.
• Fuel load reduction by grazing to mitigate wildfire ill effects.
• Sequential grazing to increase pasture carrying capacity and improve animal performance.

 Implementation of solutions or adoption of recommendations developed:

• Match the right forage species with irrigation water rights or producers’ specific objectives to achieve agricultural sustainability while conserving salmon habitat.
• Forage ID field kit helps producers to identify species and manage their pastures.

 Adoption of technology:

• Livestock producers adopted GIS and GPS along with digital collars to improve grazing efficiency.

 Cleaner environment and healthier communities:

• 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.

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 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: https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12606.

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: https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12620.

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: https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12615.

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: https://www.publish.csiro.au/CP/justaccepted/CP18573)

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. 6^th 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.