Drought-Stressed Soybeans Offer Forage Options

Research indicates that soybean forage should not make up more than 50% of the total diet.

Fargo, ND (September 7, 2021) - Although many areas across the state have received much-needed moisture recently, the ongoing drought and lack of forage options for beef producers is still a concern.

“One potential forage source is drought-stressed soybeans that can be grazed or harvested for hay or silage,” says Janna Block, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension livestock systems specialist at the Hettinger Research Extension Center. “A typical expectation for yield of this crop may be around one and a half to two tons of forage per acre.”

“Before utilizing soybeans for hay or grazing, producers should consult with their crop insurance agent and local Farm Service Agency (FSA) representative to ensure that any actions to be taken will not impact insurance or farm program payments,” says Karl Hoppe, NDSU Extension livestock systems specialist at the Carrington Research Extension Center. “It also is important to check labels of herbicides that were applied to make sure there are no restrictions for livestock use.”

Forage yield and quality are affected by the stage of development. Ideally, soybeans should be harvested between R3 (beginning pod) to R5 (beginning seed) growth stage to optimize forage quality.

“Many farmers are weighing their options of using soybeans as forage now or waiting to harvest soybean seeds,” says Hans Kandel, NDSU Extension agronomist. “If the crop looks marginal but may still produce seeds, farmers can consider delaying this decision until closer to maturity. It is important to remember that forage yield and quality will continue to decline with advancing maturity.”

Pictures and descriptions of soybean growth stages can be found at www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/soybean-growth-and-management-quick-guide.

“Typically, drought-stressed soybeans will contain very few seeds,” says Kandel. “It is important to check fields for pods and pod fill to determine yield. It may be difficult to get an accurate estimate depending on the growth stage.”

For a description of estimating yield, visit www.ag.ndsu.edu/crops/soybean-articles/estimating-soybean-yields.

Mature soybean seeds typically contain around 40% crude protein and 20% oil (fat) on a dry matter basis, although these levels may be lower for drought-damaged soybeans.

“High-fat levels can negatively impact rumen microbes, reduce the digestibility of forages and may cause diarrhea and other digestive issue,” says Block. “Consumption of soybeans should be limited so that the total dietary fat level does not exceed 6% for mature cattle, typically no more than two to four pounds per head per day.”

Fencing and strip grazing may be a good option for increasing the utilization of soybeans and reducing selective grazing of pods and leaves, says Hoppe.

An accurate estimate of grain yield is critical to determine the acreage that should be available to grazing livestock daily. Nutrient analysis of standing or harvested forage is recommended due to the potential for high variation in feed quality.

“In general, research indicates that soybean forage should not make up more than 50% of the total diet,” says Hoppe. “Producers should consider this recommendation when grazing soybean fields and provide grass hay or other forage accordingly.”

“If the decision is made to graze soybeans, it is important to allow for time for livestock to adapt,” says Block. “Soybeans are a legume, and there is potential for bloat. To reduce this risk, do not turn hungry animals onto soybean fields.”

Block continues, “Provide livestock with a full feed of grass hay and turn onto pastures in the afternoon after the dew has dried. Avoid introducing livestock to soybean fields after rain. If possible, provide free-choice access to grass hay when grazing and consider the use of feed additives such as ionophores to reduce digestive issues. Animals should be closely observed during the first few days of grazing.”

Soybeans contain an enzyme that can interfere with protein digestion in pre-ruminants (nursing calves or calves under 300 pounds) or monogastrics such as swine and horses. Therefore, it is not recommended that soybeans be consumed by these classes of livestock.

Soybeans also contain urease, which breaks down urea into ammonia. This could potentially result in ammonia toxicity and death if fed at high levels. Supplements or feeds that contain urea (also referred to as non-protein nitrogen or NPN) should not be fed to cattle consuming raw soybeans.

“Soybeans also have the potential to accumulate nitrates, so forages should be screened for the presence of nitrates before consumption,” says Block.

Yield potential, stage of maturity and value of grain are important considerations when determining the best use for soybeans. There is still the potential for late-season rains, so farmers must analyze their options carefully to make the right decision for their farm/ranch.

For more information, contact your local NDSU Extension agent.

Winter Cereals an Option for Adding Forage in 2022

Establishing a winter cereal for grazing next spring will allow producers to delay pasture turnout, giving drought-stressed pastures more time to recover.

Fargo, ND (September 13, 2021) - The drought of 2021 left many ranchers short of feed, both grazing forage and hay. A great option for spring grazing or hay production is winter cereals.

“Establishing a winter cereal for grazing next spring will allow producers to delay pasture turnout, giving drought-stressed pastures more time to recover,” says Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “Many pastures were overgrazed due to decreased forage production this year, and producers may see delayed growth and decreased production in 2022.”

Winter cereals are planted in the fall. Much of the Northern Plains finally received some needed rain in August and early September, providing an opportunity for growing winter cereals.

“Winter cereals can be planted anytime in September, with early- to mid-September recommended,” says Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension rangeland management specialist “There are three winter cereal options for grazing and haying that fit well in North Dakota; including winter rye, triticale and wheat. The seeding rate for all three types is 90 pounds per acre.”

Sedivec says there are a few questions to consider when selecting a winter cereal to plant. Do you plan to graze it early next spring or harvest it for hay? Do you want to plant a cash crop afterward or a crop for forage?

Winter Rye

Winter rye fits best if you plan to graze in May. It is the most aggressive growing winter cereal in May, providing the greatest economic return to the livestock. Seed costs will be around $22 to $27 per acre, with forage ready for grazing between May 5 to 10.

Rye achieves 80% to 90% of its growth by early June and is recommended to be harvested for hay in early June. Livestock do not like to forage on rye once it produces seed heads.

Winter rye also reaches the recommended harvest time for hay or silage by June 3 to 10. Rye also is a great option for seeding soybeans into after grazing or haying. Planting a forage crop like foxtail millet, sorghum-sudan, sudangrass or a full-season cover crop also is a great option. Rye does use a lot of water to grow, so if seeding a cash crop or forage crop following winter rye spring moisture will be critical.

Winter Triticale

Winter triticale also is a good fit for grazing in May. It is a little slower to grow in the first half of May compared to rye and matures about three to five days after rye. Triticale will have a higher protein and total digestible nutrient (TDN) value than rye, but also costs around $33 to $37 per acre for seed. Triticale is usually ready to be harvested for hay by early- to mid-June.

Triticale regrows better than rye, so if spring moisture is good a second crop can be harvested for hay or grazed, usually about 50% of the first harvest. A second forage crop often is planted after grazing or haying triticale with crops such as foxtail millet, sorghum-sudan, sudangrass or a full-season cover crop.

Winter Wheat (forage varieties)

“Winter wheat would not be recommended for May grazing, as it grows much slower than rye and triticale,” says Zachary Carlson, NDSU Extension beef cattle specialist. “The forage winter wheats are best suited for hay production, as it is ready for hay harvest in late June.”

Winter wheat is the lowest in lignin content, thus more palatable to livestock, and highest in crude protein and TDN compared to both rye and triticale. Seed costs will be around $29 to $32 per acre.

A second forage crop often is planted after harvesting winter wheat with crops such as foxtail millet, sorghum-sudan, sudangrass or a full-season cover crop.

For more information on selecting annual forages, visit https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/livestock/annual-cover-crop-options-for-grazing-and-haying-in-the-northern-plains.

Contact your county NDSU Extension agent for more information on seeding winter cereals and annual forage options.