Agriculture-related services in Blaine County

Published: 2019
By Julianne Snedigar

MSU Extension in Blaine County offers many services to assist producers including: forage testing, insect and weed identification, plant disease diagnostics, plant variety information, ration balancing, feed analysis, range monitoring, and nitrate testing. This year, over 100 producers utilized these services. More than 50 forage samples were submitted for feed nutrient analysis. These samples represented over 7,500 acres (or over 22,000 tons) of forage produced in the county. Producers appreciated the low cost of analysis and speed of results. These results allowed producers to develop feed rations and to price hay for sale based on tested quality. In addition, more than 40 samples came to the office to have nitrate levels tested. Less than 10% of those samples came back with elevated levels of nitrates. Of those 10%, all were still in the 'safe to feed under all conditions' classification. Sampling for nitrates within the office has allowed producers to make informed decisions on their feed rations. This year, the samples done for nitrates represent over 3,500 acres (5,200 tons) of forage that will be available for livestock consumption. Producers know their forage is safe and it can be used, thus saving these producers on average $25 a ton versus having to purchase additional feed. Throughout the year, these services provided by MSU Extension in Blaine County allowed producers to make informed decisions about their operations, thus improving their bottom line. Overall, requests to Extension by producers for additional information has increased by 25% over the past year.