Ag Site Visits Benefit Producers

Published: 2020
By Callie Cooley

Despite COVID-19 challenges, MSU Extension in Yellowstone County remained busy with agriculture-related site visits. Life did not stop for agricultural producers who continued to face challenges on their operations, so fortunately, MSU Extension was able to safely provide services and information to those seeking assistance. From February to October, 32 site visits and 10 field inspections were completed. The numbers represent approximately 874 cropland acres, 350 rangeland acres, and nearly 800 cattle positively impacted as a result of consulting with MSU Extension. Producers sought assistance for a wide array of issues including pasture renovation, rodent management, weed control, crop emergence issues, and animal health struggles. One consultation with a producer led to a winter tetany diagnosis with his steer calves. The problem was determined through hay testing and a feed analysis. By working with MSU Extension to find a solution, the producer saved thousands of dollars due to halted death loss. With the loss estimated at $950/steer and the potential to affect 150 steers, the economic impact was significant. Specific to field inspections, in 2020, 274 acres were inspected and certified as noxious weed seed free compared to 56 acres in 2019. As a result, approximately 845,000 pounds of straw and 211,000 pounds of hay used for things including highway reclamation projects and use on public lands, will not contribute to the spread of noxious weeds. Noxious weeds can quickly displace native vegetation, which impacts producers by forcing them to expend time and money on weed control or by forage loss alone.