New Worries

Published: 2022
By Mary Rumph

Producers are very concerned with invasive grasses and broadleaf weeds which reduce the productivity of both tame and native pastures. Ventenata, an aggressive invasive grass has been detected in Powder River County. Informational news articles about bulbous bluegrass detection and control were written; several samples were brought in for identification. Fifty-two people attended the annual summer MSU Extension Weed Workshop, which focused on improving range conditions and reducing annual and perennial invasive grasses through grazing management and controlled fire. Private applicators earned re-certification credits. Weed control questions throughout the summer included controlling Canada Thistle, Bulbous Bluegrass, Ventenata, and Catchweed Bedstraw. Annual crops yielded additional forage. High nitrate levels are always possible, especially if either high temperatures or hail stresses the crop, both of which occurred during the growing season. In addition, the re-growth of annual crops can sometimes contain toxic nitrate levels. One hundred four samples of forage were nitrate tested for 40 producers. Blister beetles were also a concern during the summer; management guidelines were shared with producers.