MSU Extension Drought Resources

Forages & Pastures

• Purchasing forage for horses in a drought year

  Published on July 31, 2012
  Michigan horse owners should purchase hay early this year to avoid high hay costs and hay shortages this winter.

• Yellow, stunted alfalfa may not be entirely due to drought

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Potato leafhopper numbers are above threshold levels in some alfalfa fields around Michigan.

• Crop insurance: Follow the rules to ensure the best outcome

  Published on July 25, 2012
  2012 may be the year of crop insurance so make sure you are following the rules. Farms covered by crop insurance should take notice of the rules before removing or destroying drought damaged crops.

• What is evapotranspiration and why it matters

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Under drought conditions, plants may not be able to extract water fast enough to keep up with evapotranspiration.

• Cow-calf producers faced with tough decisions in drought

  Published on July 20, 2012
  While difficult, destocking certain portions of the cowherd may be best for economic viability.

• Managing alfalfa during drought

  Published on July 20, 2012
  Adjusting harvest management during drought may salvage some yield and aid alfalfa recovery.

• Harvesting drought-stressed soybeans for forage

  Published on July 19, 2012
  Feeding drought-stressed soybeans to livestock is an option, but make the decision carefully.

• Potassium fertility impacts hay and pasture performance during drought

  Published on July 11, 2012
  Adequate levels of soil potassium enables crops to better withstand stress.

• Tough time for trees: Heat, drought, and storms take their toll

  Published on July 9, 2012
  Our record-breaking heat wave coupled with widespread severe thunderstorms made this a rough week for trees in Lower Michigan and surrounding areas.

• Dealing with hot and dry conditions for Michigan Christmas tree growers

  Published on July 6, 2012
  Michigan’s Christmas trees have been affected by the recent, hot and dry conditions. Growers should apply as much supplemental irrigation as possible to maintain development.

• Drought: Implications for near-term management decisions in field crops

  Published on July 5, 2012
  The recent trend in higher than normal temperatures paired with lower than normal precipitation puts Michigan field crops at risk.

• Sorghum species crops as a drought emergency crop

  Published on June 28, 2012
  Drought conditions have been regionalized across Michigan and other Midwestern states. Sorghum species crops can be planted in droughty areas to supplement forage supply of dairy and beef producers.

• Scouting for potato leafhoppers in alfalfa

  Published on June 18, 2012
  Know your options for insect control prior to a problem.

• Hay and pasture management after drought

  Published on August 15, 2011
  Forage yields as hay or pasture might be low this fall as a result of summer drought and high temperatures