ANR Exchange - Agriculture and Natural Resources News from NDSU Extension
July 6, 2022 Edition

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can produce toxins that are harmful to livestock, wildlife and people.

“The growth of this bacteria is facilitated by high temperatures,” says Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “The hot, dry conditions we experience in the summer months are perfect for the production of cyanobacteria.”

“Cyanobacteria is caused by an excess of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorous,” says Mary Keena, NDSU Extension livestock environmental management specialist. “Manure and commercial fertilizers are spread to enhance forage and crop production. When these products are misused, either by inappropriate rate or timing of application, the potential for nutrient leaching to surface water is increased. When these nutrients enter surface water, they stimulate growth of cyanobacteria and other microorganisms.”

“There may be an increased potential for cyanobacteria blooms in some areas of the state this year,” says Meehan. “In 2021, nutrients applied to fields were not effectively mobilized and used by plants due to drought conditions. Widespread overland flooding in the spring of 2022 may have transported these nutrients to waterbodies, increasing nutrient loads and the potential for blooms.”

Given the current conditions, farmers and ranchers, and the public should be on the lookout for cyanobacteria blooms. Learn more about blue-green algae in this NDSU Ag News release or on the NDSU Ag Hub website. >>>

Weather conditions this spring and summer and much needed rainfall have lifted North Dakota out of drought conditions. Temperatures have been mild with a lot of cloudy and overcast days.

These conditions have been great for forage growth, but they have been less than ideal for hay drying and curing, says James Rogers, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension forage crop production specialist at the North Central Research Extension Center in Minot.

“Over the past few weeks, hay harvesting has begun with cereal rye and perennial cool season grass hay being harvested,” says Rogers. “The first cutting of alfalfa also has begun.”

In some parts of the state, rain has fallen on hay that was still curing in the field. Hay that has been rained on will suffer dry matter losses, losses in energy content and tends to have a bleached color with a loss of soluble vitamin content. Read more. >>>

Field reports indicate that blister beetles are high again in 2022 (like 2021) in most areas of hay production due to high grasshopper populations. Adult blister beetles are attracted to blooming alfalfa fields and weeds (goldenrods, dandelions).

Adults are active June through September and will feed on nectar, pollen, leaves, stems and flowers. The most severe threat from blister beetles is their poison called cantharidin, which is toxic to people and livestock, especially horses. Cantharidin oil is released when beetles are crushed and even dead beetles have high levels of the toxin that does not weaken.

Cantharidin is highly toxic and irritates the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, which can lead to death in horses. It is estimated that about 30 to 50 striped blister beetles could be potentially lethal to horses. Fewer beetles cause sores or blisters on tongue and mouth, colic, diarrhea, bloody feces, depression, elevated temperatures, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate and dehydration. Poisoned horses often place their muzzle in water without drinking. Hay infested with blister beetles is a big concern for hay producers and livestock owners, especially horse owners. Cattle and sheep can also be poisoned.

Find more information on Page 2 of last week's Crop & Pest Report and this NDSU Extension publication.
 
The Sugarbeet Report, presented by NDSU Extension, features growing tips from NDSU sugarbeet specialists and researchers throughout the sugarbeet growing season.

This week, Mark Boetel, NDSU Extension entomologist, joins the Sugar Beet Report to discuss the latest information concerning the end of a record-breaking root maggot season. Listen here. >>>
 
The North Dakota State University Research Extension Centers annual field days are set. The events take place at the Research Extension Center sites across the state and feature speakers, presentations and tours covering a diverse array of topics. NDSU’s 15th President David Cook will be attending this year’s field day events.
 

Shark Week in America is coming. We can watch horror stories of people getting attacked by sharks all week on television.

Imagine yourself alone in a swimming pool. A trap door in the pool opens and a shark is released. The shark comes toward you. You can hear the water ripple as it swims. It’s rushing toward you, and you are helpless.

This is the way a tree feels when a lawn mower comes near. Absolutely helpless!

Every time you start your mower, every tree in your yard shudders in fear. Your mower—a machine designed to slice through plants with a sharpened steel blade—may soon be brushing against the tree’s bark.

The mower is one of the leading killers of trees in yards, parks and orchards. Learn how to protect your trees in this week's Dakota Gardener column.>>>
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