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Because of the increase in grasshopper pests this year and last year, many folks are spraying insecticides to save their crops and landscapes. The following article comes from the University of Nebraska and is available at: https://bit.ly/3vQPhuz. Do not treat fields in bloom. Be especially careful when treating crops, such as alfalfa, sunflowers and canola, which are highly attractive to bees. Insecticide labels carry warning statements about application during bloom. Always read and follow the label. Examine fields and field margins before...
The following overview of blue green algae poisoning in livestock was written by Rachel Endecott (Former MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist). Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are photosynthetic bacteria that live and grow in aquatic environments. Many species exist: some species are harmless, while others can affect the nervous system and liver function of livestock. Large blooms of cyanobacteria can occur when conditions are favorable, leading to elevated concentrations in water sources. When livestock or other animals ingest high...
For those who struggling wiAccording to Laurie Kerzicnik (Montana State University Entomologist), grasshoppers continue to be an issue for several areas in Montana. Grasshopper infestations will continue to extend into the fall. High grasshopper populations this year could be due to a couple of factors including an abundance of a yellow sweet clover in 2019 and a cold, wet spring in 2019 where grass was abundant and rising grasshopper populations were tolerated and mostly not managed. Most grasshoppers overwinter in the egg stage in the soil. A...
New Montguide Available on Codling Moth Management for Apple Tree Owners FFor those who struggling with worms in apples, a new Montguide called Backyard Guide to Codling Moth Management is available from the Chouteau County Extension office. Below are a few paragraphs from the Montguide. Leaving codling moth-infested fruit and debris in the orchard will lead to increased infestations. Keep leaves raked, remove fallen twigs, pick up dropped fruit, and remove infested fruit from trees throughout the season. Appropriate disposal options for this...
The Montana State University College of Agriculture and Montana Agricultural Experiment Station have announced the dates for their annual agricultural field days, which will return as in-person events after being hosted virtually in 2020. “We are so excited to be bringing back our in-person field days this year,” said Darrin Boss, head of the Department of Research Centers and superintendent of the Northern Agricultural Research Center. “These events are always a highlight for all of us, because they offer one of our best chances to meet with o...
Lawn Management Information The Master Gardener program provides research based information for gardeners. Below are a few notes taken from the turf management portion of the program. • Rough bluegrass is probably the best grass in Montana for shady areas. • Kentucky bluegrass is the best grass for open sunny areas with well-drained soil. • Annual ryegrass can be used as a cover crop following vegetable production. • The standard lawn mix is 60% Kentucky bluegrass, 30% creeping red fescue and 10% annual ryegrass. • Zoysiagrass does not grow...
MSU Northern Agricultural Research Center (NARC) and MSU Extension in Phillips, Blaine, Chouteau and Liberty Counties will be hosting several field days this year. These field days highlight the work being done on Northern Agricultural Research Center test plots within the different counties. Speakers for each of the events include Dr. Jason Cook, Montana State University Spring Wheat Breeder and Geneticist and Jim Berg, Montana State University Wheat Breeding Program Research Associate and Assistant Winter Wheat Breeder. Topics to be covered...
Outdoor Range Management Tour at Lost Lake Ranch County Extension is sponsoring an outdoor range management class at the Lost Lake Ranch on Tuesday, June 8 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Dr. Jeff Mosley will address a variety of topics including range monitoring and rotational grazing options. We will also have a question-and-answer session where Jeff will be available to answer range management questions. Dr. Jeff Mosley is the Montana State University (MSU) Extension Range Management Specialist and a professor in the MSU Department of Animal and Range...
As we begin spring management of our horticultural landscapes, here are a few reminders for the month of May. • Graft fruit trees from mid -April to early May. • Abort crab apple fruit with ethephon or naphthaleneacetic acid. • Prune lilacs right after bloom. • Stems cut off clean are a sign of rabbit damage. Stems cut off ragged are a sign of deer damage. • Electric fence smeared with peanut butter and molasses can deter deer. • Keep raspberry walkway clear of suckers. • Destroy tent caterpillars. • Plant peas and lettuce when soil temperatur...
1. Why did we see high populations of grasshoppers in Montana in 2020? Favorable weather conditions have promoted grasshopper pest populations. In 2019, a cool wet spring delayed hatching which resulted in high percentage hatch survival rates. In addition, vegetation was highly productive in 2019 especially sweet clover. As a result, grasshopper populations grew without being noticed or managed. 2. Why should I be concerned in 2021? A dry summer in 2020 and an open fall promoted a high egg lay which will result in large hatches this spring. If...
5 Montana Drought Series for Livestock Producers in Havre Montana State University Ranch Management Systems Team in collaboration with local MSU Extension agents have put together a series of workshops to address potential strategies to reduce the effects of drought in 2021. The 2021 Montana Drought Series has put together a tour of talks in 5 locations across the state where drought is most prominent. The topics featured include; Cattle Management During Drought, Range Conditions and Grazing During Drought, Forage Management Options During...
The single most important component of a successful breeding program is using fertile bulls that have passed a bull breeding soundness evaluation (BSE). Each bull is expected to contribute to 20 to 50 pregnancies each year. Having a BSE conducted on breeding bulls is crucial to a successful breeding program. The BSE is an exam conducted by veterinarians that includes a physical exam, semen evaluation, and an internal and external exam of the reproductive tract. The BSE should be conducted 30 to 60 days prior to breeding to allow sufficient...
The Chouteau County Soil Moisture Survey was started by Judee Wargo in 1993 to assist farmers in determining recropping potential on cereal grain stubble. After 28 years, the Chouteau County Extension Office continues to compile data for determining recropping potential and providing the state drought committee with soil moisture information. Testing for soil moisture took place in Chouteau County on March 26-31. All winter wheat locations except three (southeast of Big Sandy and north of Loma) exceeded 3.5 feet of stored soil moisture, which...
With the coming of spring and warmer weather conditions, snakes are through hunkering down for the winter making human encounters more likely. For many, snakes evoke feelings of uneasiness to outright panic. Montana only has 10 native snake species of which only the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) is venomous. Prairie Rattlesnakes are pale green to brown in color with brown or black blotches along the back extending to the tail where they change from blotches to rings. However, pattern and coloration vary widely across snake species and...
Hay U Webinar Montana State University Extension Pondera County is sponsoring the first Hay U Webinar for livestock producers. The Webinar will address how to establish a good stand of hay, forage pest management, hay storage, hay quality and hay value. The agenda is posted below: March 18, 6:00 pm - Planting and Stand Establishment - Dr. Hayes Goosey, MSU Extension Forage Specialist March 25, 6:00 pm - Crop Management and Pest Control - Dr. Hayes Goosey April 1, 6:00 pm - Harvest and Storage - Dr. Hayes Goosey April 8, 6:00 pm - Hay Quality...
Northern Ag Research Center Posts Top Yielding Spring and Winter Wheat Varieties for the Loma Area MSU Northern Agricultural Research Center (NARC) has posted 2020 wheat yield data for the McKeever plot north of Loma. A special thanks to Peggy Lamb (NARC agronomist) and the NARC staff for establishing and maintaining the Chouteau County test plot near Loma. In addition, the Extension office would like to thank the McKeever family for donating the use of their land for MSU research. A field day at the test plot will take place on June 22, 2021....
Eighth Annual Chouteau County Agriculture Day for 4th and 5th Graders The eighth annual Chouteau County Ag Day for 4th and 5th graders will take place at the Chouteau County Fairgrounds on April 27, 2021. All 4th and 5th graders in Chouteau County are invited to attend. Home school kids who are interested in participating need to contact the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3751. Participants will learn the importance of Montana’s number one industry, agriculture, and why agriculture is important to their health, home and community. F...
A Montguide titled Deer-Resistant Ornamental Plants for Your Garden is available at the Chouteau County Extension office or can be mailed to you upon request. The document is also available online at: https://bit.ly/3sn0aTH. The Montguide is written by Cheryl Moore-Gough (Previous Extension Horticulture Specialist). Deer are very destructive to a garden. Deer eat flowers and foliage in summer and browse on tender buds in winter. Deer typically feed at night, with a single adult capable of consuming from five to ten pounds of garden plants in...
The following article was written by Megan Van Emon, MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist. The complete article is available at: https://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/beef/moovingminutes.html Be on the lookout for lice in 2021. As temperatures decrease, lice may become an issue on cows, bulls, and calves. Lice feed on blood (sucking lice) or skin and hair (chewing/biting lice). Lice infestations typically occur on beef cattle that are stressed from the cold weather, inadequate nutrition, internal parasite infestations, or lowered immune...
Will the cold temperatures increase grasshopper egg mortality? The answer for 2021 is probably not. In Canada, few grasshoppers hatched following a winter with temperatures at negative 22 degrees Fahrenheit (Riegert, 1967). However, Canada had little snow cover during the time period when mortality occurred. Snow cover generally reduces the impact of cold temperatures on below-ground overwintering insects. How long does a seed treatment like Gaucho remain effective on grasshoppers? Insecticide seed treatment usually last about 21 days and will...
Topping is the drastic removal or cutting back of large branches in mature trees. The tree is sheared like a hedge and the main branches are cut to stubs. Many homeowners top trees when they reach heights considered unsafe fearing a strong wind might blow large trees over. However, the extensive root system of a healthy tree provides adequate support for the tree. Below are a number of reasons why deciduous trees should not be topped. Starvation: Trees need leaves to manufacture starches during photosynthesis. A tree’s transport system moves s...
Producers who have computers frequently ask about the availability of software programs to handle cow-calf production records. Before purchasing a software program, it is important to analyze the value of a system to help make better management decisions. Producers should evaluate existing records to determine the types of information needed from a software program. Are inventory records important? Are summary reports of primary interest? By considering specific record needs, the producer is better equipped to choose an appropriate software...
As addressed in previous grasshopper articles, the chances of high grasshopper pest numbers in range and cropland is high for 2021. As you consider control methods like contact or systemic insecticides, please consider biological control as part of your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. The naturally occurring protozoan Nosema locustae such as Semasphore effects grasshopper populations. The organism is generally mixed with bait. A grasshopper becomes infected if it ingests the bait, infected vegetation or an already diseased grasshopper....
Winter desiccation can be very hard on evergreen trees. Dry soil in winter often cannot replace the moisture trees lose to the cold dry winter air. The symptoms of winter damage and die back may not become visible until spring or summer growth begins. Winter damaged trees may only show a few dead branches or twigs. In most severe cases, the entire tree may die. Evergreen trees are more susceptible to winter desiccation than deciduous trees as the evergreens retain their needles and provide more area for moisture loss. Young evergreens are most...
Many Chouteau County producers are sending samples to the new agricultural testing facility in Chinook. Because of its location, producers can get test results back in a couple of days rather than a week or 10 days. Information below came from an article published in the Blaine County Journal. North Border Analytics opened late June at its new facility on the north side of Chinook. The business performs testing and assessment for soil, water, forage and grain samples. Dr. Brian Grebliunas, the owner, says the local lab will perform testing on...
