Drought stressed forages and small grain crops are prone to nitrate accumulation, which is toxic to cattle and sheep in high levels. Nitrate poisoning can cause abortion in pregnant animals, small calf size, reduced milk supply and death.

Common plants known to accumulate nitrates are some weeds especially wild oat, quackgrass, pigweed, lambsquarters, kochia, and Russian thistle, small grains, corn, sudan grass, sorghum, millet, sweet clover and alfalfa.

The Nitrate QuikTest provides a quick, reliable method to detect the presence of nitrates in ND forages. The QuikTest is a qualitative screening mechanism, which means that it only gives a positive or negative reading. It is recommended that all positive samples be sent to a lab to determine specific levels of nitrate in the plant material in order to determine safe feeding levels.

While there is NO COST for the QuikTest, if samples need to be sent on for laboratory testing there is a lab fee of approximately $20-25.

Call Yolanda @ 701-776-6234 ext. 5 for more information or to set up a testing appointment.

New 4H Year Begins September 1

With the start of school right around the corner, it is also time to think about starting the new 4-H year. The new 4-H year begins on September 1. Any youth aged 5-18 can participate in 4-H. Youth age 5-7 participate as Cloverbuds on a non-competitive basis. 4-H Members are youth ages 8-18. This age group is part of the competitive program and has full membership in the 4-H program. 4-H members in this age group can be involved in many different activities and events on local and state levels.

A 4-H club is made up of five or more youth from three or more families. Most 4H clubs meet once a month and are typically led by a parent who is a volunteer leader. Meetings usually last about 1-2 hours and include a short business meeting, project work/demonstrations, and social time.

For those families previously enrolled in a Pierce County 4-H club, the Extension office will be mailing re-enrollment information and packets to each family by the first week in September.

We at the Extension office are looking forward to the new 4H year and all the exciting events available for 4-H’ers to participate in. We are excited to have Pierce County 4-H’ers and their families join us in getting involved in National 4-H Week, Activity Days, Hippology/Horse Judging, and Shooting Sports to name a few.

To learn more about 4-H membership and projects visit www.ndsu.edu/4h/member_information/ or to join 4-H or become a volunteer leader contact the Pierce County Extension office at 776-6234 ext. 5 for more information.

Schmidt is the NDSU Extension agent for Pierce County.