North Dakota Specialists Urge Forage Inventory Management
Agricultural experts advise cattle producers to track hay supplies to mitigate waste following 2026 drought impacts.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Agriculture
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North Dakota State University Extension specialists are advising local cattle producers to conduct thorough forage inventories. The guidance aims to help operators manage significant expenses during the winter 2026-2027 feeding season following widespread drought.
Why it matters
Tight forage supplies resulting from recent drought conditions have made efficient feed management essential for maintaining profitability. Reducing waste allows producers to control operation costs when margins are thin.
Producers can reduce feeding waste from 45% on the ground to as low as 3% in bunks, potentially saving $25 per ton on $100 hay. Outside storage results in up to 20% dry matter loss, whereas indoor storage maintains losses around 7%.
The players
North Dakota State University Extension
This organization provides research-based agricultural education and guidance to farmers and ranchers across the state.
The details
Producers are encouraged to determine exact bale weights using commercial scales and measure dry matter content via moisture testers or laboratory analysis. Proper inventory involves grouping lots harvested within 48 hours to ensure consistent nutritional planning for cattle that consume 2.5% of their body weight daily.
Timeline
Drought conditions significantly impacted statewide forage production in 2026.
Cattle producers are managing feed supplies for the winter 2026-2027 feeding season.
Market Landscape
This guidance follows a pattern set by the 2026 North Dakota drought forage production decline, providing tactical interventions to stabilize rancher budgets during supply shocks. By improving inventory precision, operators can mitigate the competitive disadvantages caused by limited regional crop availability.
Local cattle producers can directly improve their bottom line by transitioning from ground feeding to bunk systems to reduce waste. Implementing regular scale-based weight checks ensures that feed inventory matches the actual nutritional needs of the herd throughout the winter months.
The takeaway
Effective feed management relies on precise measurements of dry matter and weight rather than estimations. By shifting storage and feeding methods, producers can capture significant cost savings even in years with constrained forage supplies.
Further reading
Learn more about sustaining rural operations in the Agriculture section.
More information
Use the forage supply price calculator to estimate your operation's specific feed needs and potential savings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BEEF Magazine.
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