As water resources become increasingly scarce in southern Idaho, producers are looking for forage options that make the most of limited irrigation. One strategy gaining traction is planting fall-seeded annual cereals for forage.

Forage crops in the Upper Colorado River Basin face mounting stress from aridification and shifting runoff. Evapotranspiration modeling and in‑field sensor measurements are helping producers adapt forage systems to limited water supplies.

Alfalfa producers are always striving to make a profit in both good and bad years. To achieve this goal, producers often utilize improved genetics and/or optimize the use of inputs to improve quality and yield. However, there is one production factor that trumps all the others, an adequate supply of irrigation water for forage production.

Perennial forages improve soil structure, reduce compaction and help leach salts from the root zone. For producers committed to stewardship, perennials are more than cover – they’re a strategy for resilience.

After years of drought, Nebraska hay producers faced a new challenge in 2025: too much rain. This high-moisture hay raises new questions about winter feeding strategies.