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Home » Authors » Sawyer Fonnesbeck
Sawyer Fonnesbeck

Sawyer Fonnesbeck

Extension Educator / University of Idaho
Email Sawyer Fonnesbeck
Articles

ARTICLES

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Forage tests: Which values are pertinent to your goals?

Forage tests reveal the true nutritional value of hay, haylage or silage – numbers you can’t see in the field.
June 15, 2026
Sawyer Fonnesbeck

Forage tests turn laboratory numbers into harvest decisions by showing which quality values match your goals.


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Keeping feed value in the stack

Ongoing Idaho research shows uncovered hay loses quality faster, while tarped or shed-stored hay maintains nutrition, reinforcing the value of protecting baled forage over time.
February 25, 2026
Sawyer Fonnesbeck

Reducing the exposure of hay to the rain, snow and hot sun certainly aids in protecting the visual integrity of the baled forage. However, what does the weather, elements and time do to the nutritional integrity of these same bales?


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West: Winter blues and mental health

November 19, 2025
Sawyer Fonnesbeck

For a long time, there has been a stigma around mental health topics. This is nothing to be ashamed of. We are all going through tough times. However, there is always something positive to look forward to.


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West: Safeguarding herd health in harsh conditions

October 24, 2025
Sawyer Fonnesbeck

Winter stress doesn’t have to mean compromised health. By implementing proactive winter protection from the elements and biosecurity measures, producers can minimize disease risk and maintain productivity through the cold months.


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Don’t let it go to waste: Storing hay correctly for efficient feeding

November weather patterns vary dramatically – from Kentucky’s rainy 50ºF days to Montana’s snowy, near-freezing conditions. With the forage harvesting season behind farmers and ranchers, attention turns to preserving hay quality through smart storage choices.
October 16, 2025
Sawyer Fonnesbeck

November brings a shift in priorities for forage producers and livestock owners alike. As temperatures decrease and precipitation increases, safeguarding baled hay becomes a vital investment for winter nutrition.


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West: Preparing for cooler temperatures

September 24, 2025
Sawyer Fonnesbeck

As the cold-weather months approach, there are a few things we can do to prepare our operation for those cold snaps.


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West: Nitrate toxicity in hay – a hidden risk after a dry summer

August 22, 2025
Sawyer Fonnesbeck

As dry conditions persist across much of the West, beef producers should be cautious about a silent threat in their hay: nitrate toxicity.


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West: Managing bulls after the breeding season

July 23, 2025
Sawyer Fonnesbeck

As the items on our summer to-do list are checked off, ensuring the proper care of your herd bulls after the breeding season is one that should be near the top of that list.


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West: A bit about fencing …

June 24, 2025
Sawyer Fonnesbeck

Having dealt with livestock and horses pushing on fences, I understand the time, money and effort it takes to maintain a fence. On the topic of fences, have you taken the time to truly understand your state’s regulations regarding fence maintenance and the livestock that may get out of those enclosures?


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West: Analyzing your pasture or range

May 21, 2025
Sawyer Fonnesbeck

While the quantity of grass is looked at often enough, have you taken some time to test the quality of those grasses?


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View All Articles by Sawyer Fonnesbeck
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