MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — South Dakota State University Extension is asking forage producers to test for nitrate.

Experts warn that high concentrations of nitrate in hay and other feed can create health complications for pregnant animals, along with all grazers, such as cattle. Luckily, there is a low-cost, fast method to check levels. Testing is available at all SDSU Extension regional offices, including the one in Mitchell. More information on using nitrate test strips is here.

Some of the causes of high nitrate levels are stress from drought, cloudy weather, hail damage, or heavy use of nitrogen fertilizer. The state has been battered by several rounds of severe weather in recent weeks, with hail as big as two inches in diameter recorded in McCook County. The area is currently in a prolonged drought that ranges from severe to extreme.

The extension recommends testing forage for nitrate before feeding it to animals, reminding farmers it is an important management practice.

Crop-Livestock Systems Field Specialist Parker Witt warns, “Don’t let a preventable nitrate issue turn valuable forage into a costly liability.” He adds, “Free nitrate testing through SDSU Extension helps forage producers preserve feed value, and livestock owners make informed management decisions before animal health, forage utilization or profitability are affected.”