Inspect Hay For Toxins, Fire Ants

Corn impacted by extreme drought conditions in Cooper County (Photo courtesy of Todd Lorenz, University of Missouri Extension)

Producers needing to replenish hay supplies are advised to take a good look at their feed before setting it out for their livestock. As drought continues to grip Missouri, farmers looking to stretch their supplies may turn to poor hay treated with ammonia or mowed from marginal lands. University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz says farmers need to make sure potentially toxic plants aren’t present.

Central MO Info · 23 0720 Gene Schmitz warns of Toxic Plants in Transported Hay

It’s not just toxic plants hiding in the hay, but also invasive pests.

Central MO Info · 23 0720 Gene Schmitz warns of Fire Ants in Transported Hay

University of Missouri Extension has a drought response portal available for producers. Extension will also host meetings around the state to provide updates and advice on the drought, including Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MFA Training Center in Boonville, and July 27th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Howard County Extension Office in Fayette.