This year’s drought that’s hit the Northern Plains has included a large part of South Dakota. West River cattle producers have been dealing with depleted pastures and scarce feed quality for their livestock. SDSU Extension Cow Calf Field Specialist Adele Harty says producers need to be careful with their feed and test for nitrates.

She advises all feed be tested for nitrates even the substitute feed that’s being used.

Harty says another thing producers need to keep an eye on is their water quality and its effects on animal health.

Harty says more cattle were sold off early when the drought first hit this spring and now with the drought expanding, even more cattle are being culled and sent to market.

Harty says quick feed tests are available at the various county extension offices where it registers either positive or negative for nitrates. For any further information on amounts they’ll have to be sent to a lab for analysis.