Missouri pasture conditions continue to be poor according to a USDA report released Monday.
About 43 percent of Missouri pastures are rated as “poor” or “very poor.” MU Extension State Forage Crop Specialist Craig Roberts said the drought has resulted in a decrease in forage supply, leading some farmers to turn to food sources they normally wouldn’t consider.
This includes feeding cows alternatives like Johnson grass. It’s a weed that can have a toxic buildup of nitrate due to the hot, dry weather.
“We tend to see it fed during drought years as an emergency but it’s not a very good option because it tends to be toxic and especially during a toxic year, a drought year.” Roberts said.
Roberts said the majority of farmers aren’t turning to Johnson grass because of this.
MU Extension agronomy specialist Pat Miller said if cows eat the grass, they could die.
“Even if they don’t die the producer might think they look OK...” Miller said. “But the levels might be enough that the cow would abort her calf.”
Miller said there isn’t any data on how widespread the issue is and there’s no way of knowing if grass is toxic by looking at it. Farmers can reach out to their local MU extension office for testing.