By Scout Nelson
NDSU Extension provides an outlook for the 2026 grazing and haying season and recommends that farmers prepare a drought plan regardless of spring conditions. The guidance highlights how weather patterns and management practices affect forage production.
As winter shifts to spring, ranchers are preparing for grazing. North Dakota has received near-average precipitation in many areas, but some regions remain dry. Soil moisture conditions vary across the state, leading to differences in forage growth.
Experts explain that spring rainfall plays a major role in forage production. Rainfall between April and June drives more than 80% of forage growth in North Dakota. Snow contributes to moisture, but much of it runs off due to frozen ground.
The outlook also depends on fall 2025 moisture. Cool-season grasses develop tillers in the fall that support early spring growth. If fall tillers are limited, green-up may be delayed, and forage production may decline significantly.
Fall moisture levels vary across the state. With some areas receiving normal or above-normal rainfall, supporting good tiller development. However, drier regions may face lower forage production in 2026.
Grazing management also plays a key role. Heavy grazing during fall or winter can damage tillers and reduce plant growth. This can delay spring growth and lower total forage production.
“If you grazed your tillers short last fall or during the winter months, expect a delay in green-up and forage production in 2026,” says Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension rangeland management specialist. “Plan to defer these pastures from grazing in the spring of 2026.”
NDSU Extension outlines different scenarios based on spring rainfall. Normal precipitation may support average production, while below-normal rainfall may reduce forage quantity and quality. Higher rainfall may improve production in some areas.
Farmers are advised to begin grazing only when plants reach the proper growth stages to avoid damage. Early grazing can weaken plants and reduce future production.
Most domesticated pasture grasses, such as smooth brome, crested wheatgrass, and orchardgrass, are ready for grazing at the three-leaf stage. Native range grasses are ready slightly later, at about the three-and-a-half-leaf stage.
For more guidance on checking grazing readiness, farmers can contact their local NDSU Extension agent or visit ndsu.ag/grazing-2026.
“When production is low due to delayed tiller development, it becomes easy to run out of forage quickly if you go to full stock too early,” says Meehan, North Dakota State University Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “This could lead to overuse and the earlier removal of animals from pasture than planned.”
“In the end, you may sacrifice 45%-60% of forage production for the year by grazing too early,” warns Meehan.
Overall, careful planning and proper management help farmers maintain healthy pastures and improve productivity in changing conditions.
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Sustainable Agriculture, Weather