Drought-induced stress for cows could lead to lower conception rates for the next calving season, according to ISU Extension and Outreach.

Extension Beef Specialist Erika Lundy says the drier pasture conditions this summer and lower capacity for foraging can lead to nutritional deficiencies. This can have an adverse effect on conception rates this fall. Lundy describes another issue brought on by the drought, “Right now a big thing we’re talking about is nitrate toxicity in that corn silage. So that’s pretty typical in drought stressed years that we have an increase in the amount of nitrates that are present, and of course if we’re not careful that can present some health (issues) and lead to death in some situations to those livestock. So that’s something to keep in mind as well.”

Guthrie County producers can have a quick nitrate assessment conducted tomorrow prior to a free drought meeting being hosted by ISU Extension at 5:30 p.m. at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds. The assessments will start at about 4:45 p.m. for those who wish to bring five corn stock samples, preferably from multiple representative areas of a field to accurately estimate conditions. Attendees are asked to contact Guthrie County Extension at 641-747-2276 to preregister for the meeting.