US Potatoes possible source of cattle feed this year

This year’s drought conditions may result in potatoes becoming a source of feed for cattle.

Dry weather before and during the 2012 growing season led to poor forage yields and high hay and corn prices, so beef producers will be looking for other, lower-priced feed sources, says Carl Dahlen, North Dakota State University Extension Service beef cattle specialist.

Also, a 5 percent increase in acres of potatoes planted in North Dakota and nationally has resulted in a larger supply of potatoes and a low market price, according to Andrew Robinson, an NDSU Extension agronomist specializing in potatoes.