While providing the potential for high yields and a great fit for summer forage production, plants within the summer annual forage family do pose the risk of being accumulators of nitrates and prussic acid. Certain levels of nitrates and prussic acid can cause production losses, reproductive losses, and even death in livestock. DO NOT FEED TO HORSES!! However, the risk of nitrate and/or prussic acid poisoning can be mitigated through appropriate fertility programs, proper forage harvest management and variety selection. These include proper nitrogen fertilization levels, leaving a 8-10 inch stubble height, waiting for several days after a rain after a drought period before harvesting, and waiting at least a week before harvesting frosted plants. Again, with proper management, these plants can fill a vital forage link in your year-round forage production chain. It is highly recommended to test your harvested forages prior to feeding to determine if higher nitrate levels exist. Consult with an Greener Valley Supply field representative or nutritionist for complete fertility, harvest and feeding recommendations.