In crop production, severe weather remains one of the most unpredictable and costly threats. A single hailstorm can compromise an entire growing season, destroying yield potential or even total crop loss, and forcing producers to make high-stakes decisions under stress. For one South Dakota wheat producer, that threat became a reality when a late-June hailstorm decimated his spring wheat crop at the heading stage, obliterating grain yield and leaving little crop for salvage.
From Crop Loss to New Opportunity
Producer Advisor Cole Baloun recalls arriving on the operation just days after the storm. “The crop was a total loss,” he said. “There was stem breakage, defoliation, and bruising well past the point of recovery. Even partial grain development was no longer feasible.”
While the financial and emotional toll was high, Cole knew that this field could still serve a purpose. And, despite the economic setback, the producer was eager to move forward.
Turning to AgSpire for On-the Ground Guidance
Cole worked closely with him to explore practical next steps and introduced him to AgSpire’s available programs designed to support producers through situations just like this. Through AgSpire’s Grass is Greener program, he helped the producer pivot from disaster response to resiliency planning.
“We reviewed the herbicides and chemical applications he had used on the wheat to determine a compatible mix for cover cropping,” Cole explained. “By understanding what had already been done to the field, we were able to tailor a solution that worked with the current conditions and positioned the field for a successful recovery. We decided to plant Premium Graze was a good option.”
Adding Value through Forage
This mix was selected not only for its compatibility with residual herbicides, but also for its fast forage accumulation, drought tolerance, and ability to suppress weeds and rebuild soil structure. Premium Graze offers a blend of warm season grasses and forage brassicas that will develop a summer annual grazing system by providing high levels of dry matter and high overall protein.
The benefits of the program extended beyond soil health. By converting the field to a cover crop, the farmer was able to generate forage for his cattle operation, adding an immediate source of value. Additionally, he was eligible to claim crop insurance on the failed field, allowing his operation to remain financially viable and more resilient in the face of future weather risks.
A Trusted Advisor for Your Operation
This experience highlights how even in the wake of disaster, the right support and adaptive strategies can turn hardship into hope, helping producers not only recover, but emerge more resilient for the future.