Nov. 15 deadline looms for range insurance
Livestock and hay producers have the ability to buy insurance through the new Pasture, Range and Forage Insurance risk policy offered in the High Plains region.
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Wheat pasture prospects fading fast
No significant rain has fallen in Oklahoma in over two weeks. Last week’s Crop Progress showed that 25 percent of Oklahoma wheat was in good condition and 61 percent was fair with only 12 percent poor or very poor.
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Broadleaf weed control is essential in preserving investments
Broadleaf weed control may not be the first issue on cattle producers’ minds, but it is an important element to get the most from their land. Pastures free of broadleaf weeds produce more grass per acre, which can lead to increased calf weaning weight.
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Grazing corn residue that has excess ear drop
The recent high winds have caused 50 to 100 bushel per acre of corn on the ground.
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Cash rents rise in 2012 but should remain steady in 2013
USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service has released the county-by-county breakdown of its 2012 survey of cash rents. As with most things this year, prices are up.
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Not too late to plant winter wheat, but opportunity is fading
In a year when drought has caused some soybean growers to harvest later than normal and heavy rains prevented others from getting into their fields for fall planting, many have been slow to get winter wheat planted, according to an Ohio State University Extension expert.
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Help your pasture and forage recover from the drought
While most of the drought attention was given to corn and soybeans, pastures and hay crops were suffering just as much. Many Corn Belt operations had to ship cattle early and liquidate beef herds because of the lack of forage.
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Fall frost and alfalfa: Risk management in play for growers
The lingering impact of this year’s drought has some producers debating whether to cut their alfalfa before a killing frost to ensure their livestock have sufficient stored forage or to not cut it to ensure the plants have less risk of winter injury, an Ohio State University Extension educator said.
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Ammonia treatment of low quality roughage stretches feed supplies
The availability of economical roughage sources that can support acceptable cattle performance is a concern this year because of the widespread drought conditions.
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Texas crop, weather: El Niño fizzles, winter not so wet
Despite a now wavering El Niño, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was still predicting warmer-than-average temperatures in much of Texas. But it’s less of a sure thing than it was a month or so ago when a strong El Niño was expected , said the Texas state climatologist.
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Using fall grass to supplement poor-quality drought hay
Don't waste good grass growth this fall, a University of Missouri nutritionist tells cow-herd owners. Use it as supplement for low-quality hay.
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ASK THE EXPERT
Question: My pastures were hit pretty hard by drought this season. What should I be looking for to help my pastures recover?
Answer: Matt McGowin, DuPont Crop Protection range and pasture specialist in the mid-South region.Severe lack of moisture and record-setting heat in many parts of the country weakened plants, challenged weed control efforts and amplified plant stress from grazing. The result has been thinner stands of grass that will have a harder time competing with weeds. Read More…
