Overcoming forage shortages in a drought
During the drought of 2012, producers with disappearing forage were seeking options to feed livestock.
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Forage Focus: Pasture and hayfield renovation
As a result of last summer's drought, I am getting questions about pasture and hayfield renovation. What can be done to thicken up forage stands that have been thinned out?
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Tips on managing forage, water, and cattle resources
Burke Teichert, Orem, UT is no stranger to the beef industry. Experience runs deep with Teichert especially in the area of managing forages and cattle resources during difficult times such as droughts.
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First green grass of spring not enough to supply nutrient needs
Turning cow herds out to graze pastures at the first sign of green grass harms forage growth later in the season. But there’s another big reason to wait, says a University of Missouri beef nutritionist.
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Mineral supplements reduce risk of grass tetany
For much of Oklahoma, wheat pasture is shorter than normal, but lack of hay, standing forage, and high priced supplements have forced some cow herds onto the graze-out wheat this spring.
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BeefTalk: Looking for $200
Traditionally, income would be seen as a positive influence and expenses a negative in beef herds.
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South Texas drought taking its toll on cattle ranchers
The unrelenting drought is taking its toll on South Texas cattle ranchers who are resorting to a centuries-old emergency method of feeding cattle.
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Fresh grass means new calves
As ol’ man winter releases us from his grip, the pastures will begin to flourish. We’ve had a good fall and winter as far as precipitation is considered and forages are expected to take off quickly once the temperatures warm.
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Interseeding legumes into pastures can lower costs
Clovers provide several benefits when they are used in pastures along with grass species. If the pasture species composition is 30 to 50% legumes research has showed us there is no benefit to adding additional nitrogen fertilizer.
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Farmers, ranchers mitigate impacts of drought with good planning
USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service is helping to mitigate impacts of drought across the nation. With good drought plans and conservation systems, farmers and ranchers are better equipped to manage dry and other extreme weather.
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Mississippi cattle farm practices good conservation
A Panola County cattleman is using native grasses in a 200-acre intensive grazing operation that is both efficient and environmentally friendly.
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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…
