Chute N The Bull

As of Oct. 5, 2009, El Nino was still present across the equatorial
Pacific Ocean with sea surface temperatures at least 1° C above average
and expected to strengthen, lasting through the winter. This increases
our probability of having a cool, wet winter. Winter El Nino episodes
feature a strong jet stream and storm track across the southern part of
the United States as depicted in the figure.
Those of us who planted winter pasture this September are enjoying
excellent pasture conditions with stocking rates of 400-600 pounds of
beef per acre. This is likely the best fall you have seen since 1994.
Winter pasture will continue to grow for a little while as we move into
December. Once soil temperatures fall below 55-60° F, plant growth is
seriously inhibited, and what you have is about all you will see until
the soil begins to warm up again in the spring. As a rule of thumb, 90
percent of fall production occurs by December. This is a great time for
you to estimate reserve herd days to see if you will be under- or
overstocked for the next 90 days and adjust accordingly. For fallplanted
small grains, you will have approximately 150 lbs per acre-inch of
forage and need to figure on leaving a 3-inch stubble height. If you are
understocked, then animal gain will be maximized for the fall period and
range between 2-2.25 lbs of gain per head per day. If you are
overstocked, plan to feed a little along the way or simply expect
average daily gain to be slightly below 2 pounds.Those of you who will be grazing livestock on dry grass have already had
enough moisture this fall. Any additional moisture from
December-February only decreases the quality and quantity of available
standing forage. It is much easier to maintain a cow's body condition
during a dry winter as the grass remains more upright and is "stronger."
Increased humidity during the winter also adds to the chance of an
animal being out of its thermal comfort zone, which reduces its
performance. Unless you are grazing on native grass in good to excellent
condition, there is a high probability you will be feeding hay a little
sooner than normal or expect to lose a little more condition on your
cows. Even if you are grazing on standing native grass in excellent
condition, you might plan to feed a supplement high in energy after Jan.
1 to help maintain body condition on your cows.
You can find this and past articles on the web at
http://www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com/ for your reference. Extension
programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race,
color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M
University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County
Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless
of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or
national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating







Thank you,

Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax