The Integrity Beef program (IBeef) was first introduced several years
ago to a few progressive cow-calf producers. It serves as an example of
an integrated effort to apply state-of-the-art technology and best
management practices of the cattle industry to produce a more
consistent, high quality product. Today, the IBeef program is a joint
effort between the Noble Foundation consultation program and
participating cooperators. It endeavors to be a producer-led program
with the Noble Foundation serving as consultants to the program. The aim
of this "value added" program is to realize greater returns to
operations by producing calves that incorporate superior genetics,
improved herd health and management strategies that enable diverse
marketing opportunities.
This program invites cow/calf producers to participate who adhere to
specified recordkeeping protocols, best management practices and bull
selection criteria, as defined by a panel of producers and Noble
Foundation consultants. Each calf crop must be age- and source-verified
before leaving the ranch of origin. Producers must provide documentation
of birthdates, and each animal must be uniquely identified with an
electronic (EID) and ranch identification tag.
All age and source verification services for IBeef participants are
performed by an industry leading, third-party, USDA-approved
verification provider, which allows participating ranchers to market
cattle as age-/source-verified (ASV) to any feedyard, market or other
industry participant. Participation in the process verification program
(PVP) allows producers to meet qualifications for Country Of Origin
Labeling (COOL), which became effective March 16, 2009. ASV has to be
performed prior to the animals leaving the ranch of origin.
All IBeef participants must meet Level I BQA training requirements to
ensure that they have the working knowledge to properly process and
handle cattle using the industry-recognized standards. Noble Foundation
consultants provide training and online testing materials.
Another requirement for participation in the IBeef program is to obtain
a Premise Identification Number. The biggest benefit of obtaining a
Premise ID is it qualifies producers to compete in the global
marketplace with livestock whose meat products are eligible for export.
A unique Premise ID is obtained by registering with the state health
department or state veterinarian. Online registration is obtained at the
following Web sites - for Oklahoma, www.OK.LocateIn48.com, and for
Texas, www.tahc.state.tx.us/animal_id.
All IBeef participants are asked to contact Noble Foundation IBeef
representatives prior to spring processing to determine the total number
of calves participating in the Integrity Beef program for the year and
to arrange for EID delivery. Once a Noble Foundation IBeef
representative is contacted, a user account is created for producers
with the third-party, USDA-approved PVP provider on their Web site that
allows participants to view their respective animal information. EID
tags and forms are shipped directly to the ranch headquarters.
Enrollment is updated annually through a Noble Foundation IBeef
representative.
IBeef producers are responsible for EID tagging and data collection with
the exception of new participants to the program. All new Integrity Beef
participants are required to have a member of the consultation team
representing their region present at the first calf working date to
validate that the processing is performed using BQA practices, assist
with the age and source verification process, provide recommendations on
cattle handling and answer any other questions that the participant may
have.
Calves are then weaned and processed again in the fall. Producers
collect weaning data and precondition the calves for at least 45 days.
The calves are then eligible for collective marketing through a
sanctioned sale, are marketed as independent groups or are retained for
marketing at a later date as heavy stockers or feeders. Thcollected is analyzed to produce reports that are used by the consultation teams and participants to monitor progress toward defined
goals.
The IBeef program is a "value added" program – and more. As you can see
from the management practices outlined above, this program is intensive.
It requires more because it takes a lot more effort to differentiate a
program in an extremely competitive industry. It is for the truly
progressive producer who values data, information, application of
technology, quality livestock and production practices; and is willing
to hold themselves to a higher standard - integrity. For more
information about the Integrity Beef program, contact one of the Noble
Foundation IBeef representatives. You can find this and past articles
on the web at www.mycountrytractor.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
Mycountrytractor.com is the destination for those looking for community info. Mycountrytractor is involved with county events and child involvement to help support local 4-H and FFA events. We have wonderful Agriculture information for our visitors for all your farming and ranching needs
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Chute N The Bull 5-24-10
Largemouth bass is the most popular fish in central Texas private impoundments. In this area, more landowners manage for and more fishermen fish for largemouth bass than any other species in private impoundments. Although fishermen enjoy catching substantial numbers of bass, most fishermen want to catch some large bass.
Each impoundment has a capacity to produce a certain biomass (overall weight or amount) of largemouth bass.
This biomass depends upon impoundment surface area, water quality, fertility, phytoplankton (microscopic algae) production, invertebrate production, prey fish abundance, prey fish size distribution, bass size distribution and other factors. Most unfed and unfertilized impoundments in this area containing both largemouth bass and bluegill have 15-75 pounds of bass per surface acre, but their overall range of bass biomass is approximately 0-174 pounds of bass per surface acre, with relatively few having more than 100 pounds of bass per acre.
Largemouth bass size distribution is typically best in impoundments larger than one-half acre (preferably larger than 1 acre) with good water quality, adequate phytoplankton or visible aquatic vegetation, and appropriate numbers of bass and bluegill. Largemouth bass biomass and size distribution are generally poor in relatively infertile, clear impoundments without aquatic vegetation. To allow improvements in largemouth bass abundance and size distribution in such situations, several grass carp should be removed if present or impoundments should be fertilized.
Impoundment water should have total alkalinity greater than 20 parts per million calcium carbonate equivalent, pH of 6.5-9 at dawn, a greenish color and, generally, an average visibility of 10-30 inches.
However, visibility can be clearer when aquatic plants dominate 10-25 percent of an impoundment. When water quality and plant community (phytoplankton or visible aquatic plants) do not fit these parameters, they should be addressed before expecting improvements in bass size.
Prey fish biomass and size distribution must be adequate to support large bass. A largemouth bass fishery will not have many large fish over the long term without abundant prey fish. Bluegill is the most appropriate prey fish for largemouth bass in impoundments. When prey fish are absent or scarce in an impoundment with suitable water quality and plant community, adequate numbers and sizes of bluegill should be stocked to increase largemouth bass size.
To increase the average size of stunted largemouth bass in an impoundment with suitable water quality, plant community and prey fish, the number of stunted bass must be reduced. When too many largemouth bass are present, they quit growing or grow very slowly because more bass are present than available prey. As an example, if an impoundment supports 45 pounds of bass biomass per acre and 90 adult bass per acre are present, the average bass size will be about one-half pound (about 10 inches long). A crowded, stunted largemouth bass fishery is fairly common in impoundments. Typically, the vast majority of adult largemouth bass are smaller than 13 inches, and few are larger than 20 inches in crowded, stunted bass fisheries.
The number of stunted bass that should be removed from an impoundment to improve size depends upon bass biomass and other factors. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine biomass. When water quality, plant community and prey fish are appropriate, I suggest initially trying to remove about 10 pounds of stunted bass per acre during a year. If this harvest rate does not improve average size, I suggest increasing stunted bass harvest rate by 5-10 pounds per acre annually until average size improves. Bass larger than the stunted sizes should be returned to an impoundment (catch and release) because 2 pounders are necessary to grow 3 pounders, 3 pounders are necessary to grow 4 pounders, etc. Also, larger bass help reduce the number of smaller bass by consuming them. You can find this and past articles on the web at 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
Each impoundment has a capacity to produce a certain biomass (overall weight or amount) of largemouth bass.
This biomass depends upon impoundment surface area, water quality, fertility, phytoplankton (microscopic algae) production, invertebrate production, prey fish abundance, prey fish size distribution, bass size distribution and other factors. Most unfed and unfertilized impoundments in this area containing both largemouth bass and bluegill have 15-75 pounds of bass per surface acre, but their overall range of bass biomass is approximately 0-174 pounds of bass per surface acre, with relatively few having more than 100 pounds of bass per acre.
Largemouth bass size distribution is typically best in impoundments larger than one-half acre (preferably larger than 1 acre) with good water quality, adequate phytoplankton or visible aquatic vegetation, and appropriate numbers of bass and bluegill. Largemouth bass biomass and size distribution are generally poor in relatively infertile, clear impoundments without aquatic vegetation. To allow improvements in largemouth bass abundance and size distribution in such situations, several grass carp should be removed if present or impoundments should be fertilized.
Impoundment water should have total alkalinity greater than 20 parts per million calcium carbonate equivalent, pH of 6.5-9 at dawn, a greenish color and, generally, an average visibility of 10-30 inches.
However, visibility can be clearer when aquatic plants dominate 10-25 percent of an impoundment. When water quality and plant community (phytoplankton or visible aquatic plants) do not fit these parameters, they should be addressed before expecting improvements in bass size.
Prey fish biomass and size distribution must be adequate to support large bass. A largemouth bass fishery will not have many large fish over the long term without abundant prey fish. Bluegill is the most appropriate prey fish for largemouth bass in impoundments. When prey fish are absent or scarce in an impoundment with suitable water quality and plant community, adequate numbers and sizes of bluegill should be stocked to increase largemouth bass size.
To increase the average size of stunted largemouth bass in an impoundment with suitable water quality, plant community and prey fish, the number of stunted bass must be reduced. When too many largemouth bass are present, they quit growing or grow very slowly because more bass are present than available prey. As an example, if an impoundment supports 45 pounds of bass biomass per acre and 90 adult bass per acre are present, the average bass size will be about one-half pound (about 10 inches long). A crowded, stunted largemouth bass fishery is fairly common in impoundments. Typically, the vast majority of adult largemouth bass are smaller than 13 inches, and few are larger than 20 inches in crowded, stunted bass fisheries.
The number of stunted bass that should be removed from an impoundment to improve size depends upon bass biomass and other factors. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine biomass. When water quality, plant community and prey fish are appropriate, I suggest initially trying to remove about 10 pounds of stunted bass per acre during a year. If this harvest rate does not improve average size, I suggest increasing stunted bass harvest rate by 5-10 pounds per acre annually until average size improves. Bass larger than the stunted sizes should be returned to an impoundment (catch and release) because 2 pounders are necessary to grow 3 pounders, 3 pounders are necessary to grow 4 pounders, etc. Also, larger bass help reduce the number of smaller bass by consuming them. You can find this and past articles on the web at 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
Friday, May 14, 2010
Chute N The Bull 5-14-10
Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) is a cool-season grass that originated in southern Europe. It is sometimes called Italian ryegrass. Although an annual, ranchers in the southeast U.S. depend on it for its reseeding ability, resulting in "volunteer" stands of annual ryegrass from year to year once the seed bank is established. The greatest use of ryegrass in the Noble Foundation service area within 100 miles of Ardmore, Okla., is either as a component of a winter pasture mix to be grazed out by stocker cattle or as an early-season forage overseeded into bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) to provide 30-45 days of grazing prior to bermudagrass breaking dormancy.
Annual ryegrass is not a perennial plant or a cereal grain. There are perennial ryegrasses (Lolium perenne L.), but they are not adapted to the Southern Great Plains. Rye (Secale cereal L.) is a common winter annual that, because of the name, is sometimes confused with ryegrass.
Why Producers Like Annual Ryegrass
Annual ryegrass is easy to establish since it doesn't require a prepared seedbed. A broadcast seeding of 20-30 pounds of seed per acre over a wheat/rye/oats pasture or a shortly grazed bermudagrass pasture is all that is needed to produce a stand of annual ryegrass. Some producers will lightly disk their bermudagrass pastures in the fall to encourage the annual ryegrass to germinate. When overseeded into bermudagrass sod, most of the production occurs from early April through June. Planting time for annual ryegrass is late August through early October, but can be as late as February. Annual ryegrass will germinate in the fall, but there is usually not sufficient top growth to support much fall grazing except in a clean-tilled situation. In Noble Foundation variety trials using a clean-tilled seedbed, ryegrass has been shown to out-produce wheat or rye plantings in terms of total production, and the seed is usually less expensive than small grains seed.
Management Challenges With Annual Ryegrass
The biggest challenge for managing annual ryegrass when overseeding is to manage the growth so that it doesn't impede the early growth of the bermudagrass. It is not uncommon in Texas and Oklahoma to have good precipitation in the early spring followed by a dry summer. Early spring rains allow ryegrass to produce an abundance of forage. Annual ryegrass will use the available moisture and then shade the bermudagrass just as it is trying to break dormancy. The result is a severely weakened, suppressed stand of bermudagrass.
To manage the annual ryegrass growth spurt before the bermudagrass greens up, high stock densities of livestock are necessary to keep up with the growth. In some years, haying is the best or only means to adequately remove the ryegrass to allow the bermudagrass to start its growth cycle. Ryegrass hay is usually of high quality if cut and baled properly.
Other Management Considerations
Do not overseed all of your bermudagrass with annual ryegrass. Designate certain pastures as ryegrass pastures, and leave your best bermudagrass pastures as monocultures. Allocate approximately 1 acre per cow to provide you with 30-45 days of grazing in early spring, provided you fertilize in February or March with 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre.
Early production of bermudagrass will be lost if the ryegrass growth is not removed by grazing or haying no later than May 15. For some producers, however, that 30-45 days of grazing prior to May is worth it to be able to quit feeding hay.
Overseeding annual ryegrass into bermudagrass does not provide a free lunch. You will lose some early production of bermudagrass in a normal year, and, if it is dry for the rest of the summer, you could lose your entire stand of bermudagrass. You can find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.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
Annual ryegrass is not a perennial plant or a cereal grain. There are perennial ryegrasses (Lolium perenne L.), but they are not adapted to the Southern Great Plains. Rye (Secale cereal L.) is a common winter annual that, because of the name, is sometimes confused with ryegrass.
Why Producers Like Annual Ryegrass
Annual ryegrass is easy to establish since it doesn't require a prepared seedbed. A broadcast seeding of 20-30 pounds of seed per acre over a wheat/rye/oats pasture or a shortly grazed bermudagrass pasture is all that is needed to produce a stand of annual ryegrass. Some producers will lightly disk their bermudagrass pastures in the fall to encourage the annual ryegrass to germinate. When overseeded into bermudagrass sod, most of the production occurs from early April through June. Planting time for annual ryegrass is late August through early October, but can be as late as February. Annual ryegrass will germinate in the fall, but there is usually not sufficient top growth to support much fall grazing except in a clean-tilled situation. In Noble Foundation variety trials using a clean-tilled seedbed, ryegrass has been shown to out-produce wheat or rye plantings in terms of total production, and the seed is usually less expensive than small grains seed.
Management Challenges With Annual Ryegrass
The biggest challenge for managing annual ryegrass when overseeding is to manage the growth so that it doesn't impede the early growth of the bermudagrass. It is not uncommon in Texas and Oklahoma to have good precipitation in the early spring followed by a dry summer. Early spring rains allow ryegrass to produce an abundance of forage. Annual ryegrass will use the available moisture and then shade the bermudagrass just as it is trying to break dormancy. The result is a severely weakened, suppressed stand of bermudagrass.
To manage the annual ryegrass growth spurt before the bermudagrass greens up, high stock densities of livestock are necessary to keep up with the growth. In some years, haying is the best or only means to adequately remove the ryegrass to allow the bermudagrass to start its growth cycle. Ryegrass hay is usually of high quality if cut and baled properly.
Other Management Considerations
Do not overseed all of your bermudagrass with annual ryegrass. Designate certain pastures as ryegrass pastures, and leave your best bermudagrass pastures as monocultures. Allocate approximately 1 acre per cow to provide you with 30-45 days of grazing in early spring, provided you fertilize in February or March with 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre.
Early production of bermudagrass will be lost if the ryegrass growth is not removed by grazing or haying no later than May 15. For some producers, however, that 30-45 days of grazing prior to May is worth it to be able to quit feeding hay.
Overseeding annual ryegrass into bermudagrass does not provide a free lunch. You will lose some early production of bermudagrass in a normal year, and, if it is dry for the rest of the summer, you could lose your entire stand of bermudagrass. You can find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.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
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Better Living for Texans Program
May 11, 2010
The Leon County AgriLife Extension Service=s Better Living for Texans Program is offering Nutrition classes locally to help residents learn how to plan and serve healthy meals. The classes,
My Pyramid: Better Health with Better Choices, Food Safety and You, and Shopping Strategies to Stretch Your Food Dollars are offered free of charge.
The classes will be held at 10:00 am on the second Thursday in June, July and August 12, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Normangee, Texas.
June 10 - My Pyramid: Better Health with Better Choices, participants will learn how to apply three keys to good health.
July 8 - Food Safety and You, instructs participants on the prevention of foodborne illness, such as food poisoning.
August 12 - Shopping Strategies to Stretch Your Food Dollars, instructs participants on three ways that consumers can stretch their food dollars.
To learn more about the Better Living for Texan Program contact the AgriLife Extension Service
at 903 536-2531.
Extension programs serve people 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 County Commissioners Court of Texas Cooperating.
The Leon County AgriLife Extension Service=s Better Living for Texans Program is offering Nutrition classes locally to help residents learn how to plan and serve healthy meals. The classes,
My Pyramid: Better Health with Better Choices, Food Safety and You, and Shopping Strategies to Stretch Your Food Dollars are offered free of charge.
The classes will be held at 10:00 am on the second Thursday in June, July and August 12, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Normangee, Texas.
June 10 - My Pyramid: Better Health with Better Choices, participants will learn how to apply three keys to good health.
July 8 - Food Safety and You, instructs participants on the prevention of foodborne illness, such as food poisoning.
August 12 - Shopping Strategies to Stretch Your Food Dollars, instructs participants on three ways that consumers can stretch their food dollars.
To learn more about the Better Living for Texan Program contact the AgriLife Extension Service
at 903 536-2531.
Extension programs serve people 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 County Commissioners Court of Texas Cooperating.
Chute N The Bull 5-10-10
Potassium (K) is an essential element in plants and is considered one of the three macronutrients, along with nitrogen and phosphorus. Its relative amount is analyzed and reported in almost all routine soil samples. Therefore, it's obvious that it is important. Unfortunately, with recent price increases, it has gone from being the least expensive to the most expensive of the three macronutrients. In this article, I'll look at where potassium deficiencies are most likely to occur, the consequences of these deficiencies and management strategies to address these situations.
Plants take up potassium in the ionic form (K+). Since soils have a net negative electrical charge due to the clays and organic matter, the positively charged potassium is held magnetically to the clays and organic matter particles in the soil. The more clay and organic matter there is in the soil, the more strongly potassium is held. If there is little clay and/or organic matter in the soil, potassium can leach out of the root zone in heavy rains. Therefore, one likely place for potassium deficiency to occur is in very sandy soils with low organic matter contents.
Another likely spot for potassium deficiency to occur is in hay fields. Hay and silage remove large amounts of potassium because they remove entire plants. With higher hay and silage yields, more potassium is removed. Very little potassium is removed in grazing situations, and grain crops and cotton do not remove as much potassium as hay or silage. If harvesting forages and crop residues for biofuel becomes commonplace, potassium deficiencies will likely increase due to whole plant removal.
Potassium deficiencies are expressed in various ways due to the functions the element serves in the plant. One beneficial function of potassium is that it helps reduce the severity of some plant diseases. This is especially true in perennial forages, such as alfalfa and bermudagrass. If these species are deficient in potassium, the stand will probably not last as long as it would if potassium levels were adequate. Another beneficial function of potassium in plants is that it increases winter hardiness in perennial forages. Having adequate potassium will not make a cold-sensitive forage species thrive in Minnesota, but it can make a difference in how well it handles an abnormally cold winter within its adapted range. This, coupled with the disease resistance benefits of adequate potassium, helps explain why perennial forages grown in soils with optimum levels of potassium have longer-lived stands than those grown in potassium-deficient soils.
Since potassium fertilizers have increased in price, what are some management strategies to employ? First, collect soil samples from all fields you intend to fertilize. This will let you know if you actually have low levels of soil potassium. Do not apply potassium (or any other nutrient) without a soil test just because you think it may be lacking. This could be rather expensive if you don't need it.
Second, if you have low/medium soil potassium and you are cutting hay from your place, consider grazing the fields and buying your hay from somewhere else. This allows you to run more cows. Also, when you buy hay and feed it, you are adding nutrients, including potassium, onto your land from someone else's field. The value of nutrients you receive when buying hay and feeding it offsets a large portion of the cost of the hay. If you cut hay from your fields to feed to your cows, try to feed the hay back in that same field to recycle the nutrients rather than export them.
Third, if you are selling high yields of a premium hay crop (alfalfa or horse-quality bermudagrass), apply the rate of potassium recommended by soil test. While it may be expensive, you will more than make up the cost in increased yields and longer-lived stands. You can find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.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
Plants take up potassium in the ionic form (K+). Since soils have a net negative electrical charge due to the clays and organic matter, the positively charged potassium is held magnetically to the clays and organic matter particles in the soil. The more clay and organic matter there is in the soil, the more strongly potassium is held. If there is little clay and/or organic matter in the soil, potassium can leach out of the root zone in heavy rains. Therefore, one likely place for potassium deficiency to occur is in very sandy soils with low organic matter contents.
Another likely spot for potassium deficiency to occur is in hay fields. Hay and silage remove large amounts of potassium because they remove entire plants. With higher hay and silage yields, more potassium is removed. Very little potassium is removed in grazing situations, and grain crops and cotton do not remove as much potassium as hay or silage. If harvesting forages and crop residues for biofuel becomes commonplace, potassium deficiencies will likely increase due to whole plant removal.
Potassium deficiencies are expressed in various ways due to the functions the element serves in the plant. One beneficial function of potassium is that it helps reduce the severity of some plant diseases. This is especially true in perennial forages, such as alfalfa and bermudagrass. If these species are deficient in potassium, the stand will probably not last as long as it would if potassium levels were adequate. Another beneficial function of potassium in plants is that it increases winter hardiness in perennial forages. Having adequate potassium will not make a cold-sensitive forage species thrive in Minnesota, but it can make a difference in how well it handles an abnormally cold winter within its adapted range. This, coupled with the disease resistance benefits of adequate potassium, helps explain why perennial forages grown in soils with optimum levels of potassium have longer-lived stands than those grown in potassium-deficient soils.
Since potassium fertilizers have increased in price, what are some management strategies to employ? First, collect soil samples from all fields you intend to fertilize. This will let you know if you actually have low levels of soil potassium. Do not apply potassium (or any other nutrient) without a soil test just because you think it may be lacking. This could be rather expensive if you don't need it.
Second, if you have low/medium soil potassium and you are cutting hay from your place, consider grazing the fields and buying your hay from somewhere else. This allows you to run more cows. Also, when you buy hay and feed it, you are adding nutrients, including potassium, onto your land from someone else's field. The value of nutrients you receive when buying hay and feeding it offsets a large portion of the cost of the hay. If you cut hay from your fields to feed to your cows, try to feed the hay back in that same field to recycle the nutrients rather than export them.
Third, if you are selling high yields of a premium hay crop (alfalfa or horse-quality bermudagrass), apply the rate of potassium recommended by soil test. While it may be expensive, you will more than make up the cost in increased yields and longer-lived stands. You can find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.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
Monday, May 3, 2010
Chute N the Bull
Of all the feedstuffs livestock consume, hay is probably one of the most variable in terms of quality. Hay can look good and still be low quality, or look bad and be good quality. The best way to know for sure is to have it tested. However, many people never take the time to send off a sample for analysis.
What are the factors affecting the quality of hay?
Stage of Maturity
This refers to the growth stage of the plant at the time of harvest. Stage of maturity is by far the most important factor influencing quality. The younger the plant, the higher the quality. I've actually seen common bermudagrass test greater than 20 percent crude protein on a dry matter basis. If you want to harvest or purchase good-quality hay, pay particular attention to maturity. In southern Oklahoma, we can expect to harvest decent-quality bermudagrass if it's cut prior to mid-June. If you delay much beyond that time, quality rapidly begins declining with the first cutting.
Leafiness
This refers to the proportion of leaves versus stems present and is also related to the stage of maturity, especially in grass hays. The younger the plant, the greater the proportion of leaves. As a grass matures, stems increase or are elevated, thus decreasing the quality of the forage.
Color
Color is not always a good indicator of quality. Color often tells us more about the curing process of the hay than its quality. Hay that is bright green was typically cut at a desirable stage of maturity and rapidly cured. Yellow color is often a result of sun bleaching and does not seriously reduce quality. Brownish hay is usually a result of excessive moisture during the curing process, thus indicating some degree of fermentation. Dark brown or black is often an indicator that the hay was exposed to rain or high humidity and is usually accompanied by a distinctive musty odor. Overall, slight discolorations from sun bleaching, dew or moderate fermentation are not as serious as the loss of green color from maturity, rain damage or excessive heating or fermentation.
Foreign Matter
This typically includes materials that are wasted in the feeding process. Weeds are the biggest problem in our area, but sometimes, injurious materials such as threeawn, sandburs and poisonous plants can be found. Always inspect hay for foreign matter.
Odor and Condition
Use the smell of newly mown hay as your standard of comparison. Hays with off odors such as mildew, mustiness or rotten odors often indicate reduced quality and acceptance by livestock. And finally, soft, pliable hays are typically more palatable than hard, firm hays. Remember, stage of maturity is the most important factor affecting hay quality and will also affect leafiness, color and condition. However, the only way to truly know the quality of hay you plan to buy, sell or feed is to have it tested. You can find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.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
What are the factors affecting the quality of hay?
Stage of Maturity
This refers to the growth stage of the plant at the time of harvest. Stage of maturity is by far the most important factor influencing quality. The younger the plant, the higher the quality. I've actually seen common bermudagrass test greater than 20 percent crude protein on a dry matter basis. If you want to harvest or purchase good-quality hay, pay particular attention to maturity. In southern Oklahoma, we can expect to harvest decent-quality bermudagrass if it's cut prior to mid-June. If you delay much beyond that time, quality rapidly begins declining with the first cutting.
Leafiness
This refers to the proportion of leaves versus stems present and is also related to the stage of maturity, especially in grass hays. The younger the plant, the greater the proportion of leaves. As a grass matures, stems increase or are elevated, thus decreasing the quality of the forage.
Color
Color is not always a good indicator of quality. Color often tells us more about the curing process of the hay than its quality. Hay that is bright green was typically cut at a desirable stage of maturity and rapidly cured. Yellow color is often a result of sun bleaching and does not seriously reduce quality. Brownish hay is usually a result of excessive moisture during the curing process, thus indicating some degree of fermentation. Dark brown or black is often an indicator that the hay was exposed to rain or high humidity and is usually accompanied by a distinctive musty odor. Overall, slight discolorations from sun bleaching, dew or moderate fermentation are not as serious as the loss of green color from maturity, rain damage or excessive heating or fermentation.
Foreign Matter
This typically includes materials that are wasted in the feeding process. Weeds are the biggest problem in our area, but sometimes, injurious materials such as threeawn, sandburs and poisonous plants can be found. Always inspect hay for foreign matter.
Odor and Condition
Use the smell of newly mown hay as your standard of comparison. Hays with off odors such as mildew, mustiness or rotten odors often indicate reduced quality and acceptance by livestock. And finally, soft, pliable hays are typically more palatable than hard, firm hays. Remember, stage of maturity is the most important factor affecting hay quality and will also affect leafiness, color and condition. However, the only way to truly know the quality of hay you plan to buy, sell or feed is to have it tested. You can find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.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
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Chute N The Bull
With the tight profit margins agricultural producers face, the need to control input costs is greater than ever. As input costs rise, we naturally try to reduce these costs whenever we can. One cost-cutting approach producers often ask about is reducing herbicide rates, sometimes to below the minimum listed on the label. It is an option, but consider these pros and cons before taking this approach to cutting costs.
Pros:
• There is the potential for saving up to 50 percent of the herbicide cost per acre depending on the species of weeds present and their herbicide susceptibility. For low rates to be effective, the weeds must be a highly susceptible species and be treated when they are very small.
• Low rates may reduce the potential for adverse environmental impacts.
Cons:
• Because low rate applications must be made early when the weeds are small, the potential for later weed flushes that would require a second application increases.
• Careful scouting is required to identify the weed species and estimate their density before they get too large. Producers must invest the time to get out and walk their fields and pastures to see the small weeds.
• The application window is very short to treat the weeds while they are small and susceptible. Any delays caused by wind, rain or other conflicts can allow the weeds to get too large to be controlled by a low rate.
• Small weeds are more susceptible to herbicides, but since the target crop is smaller, it may also be more susceptible to herbicide injury.
• The cost savings are only for the herbicide. The application cost remains the same regardless of herbicide rate.
• The potential for a control failure is higher with below-label rates. Chemical manufacturers conduct tests over a wide range of environments and select rates they believe will provide the most consistent performance. If a below-labeled rate is used and a failure occurs, the producer assumes all of the liability.
• In cases where a failure occurs, the surviving weeds can go to seed and recharge the seedbank to become future weed problems.
• Only highly susceptible weed species will be controlled at low rates. Less susceptible species listed on the label may not be controlled and will continue to pose problems.
An additional concern is the potential development of herbicide resistance. In some cases, the use of low herbicide rates has selected for individual weeds within a species with some herbicide resistance. Those surviving plants then reproduce and their resulting progeny have an increased level of resistance. In one experiment using several rates of a known herbicide on susceptible ryegrass, there were plants that survived the low rate application. These plants were then allowed to reproduce, and, within four generations, a completely herbicide-resistant population developed. If you suspect herbicide resistance, switch to a herbicide with a completely different mode of action that is labeled for the weed and use the full, labeled rate.
Another issue is the legality of using below-label rates. The rates listed on herbicide labels are approved by the EPA and any application above those rates is illegal. However, some state officials say that a user can legally choose a rate lower than listed on the label unless the label specifically prohibits lower rates. It is best to check with your state department of agriculture to find out if they consider below-label rate applications a violation.
Use of low rates is an option to consider in certain situations, but it carries significant risks that the producer must be willing to accept. The producer must decide if the potential cost savings is worth accepting the associated risks. You can find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.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
Pros:
• There is the potential for saving up to 50 percent of the herbicide cost per acre depending on the species of weeds present and their herbicide susceptibility. For low rates to be effective, the weeds must be a highly susceptible species and be treated when they are very small.
• Low rates may reduce the potential for adverse environmental impacts.
Cons:
• Because low rate applications must be made early when the weeds are small, the potential for later weed flushes that would require a second application increases.
• Careful scouting is required to identify the weed species and estimate their density before they get too large. Producers must invest the time to get out and walk their fields and pastures to see the small weeds.
• The application window is very short to treat the weeds while they are small and susceptible. Any delays caused by wind, rain or other conflicts can allow the weeds to get too large to be controlled by a low rate.
• Small weeds are more susceptible to herbicides, but since the target crop is smaller, it may also be more susceptible to herbicide injury.
• The cost savings are only for the herbicide. The application cost remains the same regardless of herbicide rate.
• The potential for a control failure is higher with below-label rates. Chemical manufacturers conduct tests over a wide range of environments and select rates they believe will provide the most consistent performance. If a below-labeled rate is used and a failure occurs, the producer assumes all of the liability.
• In cases where a failure occurs, the surviving weeds can go to seed and recharge the seedbank to become future weed problems.
• Only highly susceptible weed species will be controlled at low rates. Less susceptible species listed on the label may not be controlled and will continue to pose problems.
An additional concern is the potential development of herbicide resistance. In some cases, the use of low herbicide rates has selected for individual weeds within a species with some herbicide resistance. Those surviving plants then reproduce and their resulting progeny have an increased level of resistance. In one experiment using several rates of a known herbicide on susceptible ryegrass, there were plants that survived the low rate application. These plants were then allowed to reproduce, and, within four generations, a completely herbicide-resistant population developed. If you suspect herbicide resistance, switch to a herbicide with a completely different mode of action that is labeled for the weed and use the full, labeled rate.
Another issue is the legality of using below-label rates. The rates listed on herbicide labels are approved by the EPA and any application above those rates is illegal. However, some state officials say that a user can legally choose a rate lower than listed on the label unless the label specifically prohibits lower rates. It is best to check with your state department of agriculture to find out if they consider below-label rate applications a violation.
Use of low rates is an option to consider in certain situations, but it carries significant risks that the producer must be willing to accept. The producer must decide if the potential cost savings is worth accepting the associated risks. You can find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.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
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