For most cattle producers, culling cows is not an easy task. However, some culling needs to be done each year to maintain optimal productivity. Records on each cow's yearly production would be beneficial when making culling decisions, but collecting some information when the cows are processed can give you a good place to start.
Cattlemen should make it a point to evaluate all breeding females at least once a year. Weaning is likely the most convenient time to do this evaluation. In addition to their vaccinations, cows should also be pregnancy-tested, evaluated for structural soundness and aged based on the condition of their teeth. This information will take a little extra time to collect, but will be valuable when determining a culling order. In addition, this culling order will be useful during a drought as it is usually more profitable to cull unproductive cows as a drought is beginning than to try to hold on until the drought is over.
Usually, the best cows to cull are the ones that have the least chance of being productive in the long term or are the farthest away from being productive. Use the following list as a guideline for establishing your culling order. Cull cows in this order until you reach the desired herd size.
1. Disposition: Some producers can tolerate more disposition problems than others. Disposition should be evaluated both in the pasture and in the pen because some cattle will react differently once corralled. Make a note of those animals that make it difficult to gather the herd or rotate pastures. Any animal that is aggressive should make the list.
2. Open females: All open females should be culled. According to the Cattle-Fax Cow/Calf and Stocker Survey, the average annual cash cost to carry a cow in 2006 was $366. It will be very difficult for an open cow to make up for a year of lost production. In addition, if a heifer does not settle in the same period as her contemporaries, she is telling you that she does not fit your management environment.
3. Structural soundness: Evaluate the structural soundness of each cow based on her ability to raise a calf. Anything that limits her ability should be noted. Look for bad feet or toes, a history of prolapse, eye problems and poor udder conformation, including bad quarters and big teats.
4. Age: Typically, a cow is most productive between the ages of 4 and 9. The condition of a cow's teeth is indicative of her age. A cow with broken or missing teeth should probably be culled. Those with badly worn or separated teeth would be next on the list.
At this point, it becomes increasingly difficult to make culling decisions because you will have to cull productive animals.
5. Bred cows over 9 years of age: These cows will likely be culled in the near future and are close to the end of their most productive years. Within this group, cull the thin cows first.
6. Replacement heifers. First, cull yearling heifers that have not been exposed to a bull. These animals have very good value as feeder heifers. Bred heifers would be next in the culling order.
7. Phenotype: Use this as an opportunity to make your herd more uniform. Any cow that does not fit due to breed, size or low productivity should be culled next.
8. Bred cows 3 to 9 years of age: These are your most productive cows. If you must cull out of this group, 3-year-olds and those cows that are 8 to 9 years old would go first.
The decision about which animals to cull can be difficult. Each operation will have different goals and, therefore, may need to adjust accordingly. Use this list as a guideline for developing a culling order for your herd. 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
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Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Chute N The Bull 9-18-10
Grasslands are complex environments comprised of many different kinds of living organisms affected by abiotic factors such as weather. There are few things that are black and white in such complex ecosystems, but there may be some self-evident "truths." If you haven't considered them in your grazing operation, perhaps you should.
Rotational grazing
Grazing systems developed over the past 100 years attempt to optimize the productivity of pastures while at the same time produce a useable or saleable product. What most rotational grazing systems try to do is mimic the defoliation patterns under which grasslands were thought to have evolved; severe defoliation of native flora by massive herds of native ungulates (hoofed animals such as bison) for a relatively short period of time. Did short-term overgrazing occur by bison? Of course it did.
The integrity of these grasslands was maintained because bison would not return to these heavily grazed areas for many months or years, giving the land adequate opportunity to recuperate. Short duration grazing, high intensity-low frequency grazing, management-intensive grazing and, recently, mob-grazing have all been introduced as the grazing system that best mimics the movements of the great bison herds of the past. Fences were not in place back then, but rotational grazing occurred by herd movements over time. Isn't it interesting that these massive herds were able to maintain their numbers despite no one being around to feed them hay all winter long?
Diversity of grazing species
Historically, the Southern Great Plains was a very diverse ecosystem with a mixture of grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees on the landscape. Bison preferred herbaceous vegetation; woody plants were not their forage of choice. Fortunately, there were other ungulates that did utilize woody plants as well as forbs. Pronghorn antelope, elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer were common on the Southern Great Plains prior to European settlement. Today, domestic cattle have taken the place of the bison, and many cattle producers spend huge amounts of money trying to kill plants that some animals (e.g., deer, domestic sheep and goats) use. Fencing is a challenge for sheep and goats, but money spent on weed and brush control would buy a lot of woven wire fence. Cattle didn't pay for five-strand barbed wire fences the first year they were up, either.
Fire
The impact of fire on the Great Plains cannot be overstated. In addition to grazing, plant communities evolved with fire during all months of the year. The resulting regrowth was preferred by grazing animals, and Native Americans would use this technique to attract the great bison herds. Fire on the Great Plains has been reduced significantly since European settlement, resulting in increasing woody vegetation such as Eastern Red-cedar. Not using prescribed fire can lead to loss of grassland, landscape heterogeneity and plant diversity, not to mention the cost of trying to control woody plants with chemicals. Fire is not a stand-alone tool. In conjunction with a targeted grazing system and a diversity of grazing animals, you may be able to use forbs and woody plants instead of fighting them. 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
Rotational grazing
Grazing systems developed over the past 100 years attempt to optimize the productivity of pastures while at the same time produce a useable or saleable product. What most rotational grazing systems try to do is mimic the defoliation patterns under which grasslands were thought to have evolved; severe defoliation of native flora by massive herds of native ungulates (hoofed animals such as bison) for a relatively short period of time. Did short-term overgrazing occur by bison? Of course it did.
The integrity of these grasslands was maintained because bison would not return to these heavily grazed areas for many months or years, giving the land adequate opportunity to recuperate. Short duration grazing, high intensity-low frequency grazing, management-intensive grazing and, recently, mob-grazing have all been introduced as the grazing system that best mimics the movements of the great bison herds of the past. Fences were not in place back then, but rotational grazing occurred by herd movements over time. Isn't it interesting that these massive herds were able to maintain their numbers despite no one being around to feed them hay all winter long?
Diversity of grazing species
Historically, the Southern Great Plains was a very diverse ecosystem with a mixture of grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees on the landscape. Bison preferred herbaceous vegetation; woody plants were not their forage of choice. Fortunately, there were other ungulates that did utilize woody plants as well as forbs. Pronghorn antelope, elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer were common on the Southern Great Plains prior to European settlement. Today, domestic cattle have taken the place of the bison, and many cattle producers spend huge amounts of money trying to kill plants that some animals (e.g., deer, domestic sheep and goats) use. Fencing is a challenge for sheep and goats, but money spent on weed and brush control would buy a lot of woven wire fence. Cattle didn't pay for five-strand barbed wire fences the first year they were up, either.
Fire
The impact of fire on the Great Plains cannot be overstated. In addition to grazing, plant communities evolved with fire during all months of the year. The resulting regrowth was preferred by grazing animals, and Native Americans would use this technique to attract the great bison herds. Fire on the Great Plains has been reduced significantly since European settlement, resulting in increasing woody vegetation such as Eastern Red-cedar. Not using prescribed fire can lead to loss of grassland, landscape heterogeneity and plant diversity, not to mention the cost of trying to control woody plants with chemicals. Fire is not a stand-alone tool. In conjunction with a targeted grazing system and a diversity of grazing animals, you may be able to use forbs and woody plants instead of fighting them. 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
Cow Country Congress
2010 Cow Country Congress
To Be Held in Freestone County
September 23th, 2010
Cow Country Congress is an annual multi-county event supported by the Extension Beef & Forage Committees from Walker, Madison, Houston, Trinity, Leon, Freestone and Anderson Counties. This educational program rotates within the group of host counties each year. In addition to the traditional seven county area, beef producers from outside these counties are invited to attend this educational program. Participants in attendance will have the opportunity to visit with a variety of commercial exhibitors several times during the course of the day between presentations, demonstrations, and tours of the host property.
The 2010 Cow Country Congress program will meet at one of the F.E. Hill Company Ranch locations located north of Fairfield, Texas. The program is scheduled for Thursday, September 23, 2010. F.E. Hill Company Ranch is a multifaceted agricultural enterprise that has been known in Freestone County for extremely high quality hay production, and intensive beef herd management characterized by progressive reproductive practices. The ranch also uses an intense land management program that allows them to decrease production cost. Waterfowl and Whitetail Deer are managed for and are abundant on their property. Topics discussed at this Cow Country Congress will include new methods in feral hog control, wildlife diversification on the ranch, fly control in the cow herd, and genetics and their role at F.E. Hill Company Ranch. A live cattle handling demonstration will also be provided along with a discussion by the Luminant Power Big Brown Complex Reclaim Team. The site where the event will be hosted is a reclaim site resulting from coal mining operations in the area. The team will discuss the reclaim process and share some recommendations on land management. This event will also showcase truly outstanding facilities for working cattle.
Program registration will begin at 8:15 AM. The program will begin with introductions at 8:45 AM. Individuals interested in attending the 2010 Cow Country Congress should R.S.V.P. prior to September 21st to the Freestone County Extension Office (903) 389-3436, or one of the other participating County Extension Offices from any of the seven sponsoring counties. A registration fee of $10.00 per person will provide each participant a Barbeque Lunch with all the trimmings! In addition to the benefits of a catered lunch, on-site commercial vendors, and touring the ranch operation, each participant with a Texas Department of Agriculture- Pesticide Applicators License will be eligible for 2 IPM hours of Continuing Education Credits for renewal of their license. Additional participant credit of 1.5 hours will be given for Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) recertification. Directions and a printable map may be downloaded from the Freestone County Texas AgriLife Extension Service web page at http://freestone-tx.tamu.edu.
Provisions from the American Disability Act will be considered when planning educational programs and activities. Please notify the County Extension Office if you plan on attending an Extension Educational program and need specialized services. Notification of at least two weeks in advance is needed, so that we may have ample time to acquire resources needed to meet your needs. 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 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
To Be Held in Freestone County
September 23th, 2010
Cow Country Congress is an annual multi-county event supported by the Extension Beef & Forage Committees from Walker, Madison, Houston, Trinity, Leon, Freestone and Anderson Counties. This educational program rotates within the group of host counties each year. In addition to the traditional seven county area, beef producers from outside these counties are invited to attend this educational program. Participants in attendance will have the opportunity to visit with a variety of commercial exhibitors several times during the course of the day between presentations, demonstrations, and tours of the host property.
The 2010 Cow Country Congress program will meet at one of the F.E. Hill Company Ranch locations located north of Fairfield, Texas. The program is scheduled for Thursday, September 23, 2010. F.E. Hill Company Ranch is a multifaceted agricultural enterprise that has been known in Freestone County for extremely high quality hay production, and intensive beef herd management characterized by progressive reproductive practices. The ranch also uses an intense land management program that allows them to decrease production cost. Waterfowl and Whitetail Deer are managed for and are abundant on their property. Topics discussed at this Cow Country Congress will include new methods in feral hog control, wildlife diversification on the ranch, fly control in the cow herd, and genetics and their role at F.E. Hill Company Ranch. A live cattle handling demonstration will also be provided along with a discussion by the Luminant Power Big Brown Complex Reclaim Team. The site where the event will be hosted is a reclaim site resulting from coal mining operations in the area. The team will discuss the reclaim process and share some recommendations on land management. This event will also showcase truly outstanding facilities for working cattle.
Program registration will begin at 8:15 AM. The program will begin with introductions at 8:45 AM. Individuals interested in attending the 2010 Cow Country Congress should R.S.V.P. prior to September 21st to the Freestone County Extension Office (903) 389-3436, or one of the other participating County Extension Offices from any of the seven sponsoring counties. A registration fee of $10.00 per person will provide each participant a Barbeque Lunch with all the trimmings! In addition to the benefits of a catered lunch, on-site commercial vendors, and touring the ranch operation, each participant with a Texas Department of Agriculture- Pesticide Applicators License will be eligible for 2 IPM hours of Continuing Education Credits for renewal of their license. Additional participant credit of 1.5 hours will be given for Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) recertification. Directions and a printable map may be downloaded from the Freestone County Texas AgriLife Extension Service web page at http://freestone-tx.tamu.edu.
Provisions from the American Disability Act will be considered when planning educational programs and activities. Please notify the County Extension Office if you plan on attending an Extension Educational program and need specialized services. Notification of at least two weeks in advance is needed, so that we may have ample time to acquire resources needed to meet your needs. 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 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, September 16, 2010
Chute N The Bull 9-10-10
It's September and fall is fast approaching. The growing season is winding down, but from a forage production standpoint, an active growing season still lies ahead. For much of our area, the first hard freeze will occur about Nov. 24, which leaves a good 60 days of growing season for warm-season forages. Cool-season forage growth will occur optimally in a temperature range from 70 to 80 degrees F with some growth occurring as low as 40° F, meaning cool-season forages can conceivably grow through winter in Texas. Favorable growing temperatures during this period are also accompanied by rain.
Stockpile Introduced forages Bermudagrass, bahiagrass, Old World bluestems and tall fescue are some of the more common forages that can be used for stockpiling. Of these, bermudagrass and tall fescue will work the best due to the quality and the amount of forage they can produce. If stockpiling toxic-endophyte-infected tall fescue, delay use until as late in the season as possible. For introduced forages, ideally select a pasture where previous growth has been removed, and apply nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of 50 to 60 lbs/ac. On bermudagrass at this fertility rate, expect about 2,500 lbs/ac accumulation. Here are two things to keep in mind regarding stockpile fertility of warm-season perennials. One, if spring fertility was applied, due to the dry spring and limited forage growth, there may be carryover nitrogen available; a soil test can tell you this. Two, growing days are limited - there is no need for high nitrogen rates since response will be limited by the short growing season. If phosphorus and potassium are deficient, this is a good time to correct deficiencies. Defer from grazing until after frost. If you have introduced pastures with a large amount of residual growth from spring or summer, do not add additional fertilizer. These can be utilized, but realize this is not a true stockpile, and quality will be much, much lower than fresh, fall-accumulated stockpile. Forage utilization will be higher if grazing access can be controlled through the use of strip grazing or some other means. Make sure you match quality to animal requirements and supplement appropriately.
Nativegrass
In a perfect situation, nativegrass stockpile would begin with spring grazing followed by deferment from early July until frost. In a less-than-perfect situation, nativegrass needs at least 60 to 75 days of rest prior to frost to accumulate carbohydrate reserves for spring growth. If sufficient growth has occurred during this period to allow grazing, it can be utilized after a hard frost. After frost, be very careful not to graze the range too close - leave a 6-inch residual to avoid crown damage. Again, be aware that quality may not be the best, and supplementation should be done based on animal requirements.
Cool-Season Annuals (CSA)
The traditional establishment deadline for CSA has been Sept. 15. Clean-till CSA are usually best utilized by growing animals because of their high quality and cost of establishment. Overseeding CSA into warm-season perennials is a common practice, but, due to competition from warm-season perennials during the fall, expect only limited fall production from CSA. No-till drilling the annual can help with establishment and earlier production. Annual ryegrass is the most common overseeded annual with bermudagrass. It can give you 45 to 60 days of grazing prior to bermudagrass green-up. Overseed 15 to 20 pounds per acre of ryegrass in September, and topdress with nitrogen in February. Because of its aggressive re-seeding, annual ryegrass may not need to be re-seeded for several years. Acreage that is used for stockpile bermudagrass works well for ryegrass production. Grazing the stockpile off allows for the spring release of ryegrass. It is not advisable to have all your introduced warm-season perennial forage acres overseeded because spring competition will delay green-up of the warm-season perennials.
Some Tips
1. When using stockpile, remember that cows are very selective forage consumers - just like you are at your favorite buffet. If allowed, cows will consume leaves first, followed by stems, which can lead to underutilization if grazing is not controlled.
2. Extending the grazing season implies that you are pushing limits of forage availability. If forage availability is limited, animal intake will be limited, which directly influences condition and performance. Try to accumulate 2,000 pounds of forage per acre so intake will not be limited. Be sure to monitor cow body condition and make adjustments as necessary.
3. Monitor cow pies. When a cow pie stacks up like a high rise, forage quality has dropped and you probably need to add a supplement.
4. Always have hay on hand. Establish a goal of only feeding hay for 45 days during the winter, or, better yet, eliminate hay feeding. But be realistic and err on the side of caution and have the hay when you need it.
5. Avoid the "sympathy bale." Many producers really like their cows and work a little too hard to meet cow needs. Producers need to change their mindset from "I have to feed hay" to "I feed hay only when I have to."
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
Stockpile Introduced forages Bermudagrass, bahiagrass, Old World bluestems and tall fescue are some of the more common forages that can be used for stockpiling. Of these, bermudagrass and tall fescue will work the best due to the quality and the amount of forage they can produce. If stockpiling toxic-endophyte-infected tall fescue, delay use until as late in the season as possible. For introduced forages, ideally select a pasture where previous growth has been removed, and apply nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of 50 to 60 lbs/ac. On bermudagrass at this fertility rate, expect about 2,500 lbs/ac accumulation. Here are two things to keep in mind regarding stockpile fertility of warm-season perennials. One, if spring fertility was applied, due to the dry spring and limited forage growth, there may be carryover nitrogen available; a soil test can tell you this. Two, growing days are limited - there is no need for high nitrogen rates since response will be limited by the short growing season. If phosphorus and potassium are deficient, this is a good time to correct deficiencies. Defer from grazing until after frost. If you have introduced pastures with a large amount of residual growth from spring or summer, do not add additional fertilizer. These can be utilized, but realize this is not a true stockpile, and quality will be much, much lower than fresh, fall-accumulated stockpile. Forage utilization will be higher if grazing access can be controlled through the use of strip grazing or some other means. Make sure you match quality to animal requirements and supplement appropriately.
Nativegrass
In a perfect situation, nativegrass stockpile would begin with spring grazing followed by deferment from early July until frost. In a less-than-perfect situation, nativegrass needs at least 60 to 75 days of rest prior to frost to accumulate carbohydrate reserves for spring growth. If sufficient growth has occurred during this period to allow grazing, it can be utilized after a hard frost. After frost, be very careful not to graze the range too close - leave a 6-inch residual to avoid crown damage. Again, be aware that quality may not be the best, and supplementation should be done based on animal requirements.
Cool-Season Annuals (CSA)
The traditional establishment deadline for CSA has been Sept. 15. Clean-till CSA are usually best utilized by growing animals because of their high quality and cost of establishment. Overseeding CSA into warm-season perennials is a common practice, but, due to competition from warm-season perennials during the fall, expect only limited fall production from CSA. No-till drilling the annual can help with establishment and earlier production. Annual ryegrass is the most common overseeded annual with bermudagrass. It can give you 45 to 60 days of grazing prior to bermudagrass green-up. Overseed 15 to 20 pounds per acre of ryegrass in September, and topdress with nitrogen in February. Because of its aggressive re-seeding, annual ryegrass may not need to be re-seeded for several years. Acreage that is used for stockpile bermudagrass works well for ryegrass production. Grazing the stockpile off allows for the spring release of ryegrass. It is not advisable to have all your introduced warm-season perennial forage acres overseeded because spring competition will delay green-up of the warm-season perennials.
Some Tips
1. When using stockpile, remember that cows are very selective forage consumers - just like you are at your favorite buffet. If allowed, cows will consume leaves first, followed by stems, which can lead to underutilization if grazing is not controlled.
2. Extending the grazing season implies that you are pushing limits of forage availability. If forage availability is limited, animal intake will be limited, which directly influences condition and performance. Try to accumulate 2,000 pounds of forage per acre so intake will not be limited. Be sure to monitor cow body condition and make adjustments as necessary.
3. Monitor cow pies. When a cow pie stacks up like a high rise, forage quality has dropped and you probably need to add a supplement.
4. Always have hay on hand. Establish a goal of only feeding hay for 45 days during the winter, or, better yet, eliminate hay feeding. But be realistic and err on the side of caution and have the hay when you need it.
5. Avoid the "sympathy bale." Many producers really like their cows and work a little too hard to meet cow needs. Producers need to change their mindset from "I have to feed hay" to "I feed hay only when I have to."
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
Chute N the Bull 9-2-10
Productive winter pasture can be a valuable asset, but can also be expensive to establish and grow. Following are five items that will help
your winter pasture start out right.
First, determine what kind of winter pasture is best suited to your
location. This article will only address wheat and cereal rye, our
primary winter pasture species, although other options include oats,
triticale, annual ryegrass, brome grasses, tall fescue and cool-season
legumes. Wheat is better adapted to heavier soils and lasts longer in
the spring, while cereal rye is better adapted to lighter soils and
provides earlier grazing in the fall. Select the forage or forage
mixture that fits your location and meets your forage demands.
Second, collect good quality soil samples and have them analyzed at a
reputable agricultural laboratory. A good quality soil sample will be
representative of the field, collected to the depth recommended by the
lab, be a composite of at least 15 soil cores and represent no more than
40 acres. Phosphorus, potassium and lime requirements can only be
determined by soil analysis. If these are deficient or if soil pH is
below 5.5, production potential and response to nitrogen fertilizer will
be reduced. Phosphorus and potassium should be applied prior to or near
planting while lime should be applied well before planting to allow it
time to react. Nitrogen rates are based on yield goal unless a
sensor-based system, like the Greenseeker®, is being used. Nitrogen
application timing depends on when the forage is needed. If fall or
early winter grazing is the priority, apply most or all of the nitrogen
near planting or soon after emergence. If spring grazing is the
priority, apply enough nitrogen to get the crop started in the fall and
the remainder in late winter or early spring.
Third, prepare a good seedbed. Seedbed preparation can be clean till,
minimum till or no till. Stand establishment is usually quickest with a
weed-free, firm, clean-till seedbed; however, this is the most expensive
method and increases the risk of soil erosion. Minimum till preparation
may consist of mowing, haying or grazing standing vegetation short
and/or burning down with a herbicide followed by light tillage. No-till
preparation is similar to minimum till without the tillage, although
managing summer growth and previous crop residue becomes more important.
Fourth, select a planting method and seeding rate. Planting methods
include drilling and broadcasting. Advantages of drill planting include
improved plant spacing, lower seeding rates, better seed to soil contact
and proper seeding depth. Seeding rates for drill planting range from 90
to 120 pounds per acre. Disadvantages are slower planting speed and
higher equipment costs. Broadcast planting involves spreading the seed
over the seedbed surface, then incorporating it into the soil with a
disk, culti-packer or other light tillage implement. Advantages of
broadcast seeding include faster planting speed, lower equipment cost
and the ability to spread with fertilizer. Disadvantages are higher
seeding rate, lack of depth control, requirement of a second pass for
incorporation and a higher risk of stand failure. Seeding rates for
broadcast planting range from 120 to 150 pounds per acre.
Fifth, select a good variety with quality seed available. Variety
selection can be complicated by seed availability, but try to find one
that has produced well over several years and/or locations in university
trials. Using good quality planting seed is just as important as using
the right variety. If time permits, have an accelerated aging test
conducted to have an indication of the seedling vigor as well as
viability.
By paying attention to these items and with a little cooperation from
Mother Nature, you have taken the first steps toward productive winter
pastures. Next, be ready to manage post-emergence weeds, insects,
diseases and grazing. You can find this and past articles on the web at
http://www.mycountrytractor.com/ for your 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
your winter pasture start out right.
First, determine what kind of winter pasture is best suited to your
location. This article will only address wheat and cereal rye, our
primary winter pasture species, although other options include oats,
triticale, annual ryegrass, brome grasses, tall fescue and cool-season
legumes. Wheat is better adapted to heavier soils and lasts longer in
the spring, while cereal rye is better adapted to lighter soils and
provides earlier grazing in the fall. Select the forage or forage
mixture that fits your location and meets your forage demands.
Second, collect good quality soil samples and have them analyzed at a
reputable agricultural laboratory. A good quality soil sample will be
representative of the field, collected to the depth recommended by the
lab, be a composite of at least 15 soil cores and represent no more than
40 acres. Phosphorus, potassium and lime requirements can only be
determined by soil analysis. If these are deficient or if soil pH is
below 5.5, production potential and response to nitrogen fertilizer will
be reduced. Phosphorus and potassium should be applied prior to or near
planting while lime should be applied well before planting to allow it
time to react. Nitrogen rates are based on yield goal unless a
sensor-based system, like the Greenseeker®, is being used. Nitrogen
application timing depends on when the forage is needed. If fall or
early winter grazing is the priority, apply most or all of the nitrogen
near planting or soon after emergence. If spring grazing is the
priority, apply enough nitrogen to get the crop started in the fall and
the remainder in late winter or early spring.
Third, prepare a good seedbed. Seedbed preparation can be clean till,
minimum till or no till. Stand establishment is usually quickest with a
weed-free, firm, clean-till seedbed; however, this is the most expensive
method and increases the risk of soil erosion. Minimum till preparation
may consist of mowing, haying or grazing standing vegetation short
and/or burning down with a herbicide followed by light tillage. No-till
preparation is similar to minimum till without the tillage, although
managing summer growth and previous crop residue becomes more important.
Fourth, select a planting method and seeding rate. Planting methods
include drilling and broadcasting. Advantages of drill planting include
improved plant spacing, lower seeding rates, better seed to soil contact
and proper seeding depth. Seeding rates for drill planting range from 90
to 120 pounds per acre. Disadvantages are slower planting speed and
higher equipment costs. Broadcast planting involves spreading the seed
over the seedbed surface, then incorporating it into the soil with a
disk, culti-packer or other light tillage implement. Advantages of
broadcast seeding include faster planting speed, lower equipment cost
and the ability to spread with fertilizer. Disadvantages are higher
seeding rate, lack of depth control, requirement of a second pass for
incorporation and a higher risk of stand failure. Seeding rates for
broadcast planting range from 120 to 150 pounds per acre.
Fifth, select a good variety with quality seed available. Variety
selection can be complicated by seed availability, but try to find one
that has produced well over several years and/or locations in university
trials. Using good quality planting seed is just as important as using
the right variety. If time permits, have an accelerated aging test
conducted to have an indication of the seedling vigor as well as
viability.
By paying attention to these items and with a little cooperation from
Mother Nature, you have taken the first steps toward productive winter
pastures. Next, be ready to manage post-emergence weeds, insects,
diseases and grazing. You can find this and past articles on the web at
http://www.mycountrytractor.com/ for your 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, August 30, 2010
Chute N The Bull 8-30-10
Whether you raise crops, forages or animals, there seems to be a constant flow of new products into the agricultural marketplace. You see advertisements in trade publications, at stores and farm shows, and on the Internet and television. How do you know if these new products really work? Do they really make your other inputs work better or give you greater yields or better quality in your end product or anything else that they promise?
Marketing of these new products will often include pictures, testimonials and some form of numerical data. Naturally, the numerical data will show an advantage to using the new product. However, it is very important to know some things about the numbers. The most important thing to know is whether or not the numbers are statistically significant. I won't go into an in-depth lesson on statistics, but here are some basics that need to be considered.
Was the study replicated? We all know there is variability in biological systems. Replication allows an experiment to be conducted in a way that accounts for natural variability. This way we can have a certain degree of assurance the difference observed is real and not just due to natural variability.
Was the study conducted one year or over multiple years? Again, there is variability from year to year. We want some degree of assurance that the product will work every year and not just once in a while when conditions are just right.
Was the study done in an environment similar to yours? Even if it was properly replicated over multiple years, results may be completely different in a field or laboratory far from your location. What works in the Panhandle of Oklahoma may not work on the Gulf Coast of Texas and vice versa.
Was the study statistically analyzed? If so, look for a least significant difference (LSD) value. This is, as the name implies, the least numerical difference between any two treatments that is significant. Differences between product A and product B that are less than the LSD are not significant, and we cannot say with confidence that A and B are truly different from each other. Likewise, differences between product A and product B that are greater than the LSD are significant, and we can say with a degree of confidence that A and B are truly different from each other.
Whether you are looking at different wormers, pesticides or any other input, look for replicated data from multiple locations and multiple years in environments similar to yours that show they have been statistically analyzed. Only then can you be confident that the new product will work for you. . 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
Marketing of these new products will often include pictures, testimonials and some form of numerical data. Naturally, the numerical data will show an advantage to using the new product. However, it is very important to know some things about the numbers. The most important thing to know is whether or not the numbers are statistically significant. I won't go into an in-depth lesson on statistics, but here are some basics that need to be considered.
Was the study replicated? We all know there is variability in biological systems. Replication allows an experiment to be conducted in a way that accounts for natural variability. This way we can have a certain degree of assurance the difference observed is real and not just due to natural variability.
Was the study conducted one year or over multiple years? Again, there is variability from year to year. We want some degree of assurance that the product will work every year and not just once in a while when conditions are just right.
Was the study done in an environment similar to yours? Even if it was properly replicated over multiple years, results may be completely different in a field or laboratory far from your location. What works in the Panhandle of Oklahoma may not work on the Gulf Coast of Texas and vice versa.
Was the study statistically analyzed? If so, look for a least significant difference (LSD) value. This is, as the name implies, the least numerical difference between any two treatments that is significant. Differences between product A and product B that are less than the LSD are not significant, and we cannot say with confidence that A and B are truly different from each other. Likewise, differences between product A and product B that are greater than the LSD are significant, and we can say with a degree of confidence that A and B are truly different from each other.
Whether you are looking at different wormers, pesticides or any other input, look for replicated data from multiple locations and multiple years in environments similar to yours that show they have been statistically analyzed. Only then can you be confident that the new product will work for you. . 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, August 23, 2010
Chute N The Bull 8-23-10
I recently went on a consultation visit to a producer's farm. The last time I had been on his property was 2005. Some of his bermudagrass pastures were infested with threeawn, but for the most part, they were in fair to good condition. At that time, we assisted him with fine tuning his fertilizer applications through soil testing and recommending the appropriate nutrients to apply for his production goals. We also recommended he rotate between haying and grazing on these pastures. His native grass pastures were only in fair condition, and he wanted to improve them. We recommended he rest his better native grass pastures for at least half the growing season and rest those in the poorest condition for the entire growing season, and only graze them from frost until May 1.
What a difference a few years has made. His bermudagrass pastures are in excellent condition with little evidence of threeawn. They are still being managed for both bermudagrass and ryegrass for haying and grazing. The native grass pastures are in good to excellent condition and are now dominated by Indiangrass, switchgrass, big bluestem and little bluestem. Overall, his total forage production has increased significantly from 2005 to 2010.
Introduced pastures, such as bermudagrass, can be rapidly improved through proper fertility, weed control and grazing management. However, native grass pastures are a different beast altogether. When I see a native grass pasture in poor condition, I typically ask producers if it was previously used as cropland, how long it has been in its current state, what is the current stocking rate and grazing management practice, and what it has been in the past. I evaluate the resource to see if there is still any evidence of desirable plants. All of these facts are key to developing a plan to improve one's pastures and can be the difference between success and failure. However, the proper stocking rate is always first and foremost in any system of livestock management.
When our stocking rate is too high, we are destined to fail in the long run. The longer we have overgrazed a pasture, the longer it will take to recover. If a pasture has been in cropland for many years and is now being managed for grazing, there may be little seed left in the soil to produce desirable plants, and it may be necessary to add seed to the system. If the pasture has not been cropped and there is evidence of desirable plants, simply incorporating periodic rest may be sufficient to improve the condition of the range.
For a simple review of management guidelines to assist you with improving pasture condition and optimizing forage utilization, please see Management Guidelines Can Help Improve Pasture Condition, Optimize Forage Utilization. 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
What a difference a few years has made. His bermudagrass pastures are in excellent condition with little evidence of threeawn. They are still being managed for both bermudagrass and ryegrass for haying and grazing. The native grass pastures are in good to excellent condition and are now dominated by Indiangrass, switchgrass, big bluestem and little bluestem. Overall, his total forage production has increased significantly from 2005 to 2010.
Introduced pastures, such as bermudagrass, can be rapidly improved through proper fertility, weed control and grazing management. However, native grass pastures are a different beast altogether. When I see a native grass pasture in poor condition, I typically ask producers if it was previously used as cropland, how long it has been in its current state, what is the current stocking rate and grazing management practice, and what it has been in the past. I evaluate the resource to see if there is still any evidence of desirable plants. All of these facts are key to developing a plan to improve one's pastures and can be the difference between success and failure. However, the proper stocking rate is always first and foremost in any system of livestock management.
When our stocking rate is too high, we are destined to fail in the long run. The longer we have overgrazed a pasture, the longer it will take to recover. If a pasture has been in cropland for many years and is now being managed for grazing, there may be little seed left in the soil to produce desirable plants, and it may be necessary to add seed to the system. If the pasture has not been cropped and there is evidence of desirable plants, simply incorporating periodic rest may be sufficient to improve the condition of the range.
For a simple review of management guidelines to assist you with improving pasture condition and optimizing forage utilization, please see Management Guidelines Can Help Improve Pasture Condition, Optimize Forage Utilization. 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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