The first grazing school of 2011 is scheduled for the Tuesday evenings of January 11, 18 and 25. The three session course will be held 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Auditorium, 2280 State Route 540, Bellefontaine, Ohio. A Grazing School is designed for the producer or farm manager. It provides valuable information in a fun atmosphere that can be used to ensure that the grazing operation on your farm is environmentally responsible as well as economically viable. If you are a producer or an agency person with an interest in grazing management please plan on attending. Registration is $40 that will include the Pasture for Profit Notebook and Pasture Stick. A flyer with the agenda and registration form is available at http://co.logan.oh.us/soilandwater/.
Additional information is available by contacting Bob Stoll, District Conservationist, Bellefontaine at 937-593-2946 extension 114 or email bob.stoll@oh.usda.gov.
Benefits from attending:
-Qualifies you for additional points when applying for USDA EQIP
-Increase knowledge about forage growth to improve pasture management
-Improve the environmental quality; clean water and air, healthy soil, plants and animals
-Learn ways to increase net profit in your farming operation
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
10th Annual Heart Of America Grazing Conference
The 10th Annual Heart of America Grazing Conference is returning to Kentucky. It will be held January 25 & 26 at the Holiday Inn Hurstbourne in Louisville. The Conference rotates among five states (Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky). The program will feature leading speakers from all five states concerning topics of interest to all producers interested in grazing. In addition to informative presentations, a silent auction and trade show will be featured. The program gets underway January 25 at 2:00 p.m. EST with exhibit set-up. Registration begins at 3:00 p.m. Registration is $35.00/day/person until January 15. After that date it will go up to $65.00. It includes two meals, refreshments, proceedings and other conference-related information. Complete program and registration information is available at our website www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage or by contacting Christi Forsythe at cforsyth@uky.edu or 270-365-7541, Ext. 221.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Ohio Forages and Grasslands Council Annual Meeting February 11, 2011
The Ohio Forages and Grasslands Council Annual Meeting will be February 11, 2011 from 8:30 to 4:00 p.m. The focus will be “The Plant and How It Grows”. Dr.Glen Schmaker, Forage Specialist, Extension Assistant Professor from University of Idaho will do sessions on making hay, understanding how to maximize grazing based on the time of day and cool season plants. Dr. Marvin Hall, Penn State Professor of Forage Management will have sessions on plant growth and how animals utilize the plants. Besides the keynote speakers, Ohio producer panel will share their observations and experiences with plant production and harvesting practices. The meeting will be held at Ohio Department of Agriculture at Reynoldsburg, Ohio. For more information, call Leah Miller at 740.545.6349.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Graze Pasture Residual or Use a Sacrifice Lot?
By: Rory Lewandowski, Extension Educator Athens County and Buckeye Hills EERA
I recently received an email inquiry from a livestock owner who practices rotational grazing. His question is one that many graziers may be facing with dry fall conditions. Copied below is his email question and my response to his question.
Question:
It’s very dry.
Have saved residual 3 to 5” forage in most paddocks. I don’t expect any more growth this fall due to lack of rain. I have penned up the cattle and have been feeding hay. I think I have read that it may do no harm to next years growth to graze very dormant forage to the ground. I would prefer to bale feed on pasture rather than in a sacrifice area. This would mean letting the cattle graze the remaining forage to the ground. Will this damage the pasture for the future? By bale feeding on pasture rather than penned in a sacrifice area I would save the work of dealing with manure, and reduce loss of nutrients by having the bales waste and manure deposited on the pasture.
What do you suggest?
Reply:
You have done well to save a 3-5 inch residual in pasture paddocks, good management!
I understand your reasoning about feeding hay in a sacrifice area vs. out in a pasture paddock, and you are right, you would have the nutrients deposited in the areas you feed in. You are also right that grass growth will be limited (if we get rain and cooler temps) or non-existent (if it stays dry and hot). However, I advise against grazing down your forage residual if that is what it takes to feed bales. This would be un-doing all of your good management up to this point.
Even though the grass is not growing those leaves can still photosynthesize and help that plant build up carbohydrate reserves that are necessary to overwinter the plant and provide for spring green-up and root growth. Even in a fall with better rainfall, grass growth rates fall off much more than photosynthetic rates. That is why it is so important not to overgraze in the fall of the year and to maintain adequate leaf area for photosynthesis.
Once we get to the point where soil temperature drops to around 40 degrees F, then grass growth and root development is truly done for the year, and the leaf residual can be grazed down close to soil level if necessary. Grazing off forage residual now will stress plants and will open up the sod base to invasion by weeds, especially some of the winter annuals. Pasture will green up slower next spring and next season’s overall production potential can be decreased. So, at this point in the year, I still advise that the sacrifice lot is used.
I recently received an email inquiry from a livestock owner who practices rotational grazing. His question is one that many graziers may be facing with dry fall conditions. Copied below is his email question and my response to his question.
Question:
It’s very dry.
Have saved residual 3 to 5” forage in most paddocks. I don’t expect any more growth this fall due to lack of rain. I have penned up the cattle and have been feeding hay. I think I have read that it may do no harm to next years growth to graze very dormant forage to the ground. I would prefer to bale feed on pasture rather than in a sacrifice area. This would mean letting the cattle graze the remaining forage to the ground. Will this damage the pasture for the future? By bale feeding on pasture rather than penned in a sacrifice area I would save the work of dealing with manure, and reduce loss of nutrients by having the bales waste and manure deposited on the pasture.
What do you suggest?
Reply:
You have done well to save a 3-5 inch residual in pasture paddocks, good management!
I understand your reasoning about feeding hay in a sacrifice area vs. out in a pasture paddock, and you are right, you would have the nutrients deposited in the areas you feed in. You are also right that grass growth will be limited (if we get rain and cooler temps) or non-existent (if it stays dry and hot). However, I advise against grazing down your forage residual if that is what it takes to feed bales. This would be un-doing all of your good management up to this point.
Even though the grass is not growing those leaves can still photosynthesize and help that plant build up carbohydrate reserves that are necessary to overwinter the plant and provide for spring green-up and root growth. Even in a fall with better rainfall, grass growth rates fall off much more than photosynthetic rates. That is why it is so important not to overgraze in the fall of the year and to maintain adequate leaf area for photosynthesis.
Once we get to the point where soil temperature drops to around 40 degrees F, then grass growth and root development is truly done for the year, and the leaf residual can be grazed down close to soil level if necessary. Grazing off forage residual now will stress plants and will open up the sod base to invasion by weeds, especially some of the winter annuals. Pasture will green up slower next spring and next season’s overall production potential can be decreased. So, at this point in the year, I still advise that the sacrifice lot is used.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Pasture Growth by August 29
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
| Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average | Past 5 yr Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | ||||
| March 28 | 9 | 2.7 | 66 | 38.6 | na |
| April 4 | 14 | 7.7 | 93.4 | 34.4 | na |
| April 11 | 20 | 2.4 | 188.3 | 56.4 | na |
| April 18 | 24 | 0.2 | 184.5 | 48.6 | 60.9 |
| April 25 | 25 | 21.5 | 189.5 | 75 | 75.2 |
| May 2 | 60 | 3.3 | 232.7 | 97.7 | 78.6 |
| May 9 | 53 | 1 | 232.8 | 77.8 | 86.4 |
| May 16 | 61 | 3.8 | 256 | 67.4 | 100 |
| May 23 | 32 | 3.5 | 251 | 84 | 75.7 |
| May 30 | 32 | 6.5 | 131.3 | 64.6 | 58.4 |
| June 6 | 40 | 2.7 | 153.4 | 48.1 | 51 |
| June 13 | 45 | 4.1 | 215.2 | 64.2 | 48.3 |
| June 20 | 30 | 6.3 | 136.9 | 49.1 | 47.4 |
| June 27 | 34 | 4.1 | 113.4 | 48 | 49.1 |
| July 4 | 24 | 4.6 | 123.3 | 38.5 | 59.8 |
| July 11 | 18 | 6.9 | 144 | 45.6 | 35.5 |
| July 18 | 24 | 0 | 80.1 | 33.6 | 32.3 |
| July 25 | 15 | 4.7 | 88.5 | 38.8 | 32.7 |
| Aug 1 | 18 | 7 | 94.1 | 42.7 | 56.1 |
| Aug 8 | 14 | 0.4 | 96.4 | 39.7 | 37.2 |
| Aug 15 | 15 | 8.6 | 96.5 | 27.3 | 29.5 |
| Aug 22 | 17 | 1.2 | 62.2 | 29 | 41.6 |
Pasture Management in the Fall
PASTURE MANAGEMENT IN THE FALL
Rory Lewandowski, Extension Educator Athens County and Buckeye Hills EERA
The fall period, particularly the months of September and October, is an important time to manage pastures. Specifically, pastures must be managed to insure that the desirable grass and legume plants are able to build up and store carbohydrate reserves for the winter period. It is this ability to store carbohydrate reserves and thus keep a root system living over the winter months that distinguishes a perennial plant from an annual plant. It is during the short day, long night periods in the fall of the year that flower buds are formed/initiated on the crown of the plant. While the leaf tissue dies during the winter, the buds and roots of the plant remain as living tissues over the winter and continue to respire and burn energy. If root reserves are insufficient the plant may die over the winter. If the plant survives but root reserves are low, spring re-growth and vigor of the plant is reduced.
So, what is necessary for plants to build up these carbohydrate reserves? Simply put, there must be adequate leaf area so that the plant can maximize the photosynthetic process. Pastures must continue to be managed in the fall of the year so that they are not over grazed. We know that regrowth is slower in the fall of the year. Plant growth is more temperature sensitive than photosynthesis. This means that even if plant growth is very slow because of cool temperatures in the fall, if leaf area is present, photosynthesis is still taking place at a good rate. Therefore, the mistake of overgrazing is amplified in the fall of the year. Depending upon the severity of overgrazing, the plant may not regrow enough and develop enough leaf area to take advantage of sunshine and produce carbohydrates.
We often hear the term carbohydrate root reserves used when talking about winter storage. The root is the storage area of carbohydrates for plants with a taproot, including legumes like alfalfa and red clover. For white clover, the carbohydrate storage area is the stolen. Technically, our cool season grasses store the majority of carbohydrate reserves in stem and tiller bases, some in rhizomes and only a little in roots. However, this technicality does help us to understand some management aspects of pasture grass and fall carbohydrate storage. For example, orchardgrass stores carbohydrates in the lower 3 to 4 inches of stem bases and tillers. Tall fescue and bluegrass both maintain carbohydrate storage at the base of tillers as well as rhizomes. Tall fescue and bluegrass can both tolerate lower grazing/clipping heights than orchardgrass.
Once we reach the fall period it is critical that grass plants be managed to insure that adequate leaf area is left after a grazing pass. Photosynthesis will provide the carbohydrates needed for winter storage, provided there is adequate leaf area. Since leaf growth will be slow, this means leaving a typical grazing residual plus some extra. For orchardgrass this probably means 4 to 5 inches at a minimum. Tall fescue and bluegrass should probably be managed to leave a 3 to 4 inch residual.
Pasture management in the fall of the year that insures there is adequate leaf area to allow plants to maximize photosynthesis and build carbohydrate reserves will pay off in quicker spring green up and more vigorous spring plant growth.
Rory Lewandowski, Extension Educator Athens County and Buckeye Hills EERA
The fall period, particularly the months of September and October, is an important time to manage pastures. Specifically, pastures must be managed to insure that the desirable grass and legume plants are able to build up and store carbohydrate reserves for the winter period. It is this ability to store carbohydrate reserves and thus keep a root system living over the winter months that distinguishes a perennial plant from an annual plant. It is during the short day, long night periods in the fall of the year that flower buds are formed/initiated on the crown of the plant. While the leaf tissue dies during the winter, the buds and roots of the plant remain as living tissues over the winter and continue to respire and burn energy. If root reserves are insufficient the plant may die over the winter. If the plant survives but root reserves are low, spring re-growth and vigor of the plant is reduced.
So, what is necessary for plants to build up these carbohydrate reserves? Simply put, there must be adequate leaf area so that the plant can maximize the photosynthetic process. Pastures must continue to be managed in the fall of the year so that they are not over grazed. We know that regrowth is slower in the fall of the year. Plant growth is more temperature sensitive than photosynthesis. This means that even if plant growth is very slow because of cool temperatures in the fall, if leaf area is present, photosynthesis is still taking place at a good rate. Therefore, the mistake of overgrazing is amplified in the fall of the year. Depending upon the severity of overgrazing, the plant may not regrow enough and develop enough leaf area to take advantage of sunshine and produce carbohydrates.
We often hear the term carbohydrate root reserves used when talking about winter storage. The root is the storage area of carbohydrates for plants with a taproot, including legumes like alfalfa and red clover. For white clover, the carbohydrate storage area is the stolen. Technically, our cool season grasses store the majority of carbohydrate reserves in stem and tiller bases, some in rhizomes and only a little in roots. However, this technicality does help us to understand some management aspects of pasture grass and fall carbohydrate storage. For example, orchardgrass stores carbohydrates in the lower 3 to 4 inches of stem bases and tillers. Tall fescue and bluegrass both maintain carbohydrate storage at the base of tillers as well as rhizomes. Tall fescue and bluegrass can both tolerate lower grazing/clipping heights than orchardgrass.
Once we reach the fall period it is critical that grass plants be managed to insure that adequate leaf area is left after a grazing pass. Photosynthesis will provide the carbohydrates needed for winter storage, provided there is adequate leaf area. Since leaf growth will be slow, this means leaving a typical grazing residual plus some extra. For orchardgrass this probably means 4 to 5 inches at a minimum. Tall fescue and bluegrass should probably be managed to leave a 3 to 4 inch residual.
Pasture management in the fall of the year that insures there is adequate leaf area to allow plants to maximize photosynthesis and build carbohydrate reserves will pay off in quicker spring green up and more vigorous spring plant growth.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Pasture Walk
Darke County Pasture Walk
A pasture walk is scheduled for August 19, 2010 at the Dan Kremer "Eat Food for Life" Farm, 14360 Mangen Road, Yorkshire, Ohio. Yorkshire is in the northeast corner of Darke County. Directions are available at the Kremer website http://www.eatfoodforlife.com/html/location.html .
The Kremer's have implemented several grazing and pasture management practices through the use of the USDA EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program).
This will be an opportunity to learn more about an organic producer’s grazing operation and also what different producers are doing in our area. It will also be a good time to discuss and look at the different pasture options that can be used in your management system (such as fencing and watering systems and heavy use areas).
The pasture walk will begin at 6:00 p.m. Bob Hendershot USDA-NRCS Grassland Conservationist will be leading the discussion on pasture management.
Any producer interested in improving their pasture utilization and livestock grazing systems for beef and sheep production should plan to attend. The Kremer’s also have pleasure horses that are included in their pasture system.
A pasture walk is scheduled for August 19, 2010 at the Dan Kremer "Eat Food for Life" Farm, 14360 Mangen Road, Yorkshire, Ohio. Yorkshire is in the northeast corner of Darke County. Directions are available at the Kremer website http://www.eatfoodforlife.com/html/location.html .
The Kremer's have implemented several grazing and pasture management practices through the use of the USDA EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program).
This will be an opportunity to learn more about an organic producer’s grazing operation and also what different producers are doing in our area. It will also be a good time to discuss and look at the different pasture options that can be used in your management system (such as fencing and watering systems and heavy use areas).
The pasture walk will begin at 6:00 p.m. Bob Hendershot USDA-NRCS Grassland Conservationist will be leading the discussion on pasture management.
Any producer interested in improving their pasture utilization and livestock grazing systems for beef and sheep production should plan to attend. The Kremer’s also have pleasure horses that are included in their pasture system.
Pasture Walk
Jefferson County Pasture Walk Planned
(Carrollton, OH) — A Pasture Walk is planned for Thursday, August 26, 2010 at Spring Valley Farm located near Mount Pleasant, OH on County Road 1. This pasture walk is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Join us this month as we travel to Spring Valley Farms, where you will have a chance to learn about the Finney family’s experience with the ultra-high stock density grazing technique known as mob grazing. We will also be showcasing different temporary fencing and pressurized watering options.
Participants are encouraged to visit with the Eastern Ohio Grazing Council members, SWCD, and NRCS personnel during a social gathering following the workshop. Refreshments will be provided. Agland Co-op and Circle L Fence LTD have graciously agreed to sponsor this event.
Registration is required by August 20, 2010.
The Pasture Walk is presented by the Eastern Ohio Grazing Council in cooperation with Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Jefferson, & Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation Districts and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information, contact Carroll SWCD at 330-627-9852.
(Carrollton, OH) — A Pasture Walk is planned for Thursday, August 26, 2010 at Spring Valley Farm located near Mount Pleasant, OH on County Road 1. This pasture walk is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Join us this month as we travel to Spring Valley Farms, where you will have a chance to learn about the Finney family’s experience with the ultra-high stock density grazing technique known as mob grazing. We will also be showcasing different temporary fencing and pressurized watering options.
Participants are encouraged to visit with the Eastern Ohio Grazing Council members, SWCD, and NRCS personnel during a social gathering following the workshop. Refreshments will be provided. Agland Co-op and Circle L Fence LTD have graciously agreed to sponsor this event.
Registration is required by August 20, 2010.
The Pasture Walk is presented by the Eastern Ohio Grazing Council in cooperation with Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Jefferson, & Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation Districts and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information, contact Carroll SWCD at 330-627-9852.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Pasture Growth by July 25, 2010
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
| Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average | Past 5 yr Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | ||||
| March 28 | 9 | 2.7 | 66 | 38.6 | na |
| April 4 | 14 | 7.7 | 93.4 | 34.4 | na |
| April 11 | 20 | 2.4 | 188.3 | 56.4 | na |
| April 18 | 24 | 0.2 | 184.5 | 48.6 | 60.9 |
| April 25 | 25 | 21.5 | 189.5 | 75 | 75.2 |
| May 2 | 60 | 3.3 | 232.7 | 97.7 | 78.6 |
| May 9 | 53 | 1 | 232.8 | 77.8 | 86.4 |
| May 16 | 61 | 3.8 | 256 | 67.4 | 100 |
| May 23 | 32 | 3.5 | 251 | 84 | 75.7 |
| May 30 | 32 | 6.5 | 131.3 | 64.6 | 58.4 |
| June 6 | 40 | 2.7 | 153.4 | 48.1 | 51 |
| June 13 | 45 | 4.1 | 215.2 | 64.2 | 48.3 |
| June 20 | 30 | 6.3 | 136.9 | 49.1 | 47.4 |
| June 27 | 33 | 4.1 | 113.4 | 48 | 49.1 |
| July 4 | 23 | 4.6 | 123.3 | 39.1 | 59.8 |
| July 11 | 18 | 6.9 | 144 | 45.6 | 35.5 |
| July 18 | 22 | 0 | 80.1 | 30.6 | 32.3 |
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Fair Pasture Rental
In recent years, landowners and livestock producers have become interested in creative pasture leasing arrangements. From the producer standpoint concerns are long term investments such as: fencing, fertility adjustments, water accessibility/development, and facilities. From a landowner perspective the concerns are: return on land investment, retention of overall farm quality, and soil quality. I see many landowners who desire more income from their farmland and likewise livestock producers who are frustrated with rental adjustments. So what is a fair pasture rental arrangement?
While it is impossible in this article to establish recommendations appropriate for all farms, we will attempt to describe some universally important aspects of a pasture rental arrangement. So what is a pasture worth? A pasture, like a house, crop, field, or anything else being rented, is worth what someone is willing to pay. The price we can charge for land rental is directly related to demand. If we do not have competition for land, then we will be unable to get top dollar. Some parcels do not have a great deal of livestock producers living nearby. If a farmer has to travel great distances to care for livestock, the property is obviously worth less to him. On the other hand, if we have many neighbors who would benefit from the extra ground, the land becomes more valuable. To coin a real estate term, “location, location, location.”
Another factor influencing pasture rental rate is topography. Is the pasture flat and machinery accessible? Pastures which are covered with scrub brush, steep, rocky and partially inaccessible to farm machinery are not as desirable. In other words, pastures and land are not all created equal in terms of suitability for livestock production.
Pasture size makes a difference. The more acres of available pasture, the greater the worth. For example, a ten acre pasture in southeastern Ohio with an annual production of 2.5 tons per acre of forage dry matter would yield 25 tons annually or 50,000 lbs. of forage. If the pasture is one big square with no cross fencing or rotational grazing system developed, then approximately one half of this annual forage dry matter production would be available, or 25,000 lbs. of dry matter. A 1,300 lb. cow eating 2.5% of her body weight per day in forage dry matter, over the course of a year, would need 11863 lbs. of forage dry matter. This means that ten acres of pasture could handle two cows annually. Therefore, size makes a difference. It is not desirable for most livestock producers to carry two cows per farm at several locations. Conversely, a large farm with paddocks developed, good water distribution and livestock working facilities is worth much more.
Landowners who would like to encourage sustainable agricultural practices may want to consider long term pasture leases. Practices such as liming, fertility application, fencing and water development are long term investments. It will take livestock producers several years to recoup investments such as these. For this reason landowners may encourage these improvements to their property in a written lease agreement which lasts several consecutive years.
Other equally important aspects of a pasture rental arrangement include:
· Liability protection – The landowner should not be held liable for the production practices of the renter or their employees.
· Government program participation – To encourage farm improvements landowners and renters should address eligibility for government programs in a written lease agreement.
· Sub leasing – Does your lease describe what is being leased and if it can be assigned?
· Payment terms – When is the rent due and what are the consequences if the rent is not paid on time?
Landowners and livestock producers can arrive at an agreeable pasture rental arrangement. Both the property owner and livestock producer should make a list of items important to them. Look at the educational lease information provided by your local OSU Extension office. Attempt to describe these arrangements in a written document. Finally, sit down with an attorney and review the agreement. A written lease agreement is peace of mind, assuring both parties and protecting the interest of each.
While it is impossible in this article to establish recommendations appropriate for all farms, we will attempt to describe some universally important aspects of a pasture rental arrangement. So what is a pasture worth? A pasture, like a house, crop, field, or anything else being rented, is worth what someone is willing to pay. The price we can charge for land rental is directly related to demand. If we do not have competition for land, then we will be unable to get top dollar. Some parcels do not have a great deal of livestock producers living nearby. If a farmer has to travel great distances to care for livestock, the property is obviously worth less to him. On the other hand, if we have many neighbors who would benefit from the extra ground, the land becomes more valuable. To coin a real estate term, “location, location, location.”
Another factor influencing pasture rental rate is topography. Is the pasture flat and machinery accessible? Pastures which are covered with scrub brush, steep, rocky and partially inaccessible to farm machinery are not as desirable. In other words, pastures and land are not all created equal in terms of suitability for livestock production.
Pasture size makes a difference. The more acres of available pasture, the greater the worth. For example, a ten acre pasture in southeastern Ohio with an annual production of 2.5 tons per acre of forage dry matter would yield 25 tons annually or 50,000 lbs. of forage. If the pasture is one big square with no cross fencing or rotational grazing system developed, then approximately one half of this annual forage dry matter production would be available, or 25,000 lbs. of dry matter. A 1,300 lb. cow eating 2.5% of her body weight per day in forage dry matter, over the course of a year, would need 11863 lbs. of forage dry matter. This means that ten acres of pasture could handle two cows annually. Therefore, size makes a difference. It is not desirable for most livestock producers to carry two cows per farm at several locations. Conversely, a large farm with paddocks developed, good water distribution and livestock working facilities is worth much more.
Landowners who would like to encourage sustainable agricultural practices may want to consider long term pasture leases. Practices such as liming, fertility application, fencing and water development are long term investments. It will take livestock producers several years to recoup investments such as these. For this reason landowners may encourage these improvements to their property in a written lease agreement which lasts several consecutive years.
Other equally important aspects of a pasture rental arrangement include:
· Liability protection – The landowner should not be held liable for the production practices of the renter or their employees.
· Government program participation – To encourage farm improvements landowners and renters should address eligibility for government programs in a written lease agreement.
· Sub leasing – Does your lease describe what is being leased and if it can be assigned?
· Payment terms – When is the rent due and what are the consequences if the rent is not paid on time?
Landowners and livestock producers can arrive at an agreeable pasture rental arrangement. Both the property owner and livestock producer should make a list of items important to them. Look at the educational lease information provided by your local OSU Extension office. Attempt to describe these arrangements in a written document. Finally, sit down with an attorney and review the agreement. A written lease agreement is peace of mind, assuring both parties and protecting the interest of each.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Pasture Growth by June 27, 2010
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
| Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average | Past 5 yr Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | ||||
| March 28 | 9 | 2.7 | 66 | 38.6 | na |
| April 4 | 14 | 7.7 | 93.4 | 34.4 | na |
| April 11 | 20 | 2.4 | 188.3 | 56.4 | na |
| April 18 | 24 | 0.2 | 184.5 | 48.6 | 60.9 |
| April 25 | 25 | 21.5 | 189.5 | 75 | 75.2 |
| May 2 | 60 | 3.3 | 232.7 | 97.7 | 78.6 |
| May 9 | 53 | 1 | 232.8 | 77.8 | 86.4 |
| May 16 | 61 | 3.8 | 256 | 67.4 | 100 |
| May 23 | 32 | 3.5 | 251 | 84 | 75.7 |
| May 30 | 32 | 6.5 | 131.3 | 64.6 | 58.4 |
| June 6 | 40 | 2.7 | 153.4 | 48.1 | 51 |
| June 13 | 45 | 4.1 | 215.2 | 64.2 | 48.3 |
| June 20 | 26 | 8.6 | 136.9 | 51.5 | 47.4 |
Monday, June 14, 2010
Pasture Growth by June 13, 2010
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
| Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average | Past 5 yr Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | ||||
| March 28 | 9 | 2.7 | 66 | 38.6 | na |
| April 4 | 14 | 7.7 | 93.4 | 34.4 | na |
| April 11 | 20 | 2.4 | 188.3 | 56.4 | na |
| April 18 | 19 | 0.2 | 184.5 | 44.8 | 60.9 |
| April 25 | 20 | 21.5 | 189.5 | 78.4 | 75.2 |
| May 2 | 54 | 3.3 | 232.7 | 100 | 78.6 |
| May 9 | 47 | 1 | 232.8 | 77.6 | 86.4 |
| May 16 | 55 | 3.8 | 256 | 66.3 | 100 |
| May 23 | 30 | 3.5 | 251 | 62 | 75.7 |
| May 30 | 26 | 6.5 | 131.3 | 67 | 58.4 |
| June 6 | 28 | 4.4 | 153.4 | 54 | 51 |
Monday, June 7, 2010
Pasture Growth by June 6, 2010
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
| Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average | Past 5 yr Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | ||||
| March 28 | 9 | 2.7 | 66 | 38.6 | na |
| April 4 | 14 | 7.7 | 93.4 | 34.4 | na |
| April 11 | 20 | 2.4 | 188.3 | 56.4 | na |
| April 18 | 19 | 0.2 | 184.5 | 44.8 | 60.9 |
| April 25 | 20 | 21.5 | 189.5 | 78.4 | 75.2 |
| May 2 | 54 | 3.3 | 232.7 | 100 | 78.6 |
| May 9 | 47 | 1 | 232.8 | 77.6 | 86.4 |
| May 16 | 55 | 3.8 | 256 | 66.3 | 100 |
| May 23 | 30 | 3.5 | 251 | 62 | 75.7 |
| May 30 | 18 | 17.3 | 131.3 | 59.8 | 58.4 |
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Set the Stage Now for the Rest of the Grazing Season
We are at a stage now where we can affect grazing for the season. Right now our fields are finishing up their “reproductive” stage of growth as our grasses are setting seed heads and our legumes are blooming. After they set seed, perennial plants transition from the reproductive stage to the vegetative stage. Up to this transition, energy of the plant has been moving up from the roots to the seeds, but with this transition, energy movement will primarily move from the leaves to the roots. This is a good thing as it will help build up root reserves to help the plant survive the winter.
What can we do to help this? Removing the seed heads will stimulate new leaf development to build root reserves and provide more growth for grazing. Some of this can be accomplished by grazing livestock, but we may need to clip the fields. If livestock have been out of the field for a period of time, cutting for hay is an excellent option. The other option is to clip or rotary cut the fields. Either of these options will stimulate more leaf growth than no seed head removal at all.
The height at which we clip the fields will make a difference. Have you ever noticed after a field is clipped and has a chance to grow that livestock will tend to not graze below the cutting height unless they are left in a field too long? This is a tool we can use to encourage certain types of plant production. For example, if I am trying to encourage orchardgrass growth, I would want to clip my field high, say five inches. If I am trying to encourage bluegrass growth or reduce fescue, I would cut much closer.
Clipping pastures higher has another advantage. Removing the seed heads and leaving more leaves will provide shade for the soil and reduce evaporation. The additional leaves will gather more energy for the roots. If we receive one of those gully washers in July, the additional cover will allow much more moisture to soak into the soil and not run off, providing more growth for the plants.
Remember, if forage growth is more than what your animals can use right now, consider removing some of the paddocks for hay, then they can go back in the rotation after pasture growth slows down. Continue to monitor fields frequently as growth will start slowing down in the next month and we do not want to overgraze paddocks. Letting them grow to proper heights and not grazing too close will allow for more forage availability for the entire season. If growth slows down too much, we are better to put them in a sacrifice lot and feed stored forages than to let them graze all of the paddocks down. If animals are removed prior to plants being grazed too close, new growth will start from the leaves without a reduction in root reserves. If they are grazed too close, root growth will stop and new growth will need to start from root reserves, weakening the plant.
There are two reasons why we recommend taking half and leaving half (keep in mind that the forages become denser closer to the ground). The first is it gives the plants more ability to capture more moisture during a heavy rainfall, reducing runoff. The second is the closer animals graze the forages, the more root growth will cease. When animals graze 40% or less of the growth, there is no root growth stoppage. When 50% is removed, only a few % of the roots will cease growth. At 60% plant removal, 50% of the roots will stop growing. Finally, at 80% removal, 100% of the roots will stop growing. The message here is the closer you graze, the longer it will take the plant to recover if it is not killed.
So, how tall should the pasture be before we graze and how close can we graze it? Tables 1 & 2 provides guidelines for grazing height.
Table 1 Managing Grazing Height for Pure Grass Stands
Species
Perennial Ryegrass pre graze 6-7" post graze 3"
Orchardgrass pre graze 8-10" post graze 4-5"
T. Fescue (E+) pre graze 5-6" post graze 1-2"
T. Fescue (E-) pre graze 8-10" post graze 4-5"
Brome grass pre graze at Pre or late jointing, post graze 2-3"
Timothy pre graze at Pre or late jointing. post graze 4"
(Source: Ohio Integrated Forage Management Team)
Table 2 Managing Grazing Height for Grass/Legume Mixtures
Species
Bluegrass/w clover, pre graze 4-5" post graze 1"
OG/L clover, pre graze 6-8" post graze 2"
T fescue/L clover, pre graze 5-8" post graze 1.5 - 2"
Alfalfa with grass, pre graze bud stage, post graze 2"
Red clover with grass, pre graze bud stage, post graze 2"
(Source: Ohio Integrated Forage Management Team)
Finally, now is a good time to consider fields that could be stockpiled for fall and winter grazing. After our first cutting of hay, we should have a good idea of what our winter feed needs will be. If quantity will be our biggest need, we can start stockpiling forages, especially fescue in July. If quality is a more pressing need, we can wait to stockpile in August. In either scenario, 50 pounds of nitrogen should increase yields by 1500 pounds/acre and increase protein content.
There are several things we can do now to influence the quality and quantity of our pasture fields for the rest of the season. We simply need to evaluate our needs and plan accordingly, take action, and hope that Mother Nature cooperates.
What can we do to help this? Removing the seed heads will stimulate new leaf development to build root reserves and provide more growth for grazing. Some of this can be accomplished by grazing livestock, but we may need to clip the fields. If livestock have been out of the field for a period of time, cutting for hay is an excellent option. The other option is to clip or rotary cut the fields. Either of these options will stimulate more leaf growth than no seed head removal at all.
The height at which we clip the fields will make a difference. Have you ever noticed after a field is clipped and has a chance to grow that livestock will tend to not graze below the cutting height unless they are left in a field too long? This is a tool we can use to encourage certain types of plant production. For example, if I am trying to encourage orchardgrass growth, I would want to clip my field high, say five inches. If I am trying to encourage bluegrass growth or reduce fescue, I would cut much closer.
Clipping pastures higher has another advantage. Removing the seed heads and leaving more leaves will provide shade for the soil and reduce evaporation. The additional leaves will gather more energy for the roots. If we receive one of those gully washers in July, the additional cover will allow much more moisture to soak into the soil and not run off, providing more growth for the plants.
Remember, if forage growth is more than what your animals can use right now, consider removing some of the paddocks for hay, then they can go back in the rotation after pasture growth slows down. Continue to monitor fields frequently as growth will start slowing down in the next month and we do not want to overgraze paddocks. Letting them grow to proper heights and not grazing too close will allow for more forage availability for the entire season. If growth slows down too much, we are better to put them in a sacrifice lot and feed stored forages than to let them graze all of the paddocks down. If animals are removed prior to plants being grazed too close, new growth will start from the leaves without a reduction in root reserves. If they are grazed too close, root growth will stop and new growth will need to start from root reserves, weakening the plant.
There are two reasons why we recommend taking half and leaving half (keep in mind that the forages become denser closer to the ground). The first is it gives the plants more ability to capture more moisture during a heavy rainfall, reducing runoff. The second is the closer animals graze the forages, the more root growth will cease. When animals graze 40% or less of the growth, there is no root growth stoppage. When 50% is removed, only a few % of the roots will cease growth. At 60% plant removal, 50% of the roots will stop growing. Finally, at 80% removal, 100% of the roots will stop growing. The message here is the closer you graze, the longer it will take the plant to recover if it is not killed.
So, how tall should the pasture be before we graze and how close can we graze it? Tables 1 & 2 provides guidelines for grazing height.
Table 1 Managing Grazing Height for Pure Grass Stands
Species
Perennial Ryegrass pre graze 6-7" post graze 3"
Orchardgrass pre graze 8-10" post graze 4-5"
T. Fescue (E+) pre graze 5-6" post graze 1-2"
T. Fescue (E-) pre graze 8-10" post graze 4-5"
Brome grass pre graze at Pre or late jointing, post graze 2-3"
Timothy pre graze at Pre or late jointing. post graze 4"
(Source: Ohio Integrated Forage Management Team)
Table 2 Managing Grazing Height for Grass/Legume Mixtures
Species
Bluegrass/w clover, pre graze 4-5" post graze 1"
OG/L clover, pre graze 6-8" post graze 2"
T fescue/L clover, pre graze 5-8" post graze 1.5 - 2"
Alfalfa with grass, pre graze bud stage, post graze 2"
Red clover with grass, pre graze bud stage, post graze 2"
(Source: Ohio Integrated Forage Management Team)
Finally, now is a good time to consider fields that could be stockpiled for fall and winter grazing. After our first cutting of hay, we should have a good idea of what our winter feed needs will be. If quantity will be our biggest need, we can start stockpiling forages, especially fescue in July. If quality is a more pressing need, we can wait to stockpile in August. In either scenario, 50 pounds of nitrogen should increase yields by 1500 pounds/acre and increase protein content.
There are several things we can do now to influence the quality and quantity of our pasture fields for the rest of the season. We simply need to evaluate our needs and plan accordingly, take action, and hope that Mother Nature cooperates.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Pasture growth by May 30, 2010
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
| Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average | Past 5 yr Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | ||||
| March 28 | 9 | 2.7 | 66 | 38.6 | na |
| April 4 | 14 | 7.7 | 93.4 | 34.4 | na |
| April 11 | 20 | 2.4 | 188.3 | 56.4 | na |
| April 18 | 19 | 0.2 | 184.5 | 44.8 | 60.9 |
| April 25 | 19 | 21.54 | 189.5 | 78.2 | 75.2 |
| May 2 | 51 | 3.3 | 232.7 | 101.8 | 78.6 |
| May 9 | 41 | 1 | 232.8 | 80.4 | 86.4 |
| May 16 | 52 | 3.8 | 256 | 65 | 100 |
| May 23 | 25 | 3.5 | 251 | 61.6 | 75.7 |
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
PASTURE MANAGEMENT: JUNE IS A TRANSITION
Rory Lewandowski, Extension Educator, Athens County, Buckeye Hills EERA
June is often a transition time for pasture management. Generally in early June moisture and temperature are still favorable for good cool season grass growth. It is also a time when grasses are maturing if seed heads have not been clipped or grazed off and, even if an earlier clipping was done to remove seed heads; there can be new seed head production. The emphasis in many pasture management systems at this time is quick rotations through pasture paddocks to try to keep up with grass growth and to try to keep seed heads grazed and/or clipped off.
As we get past mid June and into later June our weather pattern often changes. Summer has arrived. It generally becomes warmer and drier. Cool season grass growth slows down. Plants clipped in late June remain in vegetative growth. The emphasis on pasture management now must shift to reflect this change in cool season grass growth. Pasture rotations should be slowed down. Paddocks that were dropped or left out of the spring rotation can now be worked back in to the rotation.
Keep in mind the two important “R’s” of pasture management: Residual leaves and Rest period. Do not overgraze pastures as the transition is made from spring to summer. Make sure that leaf cover is left after a grazing pass. In beginning level grazing schools, we generally talk about leaving a residual of at least 4 inches of plant leaves. That leaf cover will provide the plant with a photosynthetic base to continue growing and recover more quickly from defoliation caused by grazing. The residual leaf growth will also provide shade for the soil. Shading will help to keep the soil temperature cooler as compared to exposed soil and it will help to reduce moisture loss due to hot temperatures. Cooler soil temperatures and retained moisture will help cool season grass to grow better longer into the summer period.
Rest period is simply the time it takes the cool season plant to recover or grow back to the target grazing height. Rest period is what dictates how soon a pasture paddock can be grazed again. In our beginning grazing schools we talk about an 8-10 inch beginning grazing height for most cool season pasture mixes. An endophyte infected fescue stand is an exception; and the recommended beginning grazing height is 6 inches. The rest period between grazing passes increases with cool season grasses as the transition is made from spring to summer. Slower growing grass needs a longer rest period to recover after grazing. The exact amount of time needed is related to the residual leaf cover that remains after a grazing pass. Less residual leaf cover translates into longer rest periods.
June is an important time to pay attention to cool season grass growth and make appropriate management changes as we transition from spring to summer.
June is often a transition time for pasture management. Generally in early June moisture and temperature are still favorable for good cool season grass growth. It is also a time when grasses are maturing if seed heads have not been clipped or grazed off and, even if an earlier clipping was done to remove seed heads; there can be new seed head production. The emphasis in many pasture management systems at this time is quick rotations through pasture paddocks to try to keep up with grass growth and to try to keep seed heads grazed and/or clipped off.
As we get past mid June and into later June our weather pattern often changes. Summer has arrived. It generally becomes warmer and drier. Cool season grass growth slows down. Plants clipped in late June remain in vegetative growth. The emphasis on pasture management now must shift to reflect this change in cool season grass growth. Pasture rotations should be slowed down. Paddocks that were dropped or left out of the spring rotation can now be worked back in to the rotation.
Keep in mind the two important “R’s” of pasture management: Residual leaves and Rest period. Do not overgraze pastures as the transition is made from spring to summer. Make sure that leaf cover is left after a grazing pass. In beginning level grazing schools, we generally talk about leaving a residual of at least 4 inches of plant leaves. That leaf cover will provide the plant with a photosynthetic base to continue growing and recover more quickly from defoliation caused by grazing. The residual leaf growth will also provide shade for the soil. Shading will help to keep the soil temperature cooler as compared to exposed soil and it will help to reduce moisture loss due to hot temperatures. Cooler soil temperatures and retained moisture will help cool season grass to grow better longer into the summer period.
Rest period is simply the time it takes the cool season plant to recover or grow back to the target grazing height. Rest period is what dictates how soon a pasture paddock can be grazed again. In our beginning grazing schools we talk about an 8-10 inch beginning grazing height for most cool season pasture mixes. An endophyte infected fescue stand is an exception; and the recommended beginning grazing height is 6 inches. The rest period between grazing passes increases with cool season grasses as the transition is made from spring to summer. Slower growing grass needs a longer rest period to recover after grazing. The exact amount of time needed is related to the residual leaf cover that remains after a grazing pass. Less residual leaf cover translates into longer rest periods.
June is an important time to pay attention to cool season grass growth and make appropriate management changes as we transition from spring to summer.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Pasture Growth by May 23, 2010
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
| Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average | Past 5 yr Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | ||||
| March 28 | 9 | 2.7 | 66 | 38.6 | na |
| April 4 | 14 | 7.7 | 93.4 | 34.4 | na |
| April 11 | 20 | 2.4 | 188.3 | 56.4 | na |
| April 18 | 19 | 0.2 | 184.5 | 44.8 | 60.9 |
| April 25 | 19 | 21.54 | 189.5 | 78.2 | 75.2 |
| May 2 | 51 | 3.3 | 232.7 | 101.8 | 78.6 |
| May 9 | 40 | 1 | 232.8 | 80.5 | 86.4 |
| May 16 | 49 | 3.8 | 256 | 66.2 | 100 |
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Pasture Growth by May 16, 2009
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
| Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average | Past 5 yr Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | ||||
| March 28 | 9 | 2.7 | 66 | 38.6 | na |
| April 4 | 14 | 7.7 | 93.4 | 34.4 | na |
| April 11 | 20 | 2.4 | 188.3 | 56.4 | na |
| April 18 | 19 | 0.2 | 184.5 | 44.8 | 60.9 |
| April 25 | 19 | 21.54 | 189.5 | 78.2 | 75.2 |
| May 2 | 51 | 3.3 | 232.7 | 101.8 | 78.6 |
| May 9 | 39 | 1 | 232.8 | 78.8 | 86.4 |
Monday, May 10, 2010
Champaign County Pasture Walk – May 27, 2010 6-9PM
OSU Extension – Champaign County has a late spring pasture walk planned for May 27th, from 6-9PM. Even though I grew up on a cow-calf operation in southern Ohio, I have forgotten most of what I knew. I have attended these Pasture Walks in Clark, Shelby, Miami and Darke counties in the past and have always learned a great deal. They are casual events held in the pasture, often with animals nearby. We usually talk about the pasture we are in, then move on to other discussions about the grazing animals or pasture settings of those who attend. We always have lots of questions, too – and address all of those.
The location for Champaign County for 2010 is 4838 Church Rd, Urbana, home of Steve and Gina Roseberry – the Roseberry Cattle Company.
We will have Bob Hendershot, USDA-NRCS Grazing Specialist speak to the group about grazing management.
* With the economics of the past couple years for both grazing livestock and forages, many should benefit from Bob’s discussion on pasture species, planning for grazing, fencing, water availability and animal management.
The Roseberry’s are revamping their operation. They bought the property 12 years ago and are converting the operation from a grain farm to a pasture, hay and livestock farm. The farm originally had no facilities for animals so they are building their infrastructure from scratch. Recently added: pond with plans for a solar pump, fencing, and lots of new seedings. They also have plans for a barn.
* They are running a cow-calf operation or can run stocker cattle.
* They also train cattle horses.
* Sell natural beef by the whole, half or quarter.
* Website: www.roseberrycattlecompany.com
Ron Nieman of the Champaign office of USDA-NRCS has worked with the Roseberrys on planned livestock improvements and will share with the group his perspective on federal EQIP support for practices. Members of the Champaign County Soil & Water Conservation District office plan to be in attendance as well.
Area OSU Extension educators will also be on hand to assist and to promote their Pasture for Profit programs.
All local grazers should plan to attend, no reservations needed, May 27th from 6-9PM. The location is 4838 Church Rd, Urbana - hosted by Steve and Gina Roseberry – watch for the OSU Extension Field Day direction signs leading to the site. Other events will be posted on: http://ohioforages.blogspot.com/
Directions: travel northwest from Urbana on SR 29, to Church Road, turn left (south) and go to 4838 Church Rd on the west side of the road – look for signs. As an alternate route from the south, you can take Church Road north from SR 560.
Harold Watters, OSU Extension in Champaign County. Contact 937 484-1526, or watters.35@osu.edu.
http://champaign.osu.edu - our county Extension website.
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
The location for Champaign County for 2010 is 4838 Church Rd, Urbana, home of Steve and Gina Roseberry – the Roseberry Cattle Company.
We will have Bob Hendershot, USDA-NRCS Grazing Specialist speak to the group about grazing management.
* With the economics of the past couple years for both grazing livestock and forages, many should benefit from Bob’s discussion on pasture species, planning for grazing, fencing, water availability and animal management.
The Roseberry’s are revamping their operation. They bought the property 12 years ago and are converting the operation from a grain farm to a pasture, hay and livestock farm. The farm originally had no facilities for animals so they are building their infrastructure from scratch. Recently added: pond with plans for a solar pump, fencing, and lots of new seedings. They also have plans for a barn.
* They are running a cow-calf operation or can run stocker cattle.
* They also train cattle horses.
* Sell natural beef by the whole, half or quarter.
* Website: www.roseberrycattlecompany.com
Ron Nieman of the Champaign office of USDA-NRCS has worked with the Roseberrys on planned livestock improvements and will share with the group his perspective on federal EQIP support for practices. Members of the Champaign County Soil & Water Conservation District office plan to be in attendance as well.
Area OSU Extension educators will also be on hand to assist and to promote their Pasture for Profit programs.
All local grazers should plan to attend, no reservations needed, May 27th from 6-9PM. The location is 4838 Church Rd, Urbana - hosted by Steve and Gina Roseberry – watch for the OSU Extension Field Day direction signs leading to the site. Other events will be posted on: http://ohioforages.blogspot.com/
Directions: travel northwest from Urbana on SR 29, to Church Road, turn left (south) and go to 4838 Church Rd on the west side of the road – look for signs. As an alternate route from the south, you can take Church Road north from SR 560.
Harold Watters, OSU Extension in Champaign County. Contact 937 484-1526, or watters.35@osu.edu.
http://champaign.osu.edu - our county Extension website.
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Athens Area Grazing Council Meetings
The May and June Athens Area Grazing Council meetings are set. The May meeting will be held on Tuesday evening May 25 at the Athens County Extension office, located at 280 West Union Street behind the Athens Health Department on the Athens County Fairgrounds. Rory Lewandowski will be presenting a program with photos from the OSU Extension Sheep team trip to Australia. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm. There should also be time to talk about current pasture and grazing conditions.
The June meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening June 17 at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be hosted by Scott Pfeiffer. Scott and Joanne Pfeiffer are vocational agriculture instructors at the Federal Hocking High School and they maintain a herd of shorthorn beef cattle. Their farm is located at 4315 Marion Johnson Road, outside of Albany in Athens County.
Over the past couple of years, Scott has been involved with the pasture and grassland FFA contest, and at the meeting on June 17 there will be some learning stations taken from the FFA pasture and grasslands contest. I’ll have more details and information about the evening posted on the Athens County Extension web site on the grazing news page as we get closer to the meeting date. That page is located at:http://athens.osu.edu/topics/agriculture-and-natural-resources/grazing
The June meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening June 17 at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be hosted by Scott Pfeiffer. Scott and Joanne Pfeiffer are vocational agriculture instructors at the Federal Hocking High School and they maintain a herd of shorthorn beef cattle. Their farm is located at 4315 Marion Johnson Road, outside of Albany in Athens County.
Over the past couple of years, Scott has been involved with the pasture and grassland FFA contest, and at the meeting on June 17 there will be some learning stations taken from the FFA pasture and grasslands contest. I’ll have more details and information about the evening posted on the Athens County Extension web site on the grazing news page as we get closer to the meeting date. That page is located at:http://athens.osu.edu/topics/agriculture-and-natural-resources/grazing
Pasture Growth by May 9, 2010
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
| Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | |||
| March 28 | 8 | 2.7 | 64.9 | 35.2 |
| April 4 | 13 | 7.7 | 93.4 | 31.9 |
| April 11 | 19 | 2.4 | 188.3 | 53.4 |
| April 18 | 18 | 0.2 | 184.5 | 43.7 |
| April 25 | 16 | 21.54 | 143.6 | 69.7 |
| May 2 | 47 | 3.3 | 222.9 | 99.8 |
Pasture Measurement Project 2010
The Ohio Pasture Measurement Project is in full swing for 2010. For more details about this project check out the original post. Basiclly, this project involves graziers measuring the same pasture field every week using a commercially available rising plate meter and reporting the measurement. We then calculate how much the pasture is growing during that week. (The specific plate meter we are using is made by Jenquip and available through Eagle Dairy Direct.) Results will be posted on this blog.
This year we have over 29 volunteers measuring their pasture.
2010 Pasture Measurement Locations
This year we have over 29 volunteers measuring their pasture.
2010 Pasture Measurement Locations
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Establishing a New Forage Seeding
Establishing a New Forage Seeding
Rory Lewandowski, Extension Educator,
Early spring provides us with a window of opportunity to get a new forage stand established. The actual success in getting that new seeding established depends upon several factors including: soil fertility, species selection, weed control, timing of planting, planting depth, post planting management. Let's look at each factor in a little more detail.
There are certain minimum, sometimes termed critical, soil fertility levels that should be met to give a new forage seeding the best chance of success. Begin with soil pH. I sometimes have people ask me, "What is the minimum soil pH that (fill in the blank with some grass or legume) can tolerate? I think this is the wrong question to ask. Many of our grass and clover species can tolerate, can survive at pH levels in the 5.5 to 5.8 range. My question is; do you want your forages to merely survive or do you want them to thrive? The better question is; what soil pH will allow this forage species to have a chance to produce up to its genetic potential?
Soil pH should be above 6.0 for pure grass species plantings. When a legume, such as one of the clover species, is added to the mix, then the minimum soil pH goal should be 6.5. If the forage seeding is to be alfalfa, then the pH goal should be 6.8. Soil pH can't be changed very rapidly. Limestone is used to raise soil pH and is relatively insoluble, so it takes time to work its way down into the soil profile and go into soil solution where it can begin to change the soil pH. If limestone can be tilled into the rooting zone, this helps, but it can still take up to 9 months from the time of application and tillage into the root zone before the target pH is reached.
Soil phosphorous is very important to help a young forage plant get a root system established. The critical level for a pure grass stand is 15 ppm. If a legume is added to the mix, then the critical level is 25 ppm. Research has shown that depending upon the soil test level, it can require anywhere from 8 to 30 pounds/acre of actual P2O5 to increase the soil test level by one ppm. Notice that phrase actual P2O5. This is not the same as the amount of fertilizer material to apply. For example, if DAP is the fertilizer material that will be used to increase soil phosphorus, this has an analysis of 18-46-0. It contains 46% actual P2O5. So, it will require 2.17 lbs of this fertilizer for every 1 pound of actual P2O5 recommended.
Soil potassium is needed by plants to aid in disease resistance and winter hardiness. The critical or minimum level of soil potassium is based upon the cation exchange capacity (C.E.C.) of the soil and determined by the following equation: 75 + (2.5 x C.E.C.). For example, many
Species selection should be given some careful thought. Rather than a pure grass seeding, consider adding a legume component that can help to meet the nitrogen requirements of the stand. If the stand will consist of about 30% legumes, then application of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer should not be necessary. Take a look at soil drainage when choosing a forage species. Alfalfa does not do well in poorly drained soils. Stand life will be reduced. A clover, grass mix might be a better choice. For example, reed canary grass is adapted to poorly drained and wet soils. Choose new and improved forage varieties. Yes, they will cost more than old varieties, but how many row crop farmers would think about planting corn and soybean genetics from 20-25 years ago? These new forage varieties have improved yield potential, are more drought, disease and insect resistance and more palatable.
Weeds can be a problem. If there are perennial and biennial weeds established in the soil where the new forage seeding is planned, they should be controlled before planting. Consider using a herbicide or herbicide mix to control weeds. Getting into all the herbicide options, rates, and planting restrictions is beyond the scope of this article. Give a call to your county's Ohio State university Extension office and they can help you out with recommendations, or see the Weed Control Guide for Ohio Field Crops, Bulletin 789.
Pay attention to timing and planting depth. Our window of opportunity in this part of
Depth of seeding can't be stressed enough. Planting too deep is responsible for many stand failures. Most forage seeds will do well planted at about one-quarter inch or less in depth. If you are going to err, err on being shallow rather than deeper.
Finally after the forage stand is planted, manage it to give it the best chance for success. Provide a 6-8 week period after germination before a light grazing pass or clipping is made. After the first light grazing or clipping, manage normally. Remember that if forage is being removed as a hay crop, that nutrients should be replace to maintain soil fertility.
For more information about establishing a new seeding, including forage species mixtures and specific seeding rates, contact a member of the OSU Extension Forage Team.
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