| 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 |
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.
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 |
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