| 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 |
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.
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 |
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