A website from UGA Cooperative Extension

News, events, and happenings in Colquitt County agriculture.

Hay & Forages

  • It’s that time of year again when you need to make a decision about which grain varieties to plant. Choosing the right variety for the region, field, and management practices is one of the most important decisions a grower will make in terms of profitable production. With so many differences between varieties, it is critical…

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  • This is the third presentation in a new “spotlight” series to supplement our annual #georgiaforages #grassmasters training. This presentation covers grazing crop residues, managing stockpile, and winter annual #forage options. If you have any questions please contact your local county Extension agent.

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  • As fall approaches, cattle growers need to think about winter annual forages. Please establish winter annuals on well-drained, fertile soils when possible. If your pasture or field is poorly drained consider ryegrass as it is a better option than the small grains. Growers should consider treating seed with an approved fungicide before planting. Seedling diseases…

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  • Tips for feeding baleage

    Baled silage, or “baleage,” is an excellent way for livestock producers to harvest, storage, and feed forage. Feeding baleage is much different than feeding hay due to the higher moisture content. This higher moisture content makes it much more susceptible to deterioration. Let’s discuss some ways to decrease waste during the feeding of your baleage.…

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  • •Growers need to keep in mind about the quality of bermudagrass and bahia.  The forage quality declines rapidly from now to frost. Keep an eye on heifers and supplement as needed. • Take stock of your hay supply so additional cuttings or purchases can be made. (Send samples in for analysis.)  • Keep a close…

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  • SE Hay Short Course

    This is a new event affiliated with the Southeast Hay Contest and will include many educational production topics for hay producers. The program features 2 online sessions, with nationally known speakers, on August 19th and August 26th. The SEHSC will end with an in-person Field Day on September 2nd at Carl Allison Farms in Lake…

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  • Cattlemen and hay producers need to watch for armyworms in their hayfields and pastures. I have received a few questions about controlling this pest from local hay producers. The life cycle of an armyworm is interesting. Armyworms cannot tolerate the winters in Georgia. The moths migrate from Florida, south Texas, and South American each spring…

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  • Cotton:  The cotton crop in the area ranges from just emerging to first bloom.  Aphid populations seem to be building in some areas in the county.  Aphids will typically build moderate to high numbers and eventually crash due to a naturally occurring fungus, Neozygites fresenii.  This fungal epizootic typically occurs in late June or early…

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  • Current Situation: Happy Memorial Day! The majority of the cotton and peanut crop is planted. Corn is reaching critical moisture requirements as the crop is approaching tassel and pollination. Peanut growers are asking about cracking spray options. Cotton growers are starting to apply weed control and thrips pressure has been high in some area fields.…

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