Shanna Reynolds
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With feed being the highest cost in livestock production, farmers use pasture as a natural way to meet the nutritional needs of their animals. Animals allow agriculturalists to utilize land that may be unsuitable for traditional cropping in a way that benefits the property itself. Cattle, sheep, horses, or goats can use grass to produce…
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As the spring temperatures increase, so do the questions I receive from land/livestock owners about establishing a summer forage. Forage systems are essential for the livestock industry, and the selection of the right grass species is crucial for optimal animal performance. The two primary summer perennial grasses recommended by UGA Extension in the Coastal Plain…
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Fertilization significantly impacts your annual yields in hayfields as the previous year’s hay harvest has likely depleted the soil. A 6-ton per acre hay harvest will remove around 300 lbs Nitrogen, 250 lbs Potash, and 80 lbs Phosphate in a season. Fertilization makes up about 40% of most producers’ total hay costs so strategic planning…
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Weeds can reduce the quantity and the stand life of desirable forage plants in pastures and hayfields. Weeds also impact the aesthetic value of a pasture. Therefore, producers may choose to initiate weed management strategies that reduce the impact of weeds on forage production. The first step in effective weed control is to evaluate the…
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The prolonged cold weather during the Christmas holiday has a lot of producers asking, “Are my winter annuals going to regrow?” Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear answer that we can offer to this question. Many cool season forages can handle subfreezing temps for short periods and the degree of damage depends on air temperature, soil…
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