Rain creates pasture challenges
Five steps to promote quality pasture during the summer.
Take care of your round bales, and they’ll take care of your livestock
Storing hay, after production, has a cost to the farm operator in terms of time, effort and machinery required to move bales from production areas to storage areas and then to feeding areas.
Big decisions: What are a small farm’s options?
In this week's All About Grazing column, Dan Lima reminds us of some farm management considerations we should examine before the end of 2021.
How to identify poisonous plants
Poison hemlock is not the only plant that you should be on the lookout for. Jimsonweed, pokeweed and black locust are potentially poisonous to livestock.
Mixing it up in the pasture
Having a mixed stand, whether for hay or pasture, has several benefits. Including legumes can reduce nitrogen needs for the field.
Good management practices for fall grazing
As we transition into fall, pay close attention to your forages. Some pastures may be stockpiled, but those intended to be grazed this fall still need rest.
Be aware of spring grazing dangers
It is tempting to look out into the pasture, see a field of green, and let the animals out to start grazing, but there are two types of danger to consider.
It’s time to evaluate your pastures
There is no time like the present to evaluate your pasture fields for damage from over grazing and weather related stress. While you are...
A few, not all, forages can be toxic after frost
Fall is in the air and Jack Frost will certainly arrive soon. Each year after the first hard frost, I usually answer phone calls...
Consider your grazing management
I have written in the past about dealing with forage quality when it is raining every day and when we have been short on...
