December is a good time to plan
The month of December is a great time to plan. We have the opportunity to make changes to the 2010 year and plan for...
Winter management strategies are key to protecting sod base paddocks
In our Pasture For Profit grazing schools we talk about pasture management in terms of keeping pasture plants actively growing and matching livestock nutrient...
Forage analysis saves farmers money
Testing the nutrient value of forage is a valuable tool that can be utilized to balance livestock rations. Guessing the nutrient content of a...
Take stock of your fields What forage do you have available?
With summer grazing giving way for fall and winter management over the next few weeks, it is time to take inventory of the...
Fescue beneficial with management
As a little boy on our farm in Morgan County, I could identify orchardgrass, bromegrass, alfalfa and clover, but never heard of fescue. Then...
The grazier’s report card; when D’s are good
What kind of grades would you get for managing your grazing system if there were report cards for graziers? Would you be satisfied with...
Planning ahead with your grazing strategies: Fall is fast approaching
Now that summer is under way, many producers are finishing first cutting hay and preparing to make second cutting. As rotational graziers, however, we...
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...
Make hay when sun shines, but take steps in case weather won’t cooperate
How can farmers deal with making hay and getting it dry between rains? This is a challenge at times, but there are some proven techniques to speed drying that can help shorten the window between cutting and storing the forage.
Graziers, set the stage now for 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...
