Not all weeds look — or smell — like they will wreak havoc on a pasture. Take multiflora rose, for instance. Despite its sweet smell and summertime blooms, it is one invasive plant that can
Baleage is no longer the novel haymaking practice that it used to be. Many farmers in the humid U.S. region have now jumped on the approach of turning the balers loose in the field before hay ha
Most cool-season perennials will reach peak forage quality soon, if they haven’t done so already. This downfall from the spring flush of fresh growth results in lower fiber digestibility and crude
A virtual forage revenue crop insurance listening session has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. CDT. The National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA) is partnering with AgriLogic
Alfalfa hasn’t earned its reputation as a foundational forage resource as a grazing crop. It’s been more so as a conventionally harvested crop. Still, there is no hard and fast rule that states
Even though water is the most important nutrient for livestock, it is often the most limiting. Forage intake will suffer if water intake doesn’t suffice, and animal health and performance hinge on
I remember the day well. I was on a pasture walk about 25 years ago, and the host farmer led us to a pasture that he had clear-seeded kura clover into. The stand was nothing short of awesome. Th
In some regions, cattle may be transitioning from winter annuals to perennial forage, while in others, the grazing season is just beginning. Nevertheless, it’s time to check last-minute items
Making hay for horses is a different beast, figuratively and literally speaking. In addition to high quality and color standards, the tolerance and acceptance of toxic plants in horse hay can vary gre
An invasion of orange cones and an influx of scaffolding are sure signs that construction season is upon us. Those summer crews that sport neon vests while repaving roads and repairing buildings
Springtime is already ticking by, and the window of opportunity to establish cool-season forage is closing. If planting has been delayed because of intermittent rain or inclement weather, it may
For the past nine years, I’ve watched my neighbor mount his riding lawn mower and cut his lawn. As nearly as I can tell, the mowing deck is set as low as it can possibly go; it’s clear that
Wiio’s Law states if communication can fail, it will. This might not mean communication is always destined to fail in every sense of the word, but one way or another, what we say is likely not perce
Grazing winter cereals in the spring can provide high-quality forage and eye-popping animal performance when cattle are strategically moved from paddock to paddock. Winter rye, winter triti
The list of acid concentrations on a forage analysis is like a report card for silage fermentation. Although good grades usually indicate feed is palatable, digestible, and stable, some high scores wi
Grazing success often starts with having a good forage base in place that will thrive, persist, and provide exceptional quality forage. However, once that is accomplished, there is still work to be do
A vigorous alfalfa stand most likely points back to well-timed and carefully executed seeding. In the Midwest, alfalfa seeding dates can fall on either shoulder of the growing season with both times o
Tornado season in the central states is not limited to the spring anymore as severe weather events no longer seem to be exclusive to specific times of year. All it takes is warm, moist air ahead of an
