It's common to encounter fields of tall fescue as you venture across the northern edge of Missouri. Predictable still is the sight of beef cattle grazing the grass on small farms scattered throughout...
The cold front that swept across the country in late December caused frost damage in winter annuals, turning forage fields from green to yellow. That isolated weather event was just one of many freeze...
Photo: University of MissouriCases of cattle dying from fescue foot have recently spiked in Missouri. This condition occurs when toxic alkaloids in Kentucky 31 tall fescue cause animals’ blood vesse...
Legume species — specifically clovers — wear many hats during their forage role. They improve forage quality and quantity in a mixed stand, form symbiotic relationships with bacteria that fix nitr...
Although summer weather is long gone, the effects of drought conditions linger on many livestock operations. This means purchasing feed will probably be a necessity on farms where forage supplie...
When temperatures fluctuate around the freezing point in the Midwest, the soil repeatedly expands and contracts. These freezing and thawing cycles can cause heaving in alfalfa stands, which may lead t...
Feeding livestock hay in the winter may be an inevitable expense to an operation, but paying for wasted hay doesn’t have to be. Choosing an appropriate feeding practice and adhering to a strict feed...
Winter rye is a popular winter annual to plant after corn or soybeans in the Midwest because of its ability to overwinter and acquire nutrients from the soil. In addition to protecting the ground and...
It is rarely ideal for grazing livestock to lose body condition — especially not in the midst of winter breeding season. Weight loss is often a result of low energy levels in cattle rations, but it...
