Farm & Ranch
Cow-calf grazing systems highlight upcoming event
ARDMORE, Okla. — In 2014, the Noble Foundation launched a new research initiative – Forage 365 – aimed at providing a sustainable year-round grazing system. As part of this initiative, researchers will develop a system of forages (plants consumed by grazing animals) that enables ranchers to graze cattle year-round and use less or no hay.
To provide an update on one of the research projects, the Noble Foundation will host a Forage 365 Research Update: Cow-Calf Forage Systems from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, April 29, at the Noble Foundation Pasture Demonstration Farm, located west of Ardmore, Oklahoma.
“It is important for cattle producers to see the results as each project continues,” said James Rogers, Ph.D., Noble Foundation research agronomist. “Showing yearly results allows the producers to see the progress, give us feedback and ask questions. While the project is focused on ranchers, Forage 365 will ultimately benefit all those in agriculture and the consumers who depend on it.”
In October 2015, this research project was started with the objective of developing cow-calf grazing systems that enable bermudagrass pastures to be grazed into the fall and winter and to reduce winter supplementation. Results from the first year of the study will be presented as well as discussion on the importance of monitoring cow body condition and the impact it has on cow productivity. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the pastures and discuss the project one-on-one with the researchers.
There is no registration fee for the seminar, but preregistration is encouraged. To register, please visit www.noble.org/agevents or contact Maggie Scott at 580-224-6375.
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By Barry Whitworth, DVM, MPH
With the prolonged drought, most pastures in Oklahoma end up in poor condition. With the lack of available forage, animals may go in search of alternative foods.
If oak trees are in the pastures, acorns may be a favorite meal for some livestock in the fall. This may result in oak poisoning.
Oak leaves, twigs, buds, and acorns may be toxic to some animals when consumed.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Tony Dean
There are a handful of grasses on North Texas grazing lands ranchers need to know, not because they are highly desirable, but rather because they are not of much value. I call them “decom” plants, which is am acronym for “Don’t Ever Count On Me.” Silver bluestem is a “decom” grass.
Silver bluestem is a perennial which grows in all areas of Texas. It can survive in almost all soil types, and in full sun conditions or in semi shade. It grows up to three feet tall and is easily recognized with the presence of the white fuzzy seed head. Also, one of the identifying characteristics of Silver bluestem is a bend in the stems at each node, causing the plants to take on a rounded shape as they mature.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Rayford Pullen
Fall is here which means winter is closing in on us and before we officially get into winter, we need to make sure our factories are either producing or will be producing in a few months.
We have been pregnancy testing our cows this fall and if they are not bred or nursing a calf, we are bidding them adios. With annual costs somewhere between $900.00 and $1,000.00 per cow, those cows not producing a live weaned calf are costing us quite a bit.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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