Producers should consider management practices to improve forages
Farmers seem to have the knack of doing more with less, always finding new ways to make the most of their resources. One area where producers can gain some ground, quite literally, is implementing strategies to maximize grazing potential.
According to forage specialists, the first step to enhancing grazing conditions is to define the goals and limitations of the current farm.
“Knowing field sizes, soil fertility, pasture composition, herd size and local markets will really shape how to improve grazing. Ideally, we might even have previous records to show us where the farm has been over the past few years,” Jonathan Kubesch, Ph.D., extension forage specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said.
A resource producers may want to consider to better their forage system is the 300 Days Grazing program. The program includes management practices to help producers extend the grazing season and reduce hay feeding. “The 300 days of grazing program, started in Arkansas, is one of the strongest frameworks for defining those next steps with improving grazing practices and results,” Kubesch added.
Stretching Resources: Forage specialists encourage producers to implement a system that entails, at some level, rotation with existing fields and water sources. “Moving animals around the farm gives different pastures periods of use and rest that can improve annual forage production; we are in a business where using a resource well can increase the amount of that resource,” Kubesch said.
Another strategy to get the most of out of pastures is to stockpile forages in summer and fall for the winter months. For example, tall fescue can be stockpiled and then fed out similar to hay during the winter months. “Stockpiling and rotation offer the cheapest improvements in grazing,” Kubesch stated.
Rotational Grazing: Forage specialists state some producers may underestimate the difference rotational grazing can have on improved management. Kubesch explained further, “People who are willing to monitor and adjust their practices to field conditions are rotating the animals and getting more observations on how the soil, plant, and animal are interacting with one another.”
When implementing a rotational grazing system producers may want to consider adding temporary electric fencing. The electric fencing provides flexibility in the grazing system.
If producers keep good grazing records, then they will have a better idea of when to move the cattle and if the pasture stands are improving.
Introduce New Forages: If producers want to try to improve animals’ performance in their grazing systems, they may want to consider overseeding tall fescue with red and white clover. Experts recommend frost seeding red and white clover every two to three years. This practice can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer as well.
However, forage specialists recommend waiting to add new forage stands until the existing forage species is well managed.
Kubesch advises producers thinking about their perennial forage options to consider complementary forages that grow when their primary forages are less productive. For example, bermudagrass and crabgrass can complement tall fescue in North Arkansas.
When planting new stands, they should be a small portion of the entire farm and should be planted in separate fields from the primary forage. Keep in mind, new plantings can be a bit of a gamble. “New plantings can be risky. I’ve estimated 15 to 20 percent of planting attempts will fail. We can reduce that risk by making a gameplan about 12 months ahead of planting a new forage,” Kubesch stated.
Seasonal Cover Crops: According to forage specialists, producers may want to consider cover crops as winter annual forages. Producers will want to take into account that seeding rates can change between forage plantings and cover crop plantings of the same species. The seeding rate can impact the amount of forage produced.
When determining which product will work best for their operation, producers should take a close look at all their options. “A lot of complex mixtures are being promoted, though a simple grass-legume mix will generally maximize biodiversity benefits,” Kubesch explained.
