Planning on Planting
Planting a new forage crop involves more than just spreading seed on the ground.
The Dirt on Cover Crops
Continuing concerns with soil conservation, weed control and environmental impact created by herbicides were addressed by Tim Reinbott, MU Bradford’s research farm superintendent, with his talk on Cover Crop Management. Addressing the audience of this year’s Barton County Soils and Crops Conference in Lamar, Mo., Reinbott gave an overview of cover crops, explained some of the good points in implementing cover crops while touching areas to approach with caution. “I wanted also to show them that what I’ve learned with the best methods and what I’ve messed up on as well if they want to experiment with them,” he said.
Creep Grazing Questions Answered
One of the easiest ways to get started with creep grazing, according to Dr. John Jennings, is to use a temporary electric fence. “Set the single polywire high enough so the young calves can go under but the cows can’t,” the University of Arkansas Extension professor and forage specialist told Ozarks Farm & Neighbor. “The calves will roam into the adjacent paddocks to get the best quality forage, but will return to the cows.” Typically, the wire will be set at 35-45”.
Farm Finance
It’s a new year, which means new plans, new goals… and new financial statements. Now that 2014 has rolled around, many of us have seen, or will soon see, requests from our lenders for an updated personal financial statement. As a credit analyst, I have seen financial statements of all sorts come across my desk – from the bare minimum to the fully detailed. In all honesty, I am more excited when I see the latter. Why, you ask? The more details to a financial statement, the better job I can do for you, my customer.
On Call
Abomasal bloat, or abomasitis, is a condition seen in calves less than three weeks old. We have recently seen several cases at our clinic, and unfortunately, most cases are fatal without very rapid intervention. The good news is that good management and preventive measures can all but eliminate this disease.