Simple Steps To More Profitable Pastures
Keep operation needs in mind when managing pastures.
“The easiest and cheapest way to improve profitability is to improve pastures,” Dow’s Scott Flynn told attendees during a Learning Lounge session at the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Jan. 28. Flynn estimates that, particularly in high-rainfall areas, landowners give up about 30% of their pasture’s potential due to lack of weed control.
“Pastures are a cheap source of feed for cattle,” he added, making them worth the investment to renovate or improve.
With that said, pasture improvements are not something accomplished in a single day, Flynn emphasized. “It may take a year of planning or a few growing seasons to plan and address issues before you are ready to plant.”
Among the important considerations for pasture improvements, Flynn noted that the needs of the operation should first be identified before forages are selected.
Additionally, soil fertility issues and invasive species control should be evaluated.
Once it’s time to plant, timing of planting, seedbed preparation, equipment used and investing in certified seed are important, he underscored. He also emphasized the need to have a plan to address weed issues after planting to ensure long-term success of the pasture improvements.
Learn more about pasture renovation tools at www.dowagro.com/en-us/range/.
Editor’s Note: Kindra Gordon is a cattlewoman and freelance writer from Whitewood, S.D. This article was written as part of Angus Media’s online coverage of the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show. For additional coverage, visit the Newsroom at www.4cattlemen.com.