Wild Winter Temperature Has Different Effects on Forage Crops
If plants were well-established prior to the onset of winter and had the opportunity to harden and tiller, chances of survival are very good, but forage production may be affected.
This year’s unusual winter has led to questions for farmers and ranchers who grow forage crops. The lack of snow cover has left winter crops uninsulated from cold temperatures for much of the winter. Recent extreme temperature fluctuations have led to concerns about possible damage to winter annual cereal crops planted for forage late summer and early fall.
Gizmos & Gadgets
Products and services for the farm and ranch.
This month’s column features a new intranasal cattle vaccine, an all-season cattle mineral formulated for every production cycle, a LiDAR-capable and fully automated square baler, and a new paint style and app for round balers.
Consider These Factors When Writing a Pasture Lease
Pasture leases have some similarities to crop leases, but there are also important differences.
In Iowa, the same law that pertains to cropland leases also applies to pasture leases. However, unlike crop leases that typically span from March 1 to the last day of February the following year, pasture leases may be written for a shorter period of time.
March 6, 2024 | Vol. 16 : No. 3-A
Selection of Replacement Heifers
Eight criteria to use for keeping the best heifers.
Low cow herd inventories, historically high calf prices, looking for the first hollow stem, breeding season just a month or two away, and the recent USDA Cattle Inventory report shows a tight supply of beef replacement heifers. This leads us to the topic of selection criteria for replacement heifers.
Suggestions for Summer Annuals in Fall and Winter Pasture
Keys to building a resilient and nutritious cover-crop mix.
Extending the grazing season can reduce production costs. Healthy permanent pastures are best, but sometimes producers can use annual crops to fill gaps or improve soil health before replanting a pasture.
Grazing Management Following Wildfire
Resting pastures for as long as a month following fire improves recovery.
Spring wildfires that occur on range and pasturelands will happen when there is the right combination of high winds and low humidity. That has been the case in 2024, and that threat will continue until we have new, green grass growth later this spring.
