Page 16 - MWC 02-04-2021s

The Midwest Cattleman · February 4, 2021 · P16
Two Decades of Superior Annual Lespedeza

By Keith Carmichael

How does one measure suc- that does not cause bloat. Add- gen which eventually becomes proven to be a smart choice. Pro-
cess? One way is definitely lon- ing annual lespedeza with other available to grasses as well and ducers who have grown a vari-
gevity. legumes into cool-season grass they are a very important pro- ety of lespedezas over the years
pastures can mean extra forage tein source. Without legumes in characterize it as a “very leafy
Two decades is a long time. and therefore extra pounds be- the mix, you really don’t have lespedeza that grows taller and
That's how long Legend lespe- cause many grasses often leave your very best pasture or hay… reseeds itself very well”.
deza has been improving bottom a significant forage gap in sum- you really don’t have your best Dilute the toxicity!
lines in cattle operations from mer months. Milk production, intake, performance, or gain. The effects of endophyte tox-
Topeka to Tuscaloosa. It was weaning weights and reproduc- Back to the Basics icity in some fescue pastures
almost 20 years ago, at what tive efficiency are all closely tied Over-seeding pastures and during the summer is well doc-
was then called CMSU (Cen- to the animal nutrition during hay fields with legumes is basic, umented. This fungus affects
tral Missouri State University), this period. So, if you want cows common sense management. all of animal performance –es-
that Legend dominated replicat- to milk and breed, and calves to No single legume can do it all. pecially reproduction. Annual
ed forage trials three years in a gain during the summer make Soil fertility, pH, texture, and lespedeza in pastures can ‘di-
row, establishing it as the pre- sure you have annual lespedeza drainage all help determine lute’ and significantly reduce its
mier annual Lespedeza. Since in your plan. Annual lespede- which legume is best for your op- effect when it’s doing its worst
that time, it’s safe to say that no za should not be confused with eration. If you believe in having damage. It’s all about ‘timing’!
serious work has been done on its perennial cousin – Sericea diversity like the professionals, For More information visit
improving annual lespedeza. which is a serious weed problem use several types of clover and www.Legendlespedeza.com.
Annual Lespedeza – Mix it up! in many areas. perhaps alfalfa if your soil pH
Annual lespedeza is not for Legumes- Fuel for will support it. If not, perhaps
every situation, but it is well Performance you should take a look at annual
known for its unique tolerance Legumes added to the pas- lespedeza. The taller, more pro-
to drought and low pH soils. It ture or hayfield produce nitro- ductive Legend lespedeza has
is also one of the few legumes