Page 19 - MWC 3-30-2023s

Rebuilding the Herd Begins at Pasture Level The Midwest Cattleman · March 30, 2023 · P19

By Paige Carlson

While many factors point Before producers consider to control low-value, undesir- help restore productivity to
towards a bullish cattle increasing herd numbers or able plants that are compet- poor grazing areas.
market in the next several buying or renting more pas- ing with high-forage value 4. Focus on becoming a
months, Jeff Clark, market tureland, Clark recommends species. Volunteer trees, this- low-cost producer. Grazed
development specialist for taking action to improve the tles and other viney or inva- forages represent the cat-
Corteva Agriscience, sug- grazing acres producers al- sive weeds will only be tak- tle producer’s lowest-cost
gests producers start re- ready have, including reduc- ing up the moisture that the feed source throughout the
building pastures before re- ing grazing pressure and grasses desperately need. year. Investing in pasture
building the cattle herd. extending rest periods, ulti- 2. Add flexibility in graz- improvement is an excellent
“Grazing is such an inte- mately giving pastures time ing management. Large cost-management strategy,
gral part of cattle production to recover in 2023. pastures limit grazing rota- while prebooking fertiliz-
— from cow-calf to stock- Here’s a look at four tips tion possibilities. Crossfenc- er, herbicides, feed, hay and
ers,” Clark says. “Whether Clark suggests for pasture- ing can provide producers other inputs when pricing is
due to too little or too much land management in the greater flexibility to move favorable may be an added
moisture, our grazing lands coming growing season: cattle throughout paddocks benefit to the bottom line.
have taken a beating. They 1. Manage moisture for based on level of forage pro- “Herd rebuilding or expan-
need recovery and that takes maximum benefit. Now, duction and the amount of sion must start with enabling
time.” more than ever, is the time rest needed for the previous- grazing land to support the
ly grazed pasture to recover. additional animals over the
Improving forage utiliza- long term,” Clark says.
tion and allowing for greater Producers should reach out
rest-recovery periods are also to trusted advisers, such as
benefits of this practice. Extension specialists, consul-
3. Consider cultural prac- tants or industry experts, to
tices to boost productivi- help make the best decisions
ty. Incorporating weed and for their operation, he adds.
brush control, fertilizer ac-
cording to soil test or over-
seeding where needed can

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FORAGE that much soil. The math just
continued from page 13 doesn’t work out.
an acre of land. If you take Anytime we are trying to
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over one acre, it will weigh ap- actually taking advantage
proximately 2 million pounds. of a chemical reaction to im-
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tons per acre. your operation is somehow
If you read advertisements trying to manipulate chem-
for products that are promot- istry to your advantage. For
ed as being replacements for instance, herbicides impact
agricultural lime, again, re- some type of chemical reaction
member the reaction. It isn’t that results in a weeds death. Join Us on Facebook
the calcium that is raising Grazing impacts the amount
pH, it is the carbonate. Just of sunlight a plant can collect,
because something says liquid which impacts the chemical P
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