Page 11 - MWC 10-21-2021s

CONTINUE TO STAGE The Midwest Cattleman · October 21, 2021 · P11
continued from page 9
feel comfortable to start graz- their value very well, or for is most certainly tall fescue.
residue can provide at least 30 ing stockpiled forages without very long, need to be grazed Whether old Kentucky 31 or
days of decent grazing after worrying about stressing the first. Orchardgrass, hay after- an endophyte-friendly tall fes-
harvest date. After 30 days, plant too much. You want the math, perennial ryegrass and cue like Max-Q, if it is domi-
the quality of that fodder will plant to build both the top and even smooth brome grass once nantly new fall regrowth it
decrease quickly and only new roots to store energy for it has for sure gone dormant will hold its nutritional value
maintenance animals should next spring. If you continue should be first on the menu. I better than anything for as
really graze them, unless grazing into late fall the plant would then move back to any long as it lasts. The fescue
higher quality annuals have will be weakened some next annual small grains if soil con- should be the last thing nor-
been planted into the stalks, spring. ditions permit. mally grazed in the winter…
raising the nutritional value As we proceed later into The backbone dominating so save it for late use. It will
and they are ready to graze. If October and approach Novem- stockpiled forage for the rest hold up to some abuse, main-
you have annuals such as oats ber, forages that don’t hold of the winter in the Midwest
and brassicas that were plant- continued on page 12
ed a few weeks ago, some of
those can now be grazed. You
would not want to graze them
too hard if you don’t have to;
you will want to save some
for later so leaving sufficient
residual is important, ideally
about four inches.
Some areas still have an
abundance of forage available
for grazing. Deferring this for-
age for later use provides an
opportunity for more growth
in the declining daylight days
and more opportunity for
grazing later. Once we have a
good killing freeze, which will
be coming soon in the north-
ern part of my state, you can

5th Annual Fall
Highland Cattle Auction
Heartland Highland Cattle Association
Saturday,
December 4th, 2021 10AM

Parsons Livestock Market
25012 N. Hwy 59, Parsons, KS
$5.00 entry fee at the door

Selling Registered,
Unregistered, and
Crossbreed Highland
Bulls, Cows, Calves,
and Steers
www.HighlandAuction.com

For info contact:
Mike at 505.228.7438 or
505.948.3695
Gloria at HHCA
call 417.345.0575
text 417.733.3201
heartlandhighlandcattle@gmail.com
HeartlandHighlandCattleAssociation.org