Page 15 - MWC 9-15-2022s2
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STRATEGIES The Midwest Cattleman · September 15, 2022 · P15
continued from page 9 grazing should be considered likely to be optimum for forage ferment or rotation stocking
healthy improved pasture will to increase harvest efficiency, growth, such as the beginning management system allows
have 3-4 inches of stubble. In forage utilization and flexibil- of the growing season, helps flexibility for this practice.
severe drought, pastures may ity of herd management. to maximize its utilization. Using a sacrifice paddock will
not reach this stubble height, — Weed management: In periods of limited soil limit the damage to only one
so these pastures should be Think twice before applying moisture, delaying fertilizer pasture as opposed to multi-
deferred until the time of dor- herbicides during a drought. application until moisture is ple areas. Animals could also
mancy, when nights are 55 de- Plant mechanisms in response present or imminent can also be fed in alleyways and/or
grees for warm-season grass to a drought will prevent ade- increase efficiency. When rain lanes.
pastures, and then grazed to quate entry of herbicides into falls, pastures should be fer- If feeding livestock in other
3-4 inch stubble height. plants and result in a high- tilized and ready to grow. If locations, make sure water is
Those pastures with little cost application with little not managed properly during always available. If destock-
or no green growth are living control of the specific weed. drought recovery, invasive ing has occurred due to a
off the roots, and root mass Preparing for the next species will establish and be drought, consider maintain-
has declined substantially. drought difficult to control or elimi- ing herd size at that number.
Roots must be replaced, or Some best management nate. It is much more economical to
bare areas will increase, and practices can prepare pas- — Grazing manage- harvest hay from excess for-
invader grasses/weeds will tures and hay meadows for ment: Heavy grazing during age during sufficient growth
prevail. In addition, overgraz- a potential drought: forage drought can severely stress than it is to feed stored for-
ing plants removes the buds management, grazing man- plants. Even prior to a age and supplement during a
needed for re-growth. If in- agement, weed control and drought, heavy grazing re- drought.
sufficient stubble and root re- utilization of warm-season duces the root mass and can Managing for drought is
mains, water capture and in- annual forages. make the plants less efficient complex and must take place
filtration is reduced. So, when — Forage management: It’s at utilizing any nutrients and throughout the calendar year.
it does rain again, less water always important, drought or moisture in the soil. It may be Be sure to graze properly in
will enter the soil stores for not, to pay attention to plant necessary to remove livestock the summer and plan ahead
plant growth. nutrient requirements. Test from pastures and use stored for fall, winter and spring for-
Stocking rates must be re- the soil and apply the recom- feed for some time. Those age production so that feeding
duced on all types of forage. mendations. Ensure soil pH is without adequate facilities of expensive hay or supple-
Fertilizer inputs should be adequate to enhance fertiliz- may have to establish a sac- ments is minimized.
reduced or stopped during er uptake efficiency. Applying rifice paddock where feeding Drovers
periods of prolonged reduced nitrogen fertilizer just prior can take place.
precipitation, and deferred to times when conditions are Using some method of de-
