Page 32 - MWC 2-3-2022s

COLD STRESS LEGUMES The Midwest Cattleman · February 3, 2022 · P32
continued from page 31 continued from page 16 RED HOT
continued from page 26

that would minimally affect does not compete aggressive- Value of Diversity Together as a Family
forage intake would be .7% of ly with the new grass early in Between the two barns, The Wilburn family con-
animal body weight. Howev- the spring. Wilburn’s house about 26,000 tinues to buy Red Angus
er, level of grain supplemen- The effects of endophyte breeding hens at a time, col- bulls from the same local
tation can vary with forage toxicity in some fescue pas- lecting eggs to be sent out and breeder. Over the years their
quality. tures during the summer are hatched for Tyson Foods, Inc. appreciation for the breed
Besides cold weather af- hard to measure, but well broilers. “On a good peak we and relationship with the
fecting cattle performance, documented. This fungus will roughly gather 20,000 – Watkins family has grown.
producers have another affects all of animal perfor- 21,000 eggs per day, touch- Robert admires how both
thing to consider during win- mance –especially reproduc- ing each one by hand,” said farms operate as a family.
ter, mud. Depending upon tion. Annual lespedeza in Robert. Poultry litter dou- “We don’t hire anything out.
mud depth, it is estimated pastures can ‘dilute’ and bles as an excellent, low-cost Cattle, chickens and show
that it can increase the main- significantly reduce its ef- fertilizer. Robert applies the goats, we do it all. We do it as
tenance requirement from fect. With annual lespedeza, litter across grazing ground a family,” said Robert.
7-30%. it’s all about ‘timing’! for 2-3 years consecutively, Robert is especially thank-
OSU scientists Nickles, contingent on soil tests. This ful to everyone that has
Relling and Parker observed Lespedeza management returns nutrients and organ- helped get him to where he
cows housed for the last tri- and Fall Stockpiling ic matter to the soil, giving is today and God for all His
mester of gestation in muddy Fall stockpiling of fescue the shallow topsoil an extra blessings.
conditions had an estimated pasture is very important boost of fertility and quality.
increase in energy require- in many operations and the When no additional nutri-
ments of 1.8 Mcal Net Ener- management required to ents are needed for their soil,
gy/day, which is equivalent stockpile this forage fits very the poultry fertilizer is sold.
to approximately 20% of the well in allowing annual lespe- The farm’s diversity offers
daily energy requirements deza to re-seed itself. the opportunity to increase
for maintenance of a 1200 lb For More information visit profit while decreasing pro-
cow. www.Legendlespedeza.com. duction costs.

Offering 50 Head

12-18 Month Old Purebred
Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls

Annual Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull & Female Sale
Saturday, March 5, 2022

Select Group of Open
12:30 PM • Joplin Regional Stockyards • Carthage, Missouri
Purebred Gelbvieh &

Balancer Heifers all females
Watch for progeny out of these A I sires and more and ET matings
pelvic measured &
Some will be Homozygous Black and Homozygous Polled Reds & Blacks
reproductive scored

HILLTOP FARMS Put a bull with the
Videos will be available on
Elmer, Brenda, Brad, Katie, Kinsley, Brody www.hilltop-farms.com and DVAuction H
Benny, Sarah & Taegan McWilliams F
417-529-0081 | 417-529-7556 | 517-529-6436
Committed to Raising Quality Seedstock brand to work for you for
WWW.HILLTOP-FARMS.COM