Forage Fax

If left uncontrolled, thick thistle stands can reduce grazing and result in less forage production. A single thistle plant can produce at least 4,000 seeds, which increases the chance for higher thistle populations in the pasture the following year. Consequently, management practices need to be conducted prior to flower formation for effective thistle control. Even if thistles have not infested your pasture in the past, it is ideal that your pastures are scouted in late fall through mid-spring (November to March) to ensure that thistles do not get… Read More →

On many farms, hay feeding losses are as high as storage losses. Some hay losses during feeding can be expected with any feeding system, but the amount of loss varies with the system used. The major objective for any feeding system should be to keep loses to a practical minimum level, thus permitting animals to consume the majority of hay offered at feeding. Feeding losses include trampling, leaf shatter, chemical and physical deterioration, fecal contamination, and refusal. Feeding in only one area can cause excessive sod destruction, usually… Read More →

Fertilization of winter pasture should be based on a soil test to maximize forage production and prevent applying more fertilizer than is needed. Nitrogen fertilization of small grain and small grain-ryegrass mixtures can be split in 2 to 4 equal applications during the growing season. Two applications are often sufficient in Central Texas with lower rainfall and heavier textured soils. Three or four applications are required on the sandy soils in East Texas because of low nutrient holding capacity and high rainfall. Phosphorus and potassium can be applied… Read More →

Broomsedge Bluestem (Andropogon virginicus L.) is a warm season perennial grass found throughout Central and East Texas. Broomsedge growth begins as temperatures consistently stay above 60 degrees F. It produces many seeds that are distributed by wind. It is a poor competitor, has poor nutritive value for livestock and low palatability. Broomsedge can quickly become the dominant species in over-grazed, low pH (< 5.5), low fertility, eroded soils where desired vegetation will not thrive. Since this plant thrives on low pH and low fertility soils, soil testing is… Read More →

Overton Pesticide CEU Program November 19, 2025 Virtual webinar   Morning Session (8:30 – 11:30 am) Ticks-livestock disease and control considerations Laws and regulations of pesticide use Chemical and hormones they are everywhere Afternoon Session  Managing ants and other insects around the house Weed control in pastures and hay meadows 5 CEUs approved 1 Laws and regulations 2 Integrated pest management 2 General 2025 Overton CEU program flyer Registration Link: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ansc-ev-085 Registration Deadline: Tuesday, November 18, at 4:00 pm          

  Ideally we would like to plant to soil moisture. Summer pastures should be overseeded in October and early November depending on location. Delaying planting may give us an opportunity to plant to soil moisture depending on rainfall. Delaying planting too late (late November or December) will decrease overall forage production as well as result in a shorter grazing period.   If  we do have adequate moisture this winter be prepared to manage any winter forages planted, especially those overseeded into existing warm season perennial sods (bermudagrass, bahiagrass,… Read More →

Grassy weeds can be a major obstacle in bermudagrass systems, reducing forage quality, competing for nutrients and water, and interfering with harvest operations. Effective control requires a strategic approach that considers weed biology, forage growth stages, and herbicide options. Common Grassy Weeds in Bermudagrass Systems Some problematic grassy weeds include: Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) Fall panicum (Panicum dichotomiflorum) These species often thrive in disturbed areas, thin stands, or under poor fertility and moisture conditions. Integrated Control Strategies 1. Maintain a… Read More →

One of the first considerations when purchasing hay is that it should be based on individual animal requirements. For optimal production, forage quality should be matched as closely as possible to the nutritional needs of the animal. Low quality forage can result in reduced animal performance and increased supplemental feeding costs. Whereas hay of sufficient quality, little or no supplementation will be necessary to meet the animals’ nutritional needs. Keep in mind that not all forage or hay is created equal. There is great variation between forages and… Read More →

Weeds are a persistent challenge in forage systems, competing with desirable species for nutrients, light, and moisture, and reducing both yield and forage quality. An integrated weed management (IWM) approach combines multiple strategies to effectively control weeds while promoting healthy, productive pastures and hay meadows Why Integrated Weed Management? Unlike single-method weed control, IWM uses a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical practices tailored to specific conditions. This approach reduces reliance on herbicides, minimizes resistance development, and supports long-term sustainability. Key Components of Integrated Weed Management Prevention… Read More →