Forage Fax

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 →

The EPA approved a FIFRA Section 18 Crisis Emergency Exemption for Centric 40WG insecticide to control mealybug in pasture grass in the State of Texas. The Emergency Exemption can be found HERE. Full label for Centric 40 WG found HERE. Always follow label directions!        

A different winter feeding approach, other than hay, could be the use of standing or stockpiled warm season perennials (such as bermudagrass or bahiagrass). These forages are allowed to accumulate in the field for grazing during fall and early winter. Stockpiled bermudagrass can provide the required nutrition for dry, pregnant cows through January if the appropriate procedure is followed. Producers should plan on providing approximately 45 to 60 days of grazing with the dormant bermudagrass. In most instances, stockpiled bermudagrass should be used up by January. Once the… Read More →

Invasive brush can decrease forage productivity for livestock or decrease brush diversity valuable for wildlife habitat.  Most ranchers find themselves constantly considering options for brush management, weighing not only the cost and effectiveness, but also when they can find the time to complete the treatments.   As temperatures continue to climb across the state and the chances of rainfall seem to be weakening, it’s important to consider the effect this will have on any herbicide applications. Treating weeds or brush with a leaf spray application when temperatures are as… 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 →

Potassium is an essential element in plants and is considered one of the three macronutrients, along with nitrogen and phosphorus. The amount of K is reported in almost all routine soil samples. Unfortunately, at times potassium can go from being the least expensive to the most expensive of the three macronutrients. Ignoring the importance of potassium fertilization and not maintaining adequate soil levels can lead to forage losses and ultimate stand decline. Potassium is essential for producing economical yields and maintaining persistence in our forages. The role of… 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 →

  Vanessa Corriher-Olson Forage Extension Specialist Soil & Crop Sciences, Overton, TX vacorriher@ag.tamu.edu Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M University System

The bermudagrass stem maggot (Atherigona reversura), a pest of bermudagrass forage in Texas has been reported in multiple counties since 2012. The bermudagrass stem maggot is native to south Asia (from Japan westward to Pakistan) and was first reported in the United States in Georgia in 2010. This pest only infests bermudagrass and stargrass (Cynodon spp.). The fly (yellow with black head) lays its eggs within the stem of the bermudagrass plant. Once the egg hatches the larva, or maggot, (white with black head, 1/8” – 3/16” long)… Read More →

Carolina Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) A warm season perennial, Carolina horse nettle can grow to 2 feet tall. It has dark green leaves that are sharply lobed with a pointed tip. Carolina horse nettle has large spines on the stems and leaves. Each of its mostly oval leaves has several teeth or shallow lobes on both sides. Horse nettle has clusters of white to purple flowers and they bloom May to October. Horse nettle also produces a fruit that is about 1/2 inch in diameter; it is green with… Read More →