Forage Fax

The options for fall-planted wildlife mixtures are many but often the random mixtures offered for sale by national retailers are not the best-adapted plants for Texas.  Warm season forage legumes, cool season forage legumes and forage oats are all great choices to include in forage mixtures for white-tailed deer in Texas.  One problem with planting mixtures of these three forages is determining the correct planting rate for each forage species so that competition is minimized and each species can be productive.   Planting rate experiments with cowpeas, oats… Read More →

The fall armyworm is a common pest of bermudagrass, sorghum, corn, wheat and ryegrass and many other crops in north and central Texas. Armyworms are very small (1/8 inch) at first, cause little plant damage and as a result infestations often go unnoticed. Larvae feed for 2-3 weeks and full grown larvae are about 1 to 1-1/2 inches long. Given their immense appetite, great numbers, and marching ability, fall armyworms can damage entire fields or pastures in a few days. Fall armyworm outbreaks in pastures and hay fields… Read More →

Late September-early October is the ideal time for planting cool season annual forages such as annual ryegrass, small grains (rye, wheat or oats) and/or cool season annual legumes. Anytime we are incorporating new forages into our production systems it is important to make sure to match the forage species to your location (soil type, average annual rainfall, intended use, etc). If you have questions about forages appropriate for your area contact your local county extension agent. Three methods for establishing cool-season annual grasses include planting into a prepared… 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 →

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 →