-
Sign Up for Updates!
Get news from ForageFax in your inbox.
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Forage Fax, https://foragefax.tamu.edu. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Category Archives: Uncategorized
East Texas Pasture Management
Friday, April 4, 2025 Virtual Program Living with fire ants Weed Control in Pastures and Hay Meadows Laws and Regulations of Pesticide Use Rodent management on the farm Getting the most out of your spraying equipment FLYER Meeting will be conducted with ZOOM Registration: Cost: $35/person Register online at: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ansc-ev-073 For information on this program please contact Michelle Sensing @ 903-847-0611 The program will be divided into 2 sessions to allow attendees to have a break between sessions 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM… Read More →
Dealing with High Fertilizer Costs in Forages
Fertilizer is and has always been a significant production expense whether you are growing corn, cotton, or pasture forage. Fertilizer costs have increased tremendously over the last few decades. Commercial fertilizers are the most costly input in warm season grass forage production. Below are some important issues relative to fertilizer efficiency as well as alternatives for reducing fertilizer use and reducing production costs for forage production. Soil Test: Adequate soil fertility is one key to successful forage and livestock production in Texas. Soil testing is still the best… Read More →
Timing on Weed Control is Critical
Our human nature is to find a simple, one time solution for our problems. Unfortunately, this simple, one time solution does not exist for weed control in pastures and hay meadows. There are several factors that are important when it comes to weed control. These include: Weed Identification: We cannot make the best management decisions if we don’t even know what the plant is we are trying to eradicate. Identification will determine the timing of our herbicide application along with the herbicide we choose. There are a… Read More →
When it comes to grazing, one size doesn’t fit all
A good system of grazing is one that uses livestock behavior to sustain forage and animal production at a low cost. No single grazing system will be suitable for all locations or meet the needs of all producers. Certain tracts of land lend themselves to one type of grazing system better than others. Different philosophies or experience levels of grazing managers will also influence how livestock are manipulated. Grazing management involves controlling where, when, and how much livestock graze. Grazing systems give you a structure for doing just… Read More →
Bermudagrass or Bahiagrass
Forage systems are essential for the livestock industry, and the selection of the right grass species is crucial for optimal animal performance. Bermudagrass and bahiagrass are introduced summer perennial grasses that are well adapted to Central and East Texas. Hybrid bermudagrass is a highly productive, warm season grass that grows well in areas with mild winters and long, hot summers. It has a fine stem and leaf structure, making it a highly palatable forage option for livestock. Hybrid bermudagrass is known for it’s high yield potential and nutrient… Read More →
Bearing with Sandburs-Managing a Painful Pest
February is the time for forage managers to begin waging war against this pest. Many Cenchrus spp. go by grassburs, sandburs, stickerburs, or other names. This genus includes annual and perennial grasses that produce a pain-inflicting seed head. The burs that house the seed not only have spines but have fishhook-like barbs that grip what they have grabbed (Fig. 1). There are three native species of sandburs in Texas that make up most infestations. These are also referred to as grassbur by many: field sandbur – Cenchrus spinifex … Read More →
Renovation
During the dormant season we often get anxious for warm weather and green pastures so we start thinking about renovation. Renovation is a practice or series of management practices which “restores the vigor” or “makes new again.” In pasture management, renovation refers to improvement of a permanent pasture by changed management. Renovation of bermudagrass pastures may be as simple as soil testing and applying proper fertilization; or, it may be as complex and intensive as destroying the existing sod, preparing a seedbed and sprigging again. Some renovation… Read More →
Native Grasses for Texas
One may be surprised to learn that bermudagrass and bahiagrass are NOT native to Texas much less to the United States. There are numerous species of grasses and forbs that can be utilized for forage throughout the state of Texas. Keep in mind as we select forages we need to be mindful of our production system goals, location (soil type and rainfall), and the nutrient needs of our livestock (and/or wildlife). Many livestock producers are considering forage species and varieties that do not require as much fertilizer as… Read More →
Impact of Sub Freezing Temperatures on Warm-Season Perennial Grasses
Warm-season perennial grasses are the basis of pasture systems and livestock production in Texas. The most prominent warm season species are bermudagrass (seeded and hybrid) and bahiagrass. Neither of these species is native to the state of Texas but they are well adapted to Central and East Texas. Unfortunately they can be greatly impacted by cold winter temperatures. Central and East Texas have seen record temperatures in late December. Many may be concerned about whether or not their warm season forages have survived these weather conditions. Bermudagrass… Read More →
Weed of the Week: Buttercup
Buttercup (Ranunculus species): One of the many yellow flowering weeds that we fight in pastures and hay meadows. Buttercup is a winter annual that thrives in weak or thin pastures. There are several species of this winter annual. They differ mainly in leaf shape and growth, but all produce characteristic bright yellow blossoms. March to early April is the best time to kill buttercup. The goal is to spray buttercup before bloom. Fertilizing and liming to soil test recommendations and efficient utilization of pastures or hay fields are… Read More →