Forage Fax

Many growers make no distinction at all between perennial and annual sow thistles. That’s because all three versions are tall weeds with yellow, dandelion-like flowers and stems that produce a milky sap. Seedlings of the two species(Sonchus asper & Sonchus oleraceus) are practically indistinguishable, and may be difficult to tell apart even at spray stage without examining the root system. Annual and perennial sow thistle will be covered in an upcoming post. Spiny Sow Thistle (Sonchus asper): An annual that has bluish-green leaves and stems that emit a… Read More →

Parts of Texas enjoyed a fairly good spring, but since late May, there has been precious little rainfall occurring over much of the state.  A look at the most recent drought monitor map indicates about 88% of the state was in some form of drought and the long range forecast through October 31 indicates most of the state will remain under dry conditions.  If you are planning on wintering livestock, now is the time to locate and purchase any hay you will need.  Or, if you have opportunity… Read More →

Texas Bullnettle (Cnidoscolus texanus) Bienniel/Perennial Usually 1.5 to 3 feet tall with multiple stems. If any part of the stem is broken, a milky sap appears.   The leaves are dark green and located alternately along the stems. Leaves are 2 to 4 inches long with stinging hairs.   The flowers, which appear from April through September, consist of 5 to 7 white, petallike sepals. Bullnettle is a very common plant found in all soil types. It is most common on sandy soils and disturbed areas. Bullnettle thrives in… Read More →

Chaparral is labeled for bermudagrass pastures and hay meadows. Chaparral can destroy bahiagrass.

Many growers make no distinction at all between perennial and annual sow thistles. That’s because all three versions are tall weeds with yellow, dandelion-like flowers and stems that produce a milky sap. Seedlings of the two species(Sonchus asper & Sonchus oleraceus) are practically indistinguishable, and may be difficult to tell apart even at spray stage without examining the root system. Spiny sow thistle was covered in the previous post. Annual Sow Thistle: (Sonchus oleraceus L.) Winter annual broadleaf plant. Inhabits agricultural land and other disturbed locations. Species are not easy to… Read More →

January not only marks a new year but it is also the beginning of winter pasture utilization. Because drought and cold weather can slow the growth of forages, livestock on winter pasture may need to be supplemented with hay. All East Texas regions: Use stockpiled bermudagrass/bahiagrass by mid-January. It may be possible to graze annual ryegrass at a low stocking rate if temperatures do not rise above 50°F at night and there is enough moisture for adequate forage growth. Pastures may be available for grazing from late December… Read More →

Winter is the time of year private pesticide applicator license renewals typically take place.  If you are short a few hours, be sure and check with your local county extension agent or surrounding agents.  County extension agents provide a number of programs this time of year designed to help producers get some last minute hours prior to renewal.  Many of the programs are multi-county and may provide up to eight hours of CEUs necessary for license renewal.

This beautiful, full-color calendar is the tool for you. You’ll learn not only how to manage your property for forage production, but also when to perform critical management tasks. Use the calendar to record your management activities, and you’ll have invaluable data for measuring success, as well as documentation for tax purposes. Whether you own a few acres or thousands, you’ll find this management calendar indispensable! Order your copy from: http://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu Publication # B-6250 888-900-2577 (toll-free)   Vanessa Corriher-Olson Forage Extension Specialist Soil & Crop Sciences Overton, TX… Read More →

Portions of the state have recently had some good rainfall events.  One or two good rains, however, does not end the drought.  The forecast for much of the state, with the exception of deep southeast Texas, is for continued drought through the end of March.  Some climatologists have stated the present dry cycle we are in may not end until approximately 2020.  Therefore, approach increasing the cow herd with caution.  Pastures should show good coverage and growth prior to increasing the stocking rate.  Additionally, if there is need… Read More →