Forage Fax

Friday, February 17, 2017 Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center 1710 N. Hwy 3053, Overton, TX 75684   Effective weed control with weed identification, proper timing and herbicide selection Does storage of pesticides impact efficacy? How to properly dispose of empty containers and old pesticides Using herbicides under trees: Is it possible? Save money by understanding active ingredients, residual control and herbicide cost   Registration starts 12:30 pm Program starts 1:00 pm Adjourn 6:00 pm   5 Pesticide CEUs Available    Preregister by Feb. 15, 2017: Cost:… Read More →

Annual Ryegrass…a cool season annual forage often utilized by livestock producers for winter grazing. However, it’s often deemed an enemy of many a hay producer in East Texas. Volunteer annual ryegrass can be common in hay meadows. Winter rainfalls can promote seed germination and seeds can survive for multiple years in our soils. Later maturity of annual ryegrass can delay or prevent our warm season perennial forages (i.e. bermudagrass or bahiagrass) from breaking dormancy in April/May therefore delaying our initial hay cutting.   So how do we manage… Read More →

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 →

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 →

There are about 150 species of grasshoppers in the state of Texas, but 90% of the damage to crops, gardens, trees, and pastures is caused by just 5 species. Grasshoppers deposit their eggs 1/2 to 2 inches below the soil surface in pod-like structures. Each egg pod consists of 20 to 120 eggs. Egg pods are very resistant to cold and can easily survive the winter if the soil is not disturbed. Grasshoppers deposit eggs in fallow fields, ditches, fencerows, and weedy areas, as well as in crop… Read More →

Friday, February 12, 2016 Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center 1710 N. Hwy 3053, Overton, TX 75684 Preregister by Feb. 10, 2016: Cost: $25/person On-Site Registration Cost: $35/person Register online at: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu; or call Extension Conference Services @ 979-845-2604 FLYER              

Areas of Texas have received very little rainfall since the end of June. As we begin the month of October many of us are questioning whether to plant cool season annual forages (such as ryegrass, small grains or legumes). Many are optimistic about the wetter-than-normal winter that most likely will come because of an exceptionally strong El Nino this year. However, for many of us that hope is not enough as we look at the cost associated with planting.   Ideally we would like to plant to soil… Read More →

This season has been or has become a drought year for many of us in Texas. With drought conditions come fears in regards to toxic plants, nitrate toxicity and prussic acid poisoning. TOXIC PLANTS There are numerous plants in Texas that can be toxic to livestock (cattle, horses, goats, etc.). Toxic Plants of Texas  is a great website with a list of toxic plants along with images, livestock affected and livestock signs. Always make sure your livestock have sufficient forage/feed that will meet their nutritional needs. NITRATE TOXICITY When livestock consume… Read More →