Author: David Appelman
Planning Unit: Bracken County CES
Major Program: Forages
Plan of Work: Measuring the Agriculture Business
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Field productivity had declined over time for a local producer and he requested advice on reseeding of his hay fields to increase production. After a site visit, it appeared that grass stands were sufficient, but lacked the growth he wanted. We had a discussion about his goals and plans to use the forage. I knew that he recently sold his cattle and only planned for cash hay sales. Most of the hay would be for beef cattle, so grass or grass clover hay would be all that was needed. He was also concerned about weeds that continued to get worse each year.
I suggested that we could improve the grass stands with the correct fertility and that would also reduce the weed pressure by thickening the stands. I also suggested that he look into raising his cutting height on his mower. I indicated that extremely low cutting height are detrimental to grass stands. Once the lime was added, he could frost seed clover to improve the stands.
After results from soil test came back, most fields were high in Phosphorus and very low in Potassium and many fields needed lime to raise the pH level. By improving fertility, yields will be improved without the expense to reseed. One particular field that he wanted to reseed in alfalfa had a pH of 4.9. By not seeding this field in alfalfa, we save him thousands of dollars as this would never result in a positive forage yield due to the extremely low pH
Small grain production is mainly focused on cover crops in our area with a limited number of acres h... Read More
After many years of using corn silage to feed stocker cattle on a local farm operation, they wanted ... Read More
If you were to ask any 4-Her that attends camp more times than not they will say it is the best time... Read More
In early March, planning for summer programs was underway, excitement about camp was building, fair ... Read More