There was a time when planting pastures was simple. Plant one thing, hope it rains and try not to think too hard about August. Unfortunately, Missouri summers, rising costs and grazing pressure have a way of exposing weak forage systems in a hurry. Th …
We all love when spring finally shows up—warmer days, green poking out everywhere and mud. Ok, not so much the mud. But mud and spring seem to go hand-in-hand. This is also the time of year when those troubled areas of pooling water in pastures and f …
Spring is soon upon us, and you will be taking stock of the condition of your pastures. Bare ground has a way of showing itself this time of year, whether it is caused by mud and compaction, overgrazing or forages that just never really took off. Tha …
Pastures do not thrive on their own. Between grazing pressure, mud, drought and whatever Mother Nature feels like throwing at us, most pastures eventually need a little help. When it’s time to thicken up a stand or boost forage quality, two common ap …
Rotational grazing sounds great in theory. You’ve heard the pitch: move your herd from one paddock to the next, let the grass recover, boost pasture productivity and save on feed costs. But we don’t hang our hats on theory. Missouri cattle producers …
As farmers and ranchers across Missouri gear up for the upcoming year, one crucial aspect on their radar is the pricing of hay. Hay prices play a significant role in a farm’s operations, particularly for those involved in livestock production. At thi …
Winter is a great time to plan, prep and optimize your forage production. One strategy that Missouri cattle producers can leverage is the cultivation of early season forages. These forages offer a range of benefits, from providing nutritious feed for …
Protein vs. Energy / Testing Nutrient Levels No one likes to feed hay. But winter months often dictate that you feed a round bale or two to keep your herd satisfied. Because hay quality can vary, making the investment to have your hay tested can ensur …
