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Ranchers hear key factors to growing forage at rebuilding beef herd symposium

FRANKLIN – Ranchers should be mindful of three important components of pasture health when considering restocking beef cattle, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

Dr. Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension state forage specialist in College Station, said water, fertilizer and protection are important factors to growing and maintaining forages in pastures. Redmon was one of several featured speakers at the recent beef herd rebuilding symposium at Camp Cooley Ranch near Franklin.

“The recent 2014 U.S. Drought Monitor map is looking better, but we still have parts of the state in drought,” he said. “The long-range forecast has much of the state improving and starting to ease back into higher production. As you are making your decisions to restock, we may not be out of the woods completely. Climatologists say these drought cycles typically last for 22-25 years. Just be cautious before testing the waters.”

Dr. Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension state forage specialist in College Station, discusses forage management at the recent beef herd rebuilding symposium at Camp Cooley Ranch near Franklin. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin)
Dr. Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension state forage specialist in College Station, discusses forage management at the recent beef herd rebuilding symposium at Camp Cooley Ranch near Franklin. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin)

Redmon said water isthe number one important factor for growing forage. Next, for bermuda grass or any hay field, is fertilizer. He warned about managing winter pastures when overseeding warm-season perennial grass fields.

“You want to remove winter pasture before green-up,” he said. “If you don’t, the winter pasture can inhibit photosynthesis. For example, an ungrazed ryegrass pasture will intercept the light and prevent warm-season grasses from being able to grow as they break winter dormancy. Bermuda grass begins active growth when nighttime temperatures are consistently 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and all winter pasture should be removed prior to that time.”

Redmon said to remove the winter grass, ranchers have the options of either grazing it out or baling it.

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