By Nicole Santangelo
Assess your pasture conditions now to make management and renovation decisions for the growing season.
“Now is the time to make management decisions for your pastures” explains Dr. Jessica Williamson, Penn State Extension Forage Specialist at the first of four
pasture workshops. “Within the next few weeks we will already be able to begin overseeing and reseeding options.”
For those wanting to improve their grazing and pasture skills, it’s not too late to
register or walk-in at the Pennsylvania Furnace and Brookville locations to be held during the last week of March.
Maximizing tonnage on your acres requires management, and good pasture management begins with basic soil fertility. Special attention to pH, manure nutrient additions and the presence of legumes can assist in diagnosing current pasture under performance. Likewise, weeds thrive in conditions not suited for good forages.
“Selecting species with a proven track record in your region” is key to a good stand, noted Williamson. If you are considering renovating paddocks that are poor performers, consider what is causing under performance. After improving rotation, fertility and management, reseeding may be needed. If this is the case, consider newer varieties. Vary the species or variety maturity to improve the window the forage is ideal for grazing for your stock.
Additional information on these and other topics are discussed at the pasture workshops and management techniques and decision tools can be found in the Penn State Extension
Agronomy Guide.