By Skyler Murray
As summer begins to wind down, livestock producers across Western North Carolina should be thinking ahead about fall and winter forage needs. The transition from warm-season summer growth to cool-season forage can be an important time for pasture management, but it can also be an expensive one. With diesel, fertilizer, seed, and other input costs remaining a concern, producers should look for ways to make every dollar invested in their pastures count.
A well-planned fall pasture program does not necessarily require spending more money. In many cases, soil testing, good grazing management, proper timing, and using existing resources efficiently can reduce unnecessary expenses while improving forage production.
Start With a Pasture Assessment
Before purchasing seed, fertilizer, or other inputs, walk your pastures and evaluate their current condition.
Look for:
- Thin or bare areas
- Weed pressure
- Soil erosion
- Compaction
- Poor drainage
- Overgrazed areas
- Fencing or water problems
- Areas with desirable forage versus areas dominated by weeds or undesirable plants
This assessment can help determine whether a pasture needs complete renovation, overseeding, spot treatment, or simply better grazing management.
Source : ncsu.edu