Earlier this week a frenzy began in the media and on social networks when a CBS affiliate in Austin Texas incorrectly reported that a genetically modified grass releasing cyanide gas and caused cattle deaths. I wrote a brief post describing the condition known more commonly as prussic acid. The news station has since clarified the … Continue reading Tifton 85 Bermuda is a safe hybrid, GMO adverse effects not verified
Texas cattle died while grazing – Prussic acid information
There's been much concern about GMO bermudagrass killing cattle after reports from Austin, Texas this weekend claimed genetic modification of the grass caused a fatal release of cyanide gas. Don't go crying "GMO kills" until you have done some research. (More detailed information on the difference between GMO and Hybrids here)Bermuda grass has many hybrids … Continue reading Texas cattle died while grazing – Prussic acid information
Livestock numbers and drought dictate cattle and forage managment
Drought will not release its grasp of the Southern and Western regions, Spring stockpiles of forage are impacted, and cattle numbers have yet to recover from last year's devastating drought. These ingredients spell out the need for well thought out management of forage supplies and cattle herds across the country. Last week I shared a … Continue reading Livestock numbers and drought dictate cattle and forage managment
Armyworms Impact Southern Pastures
This month you begin seeing ranchers scouting the fields (rather what's left of them), or even on their knees with hands in the grass. Other than praying for rain, we're looking for an army of caterpillars. These are not your average young butterfly, but rather, as a group, these worms can wipe out pastures in … Continue reading Armyworms Impact Southern Pastures
Benefits of Mowing Livestock Pastures | Part 2
Why do livestock producers mow pastures? As a follow-up to yesterday's post, we'll explore how mowing livestock pastures from a forage management perspective can be beneficial. Benefits of Mowing Livestock Pastures The following is a guest contribution from Jesse Bussard, a graduate student at the University of Kentucky I was posed the question, “Why do … Continue reading Benefits of Mowing Livestock Pastures | Part 2
AgBoards Announces #HayTalk Chat on Twitter
Attention forage producers and consumers, make room in your **Thursday** schedules for an hour of hay, forage, and grazing discussions on Twitter. Starting Wednesday, August 10th, at 8:00 p.m. EST, AgBoards brings you #HayTalk Chat using the Twitter hashtag, #haytalk. The AgBoards Network (@agboards) creators of HayTalk.com and RanchingForums.com, amongst other farming sites, have teamed … Continue reading AgBoards Announces #HayTalk Chat on Twitter
Prepare Now For Fall And Winter Forages
Here's a short write up I contributed to the local Conservation District newsletter this month. It's just a brief overview of forage management in Arkansas but thought I would share anyways. Maybe it will give you an idea of production methods in our region. Post any questions you have in the comments and I'll try to answer … Continue reading Prepare Now For Fall And Winter Forages