Author Archives: grasslandrenewal

As I write this, we are being passed over by yet another good chance of rain that will leave only splash marks in the dust.  We ended up with 0.85 inches of rain in April and 0.3 inches so far in May.  Overall, we are more than 15 inches behind for the year at thisContinue reading “Triple Creek Journal, May 2026:  It’s all part of the big story.”

These are interesting times in the beef industry. Cattle prices are higher than ever yet there is scant evidence of herd expansion in the macroeconomic data. However, I see enormous asking prices for bred heifers marketed online, so this month I want to share data that I’ve seen in the literature that could aid inContinue reading “Favor the earlier calving bred heifers at auction this fall (relative to your calving season)”

Matt Poore, NC State Extension, Amazing Grazing Program Becky Spearman, Cooperative Extension, Bladen County North Carolina Cooperative Extension Note: This article first appeared in the May, 2026 Carolina Cattle Connection and is reprinted here with permission. Deciding which cows to cull can be a difficult and emotional decision, but it must be done as aContinue reading “Strategic Culling of the Cow Herd in Drought Situations”

Our usual management tips for May need to be emphasized even more than usual given the drought conditions that cover most of the tall fescue belt.  As of May 10, 2026 nearly all of the tall fescue belt is in drought, with most areas at D2 or worse.  This is unprecedented for this time ofContinue reading “May Timely Tips for Toxic Tall Fescue Pastures”

Tall fescue is the most important coolseason grass grown in the “Heart of America”. It is a versatile plant used for animal feed, lawns and turf, and conservation purposes. Tall fescue is a native of Europe. The exact date of its’ introduction into the United States is not known, but likely came as a contaminantContinue reading “TALL FESCUE FROM 1931-2006”

As we enter a new year, this season naturally encourages reflection and redirection. Many of us see the New Year as an opportunity to refresh, get back on track, or start something entirely new. For those of us in the livestock and forage industry, this is an excellent time to evaluate our operations, review ourContinue reading “New Year, New Strategy: Developing a F.O.R.A.G.E Plan for 2026!”

We have had a very odd start to the grazing season.  The roller coaster ride of temperatures for the last two months has really hurt productivity of the perennial cool season grasses.  The fields we fertilized early came out and grew in March, only to be set back by a 23° F freeze.  This turnedContinue reading “Triple Creek Journal, April 2026: Back on grass, at least for now.”

New stands of Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue across the fescue belt are suffering from drought conditions.  Despite challenging establishment conditions again last fall, most reports are of successful establishment, but we have also heard about a few failures.  While most new stands are alive, they are very at risk due to the current weather pattern. Continue reading “Fescue Renovation Timely Tips, April 2026”

I have always been suspicious of technology and slow to adopt new ways.  I got that from my Dad. He was a mountain boy from a family that had subsisted on hard work and little else in the Appalachian Mountains since the early 1800s. My Dad was always suspicious of the new ideas and theContinue reading “Triple Creek Journal, March, 2026: Adopting Technology”

This article is reprinted with permission from the Amazing Grazing column in the Carolina Cattle Connection, March, 2026 The regenerative farming movement is focused on improving the efficiency of agriculture through restoring soil health and ecosystem function.  Most pasture-based livestock production systems are based on perennial forages, and thus their potential for soil health isContinue reading “Confessions of a Regenerative Farmer Part 6. Conclusion.”