Author Archives: grasslandrenewal

This article represents the perspective of one retired, academic forage breeder and cultivar developer after 50 years of working experience. Developing cultivars that help farmers within pastoral agriculture is the main goal, a system where livestock is the consumer. International Grassland Congress proceedings, as well as the general literature, are historical guides for the stateContinue reading “Forage breeding and cultivar development: a 50-year perspective”

Its complexities are many. It is both a blessing and a curse . . . loved and hated. Many have trouble living with it, but they would never engage the thought of living without it. This is the world of toxic tall fescue, which currently covers millions of acres of prime grazing land in theContinue reading “Toxic fescue needs a dance partner”

As of today we are only 15 days away from first tall fescue planting dates in the northern tall fescue belt, and only 60 days from final optimal planting dates anywhere in the region.  Make sure you have critical dates for final glyphosate spraying and planting on your calendar.  If you don’t have the drillContinue reading “Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue monthly tips: August”

Pastureland is a complex ecological system that provides many “Ecosystem Services” to mankind.  The most obvious service is the production of food by livestock species, and the recreational benefits provided by horses and other companion or exotic herbivores.  In addition, well-managed pastures sequester carbon, filter water, feed healthy soil, provide wildlife habitat and make forContinue reading “Immerse Yourself in the Pasture Ecology”

Time is counting down with only 45 to 75 days until ideal Tall Fescue planting time depending on where you are in the fescue belt.  Plan on seeding September 1-15 in the northern and mountain areas to as late as October 1-15 in the southern most regions.  See state specific guidelines on the Alliance forContinue reading “Timely Renovation Tips: July, 2023”

A few years ago one of my colleagues asked me what I wanted my legacy to be.  I was a little taken aback as I had never really thought of such a thing.  It made me realize that folks do think about their legacy, and I wasn’t really quite sure what that even was.  So,Continue reading “Triple Creek Journal: Henry’s Longhorns”

Meet my dog Pup.  He was found as an 8 week-old puppy running around Virgilina by my nephew Korey who carried him home.  It was rumored that he was a valuable puppy and belonged to someone in town, but no one ever came forward to claim him.  He grew up on the farm with aContinue reading “Triple Creek Journal: Pup’s favorite forages!”

If you plan to plant tall fescue this fall decide which variety you want to grow and get your seed ordered right away.  For information on the commercial varieties available and sources of seed visit http://www.grasslandrenewal.com If you plan to plant tall fescue this fall and have not soil tested, get samples immediately and planContinue reading “Timely Renovation Tips: June”

It is an exciting time in the Willamette Valley! The valley is the heart of the Oregon cool-season grass seed industry and seed harvest is underway.  This beautiful valley that sits south of Portland, OR is bordered by the Oregon Coastal Range to the West and the Cascades to the East.   Here the winter isContinue reading “The Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue Seed Crop is Looking Good. Order yours now!”

Farmers in the “tall fescue belt” are witnessing a major change in their region.  Many of their peers are retiring and selling out, and farmers new to the land have a different outlook.  Many advisors have recommended that small to medium sized cattle farmers probably should not be making much if any hay.  Many ofContinue reading “Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue has great potential as a high value hay crop”