Author Archives: grasslandrenewal

One of the most common questions I get regarding Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue is how much it will cost to establish it and whether or not it will pay off.  This is a complex question because there are very many factors that will impact the financial outcome.  To address the question, an agricultural economist atContinue reading “Economics of Tall Fescue Pasture Renovation”

There is great interest in improving ecosystem services from grasslands through adaptive grazing management.  Short, intensive grazing bouts followed by long rest periods is the key to all rotational grazing management systems.  Implementing proven grazing practices in an adaptive approach that addresses the environmental, economic and social needs of the system improves soil health (throughContinue reading “Alliance for Grassland Renewal hosts Symposium at NatGLC”

As I continue to develop my skills as an adaptive grazier, I find that I am more tuned in to what is going on and I am making better and quicker decisions regarding pasture allocation and animal management. One of the goals of the Amazing Grazing Program is to get farmers to think about theirContinue reading “Triple Creek Journal:  Can You Find 4-leaf Clovers without Looking for Them?”

Since we visited last month, nitrogen price has continued to increase. Even so, nitrogen remains an important part of grassland ecosystems and is closely related to both dry matter yield and crude protein concentrations in grasses and non-leguminous forbs. At the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council’s annual fall Kentucky Grazing Conference, Drs. John Grove andContinue reading “Right Source, Rate, Timing and Placement: More Bang for The Pasture Fertilizer Buck”

Outdoor winter feeding areas are likely to take a beating. Heavy hoof traffic and manure accumulation can cause soil compaction, erosion, and excess nutrient buildup. Allotting unfit acres for winter feeding can also negatively affect animal health and performance. So, how can these problems be prevented? The answer comes down to proper planning. Steve BoylesContinue reading “Pick a winter feed area with care”

I have been interested in soils and their management for a long time.  Everything we grow comes from the soil, and soil health is often the limiting factor for forage production and system resilience.  On my own farm we have areas that have been under good management for a long time, and these are alsoContinue reading “Triple Creek Journal:  To fertilize or not to fertilize.”

In the last year, the cost of fertilizer had increased more than 55%, 60%, and 65%, for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively (Figure 1). The price of nitrogen could continue to increase due to the idling of N manufacturing capacity caused by weather issues and increased natural gas and shipping costs. Nitrogen prices could conceivablyContinue reading “Navigating High Fertilizer Prices in Ruminant Livestock Operations”

One of the most common questions I get regarding novel endophyte tall fescue is how much it will cost to establish it and whether or not it will pay off.  This is a complex question because there are very many factors that will impact the financial outcome.  To address the question, an agricultural economist atContinue reading “Economics of Tall Fescue Pasture Renovation”

The Virginia Tech Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SVAREC) switched from a spring-calving herd to fall-calving six years ago. At that time, a growing body of research indicating increased profitability realized by fall- vs. spring-calving herds when reliant on tall fescue forage. The AREC herd made the switch to stay relevant to VirginiaContinue reading “Creep-grazing brassica and small grain forages for fall-born calves”

There are many factors that influence successful forage production and many changes we can make in our own forage programs towards improvement.  Below are five key steps that, if we as producers keep as the focus of our forage programs, will get us on the right path to improved forage systems. Step 1: TEST! AsContinue reading “Five Steps to Better Forage”