Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Alliance for Grassland Renewal is once again planning several producer-oriented workshops in March of 2024. These workshops are day-long, in-person events. Speakers will be a mix of local extension specialists and out-of-state researchers and specialists. Details are customized for each location, but all workshops will cover topics such as Tall Fescue Toxicosis and Management,Continue reading “Spring Workshop Dates”

I have run across many interesting things over my career, but none more so than Dung Beetles.  My interest in pastureland ecology has grown over the years, and the way all of the species of plants and animals interact in the pasture is one of the most fascinating and poorly appreciated processes on earth. WeContinue reading “Those Amazing Dung Beetles!”

September, 2023 It has been an active month and we are entering the season where we graze out summer annuals in the anticipation of planting cool season forages.  As I mentioned last month we are planting a lot of Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue this fall. We killed our first fescue pastures in 2014. It hasContinue reading “Triple Creek Journal:  Getting ready to plant!”

It has been a great year for us at Triple Creek Ranch!  Our farm is located due north of the Raleigh-Durham area right on the Virginia border.  This area is known for long summer dry spells, but this summer we have been blessed with timely rains that have really made things grow.  We have beenContinue reading “Triple Creek Journal: What an Exciting Time!”

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”