New Years Resolutions for Georgia Cattle Producers Presented

New Year’s Resolutions for Georgia Cattle Producers Presented by Mr. Billy Moss Area Livestock Teacher, North Region Agricultural Education Information Provided by Dr. John Andrae, UGA Extension Forage Agronomist

ONE n INCREASE tall fescue pasture thickness by interseeding clover – Dilutes toxins – Improves forage distribution – Provides 75 -100 lb. of nitrogen per acre to grass

TWO n SUBDIVIDE large pasture and rotate grazing – Increases stocking rate and forage utility – Reduces forage waste – Evenly distributes manure – Improves pasture management

THREE n TEST your soil and follow recommendations – Low soil potash and phosphate § Thins Bermuda grass § Takes away valuable forage in South Georgia – Low soil p. H, potash, and phosphate § Limits clover persistence and productivity in North Georgia n Cheap soil tests and timely fertilizer applications = solved problems and saved money

FOUR n CONSIDER burning Bermuda grass or Bahia grass hay fields – Removes excess thatch § Excess thatch ties up nutrients, reduces water infiltration, slows greenup, and harbors insects. – Burn just before greenup § Removes weeds § returns nutrients to the soil – For safe, legal, and effective burning § Consult local forest service and county agent § Visit www. georgiaforages. com

FIVE n RESOLVE to replace 5 -10% of toxic tall fescue each year with non-toxic forage – Will revolutionize beef production n Slowly replace old toxic Kentucky 31 pastures – Increases herd conception rates – Increases weaning weights n Will consistently improve weaning weights by more than 50 lb.

SIX n SHIFT year-round calving to a 60 -90 day season. – Improves calf marketing options – Allows herd nutritional needs to match forage quality and availability

SEVEN n IDENTIFY and remove weed problems – Weeds limit forage production – Forage production is decreased 8 pounds for every pound of weedy species – Buttercup and Thistle § Easily controlled by cheap, timely herbicide – Broomsedge § Decreased with proper fertility and grazing management – Contact your county agent for assistance

EIGHT n COVER hay to minimize weathering losses – Georgia’s climate fosters mold growth in stored hay § 30% of hay is lost to weathering § 20% of hay is refused by animals § 50% loss is unprofitable and unacceptable – Store hay under barns or under tarps – Low quality hay § Leave outside § Feed first

NINE n PLAN now to reduce next winter’s stored-feed needs – Hay- largest expense of beef cattle enterprises n Options for decreasing hay needs – Use grazing crop residues (corn, cotton stalks) – Stockpile Bermuda grass or tall fescue pasture – Use cheap byproduct feeds – Establish cool-season forages (tall fescue, winter annuals)

TEN n HARVEST Bermuda grass hay at 4 -5 week interval and test hay quality – Frequent harvests improve hay quality – Easier and more cost effective to harvest quality hay than to supplement poor quality hay – Testing hay allows for matching forage quality to animals

CATTLE PRODUCERS’ RESOLUTIONS n n n n n Increase forage by interseeding Subdivide and rotate Soil test annually Burn hybrid Bermuda fields annually Resolve to replace toxic grasses Shift to 60 -90 day calving Identify and remove weeds Cover hay Plan to reduce hay needs Harvest Bermuda grass hay