Month: August 2010

Getting Cows Bred in July and August

– Dr. Les Anderson, Beef Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky

One of the most challenging aspects of spring calving is trying to determine when to calve to maximize reproductive rate. Reproductive efficiency in a cow herd is most accurately measured by the term “percent calf crop weaned” which is calculated by dividing the number of calves weaned by the number of cows that were in the cow herd when the breeding season began the previous year. The two factors that affect the ability of a cow to wean a calf is pregnancy rate and calf death loss.

Most spring-calving herds begin calving sometime in February or March and end sometime in May or June. Calving in February and March can be challenging because Continue reading Getting Cows Bred in July and August →

Spotted Knapweed, Ohio’s New Pasture Invader

– Clif Little, Extension Educator, AgNR, OSU Extension, Guernsey & Noble Counties

Spotted knapweed, a noxious weed was first detected in our area two years ago. The weed seed was most likely purchased in a pasture seed mix. Since that time this noxious weed has expanded more rapidly than could be imagined. Heavy infestations of this weed can now be found concentrated in the Quaker City area. The plant seed is easily distributed with the movements of equipment and hay. Observations along the roadways confirm pockets of these weeds extending into Noble, Guernsey, Belmont and Monroe counties.

Spotted knapweed is the most aggressive perennial weed to impact hay and pasture fields in Ohio. This plant can Continue reading Spotted Knapweed, Ohio’s New Pasture Invader →

Grazing the “Ultimate” Annual . . . CORN!

In the past in this publication we’ve discussed the virtues of utilizing annual forages during the summer slump and late fall. In response, good friend Keenan Turner, retired Kentucky Pulaski County Extension Agent and Master Grazing Program Coordinator, shared with me some of the work he’s done with Kentucky graziers utilizing standing corn to fill in during this time of year when perennial forages are typically yielding little or going dormant.

Keenan tells me that Continue reading Grazing the “Ultimate” Annual . . . CORN! →

Posted by at Posted in Forages