Month: October 2014

Using Corn Stalks

– Rory Lewandowski, OSU Extension Educator, Wayne County

As corn harvest progresses, don’t overlook corn stalks as a feed resource. Corn residue can meet the nutrient needs of ruminant livestock that are in early to mid-gestation. The University of Nebraska has done a lot of research on the topic of grazing corn residue. A University of Nebraska study conducted over a 5 year period from 2004 to 2009 measured corn grain left in the field after harvest. An average of 1.0 bu/acre was available Continue reading Using Corn Stalks →

Simple Math: Open or Problem Cows + Annual Costs Don’t Add Up!

– John F. Grimes, OSU Extension Beef Coordinator

Harvest season is full swing in Ohio these days. This is true for both grain producers and beef producers alike. Markets around the state are busy receiving calves from this past spring’s calf crop and producers are reaping the benefits of a very strong market.

The fall is an excellent time to evaluate your cow herd and decide which cows get to remain your “employees” and which ones need to find Continue reading Simple Math: Open or Problem Cows + Annual Costs Don’t Add Up! →

Cereal Rye as a Feedstuff Option

– Eric Richer, OSU Extension Educator, Fulton County

In recent years, rye (Secale cereale L.), also known as cereal rye or winter rye, has been planted by producers as an entry level or “user friendly” cover crop. For other producers, it has been a mainstay cover crop in commercial vegetable and row crop rotations. Rye is a great nutrient recycler, soil builder, topsoil loosener, and erosion preventer. For dairy and beef producers, rye can also be considered for additional grazing or forage value. It can provide additional feed Continue reading Cereal Rye as a Feedstuff Option →

There’s Still Time to Identify and Eliminate Weeds in Hay and Pasture Fields

– Mark Landefeld, Extension Educator, Monroe County

Highly productive pastures and hay fields do not happen just by accident. Weed and pest control, nutrient management and properly timed harvests all have their role. Weeds can reduce forage quality, quantity and stand life of desirable plants. Weeds often reduce the palatability of forages and certain weed species are potentially poisonous to grazing livestock making Continue reading There’s Still Time to Identify and Eliminate Weeds in Hay and Pasture Fields →