– Jim Barrett, Washington County OSU Extension Agent, AgNR
A grazing corn demonstration project was implemented at the EORDC Belle Valley Research Farm during the summer of 1997. A 6.5 acre field that was used as a calving area during March and April was selected. The cows were taken out and the grass allowed to grow. In mid May, 150 Merino wethers were turned in and allowed to graze until June 1st. “Baldridge Grazing Maze” was planted in the field June 12 with a two-row no till corn planter at approximately 30,000 plants/A. The field was sprayed June 13 with one quart gramoxone and 180 pounds actual N in liquid 28 form.
Thirty nine Angus heifers were turned into the first strip of corn September 15. The cattle were weighed September 15 and 16. The average weight was considered the starting weight. Weights were taken weekly. The last weight was November 10.
The average starting weight was 791 pounds/head. The average finish weight was 912 pounds/head for a gain of 121 pounds per head over the 56 days of grazing. This was an average daily gain of 2.16 pounds/day/head.
The corn was fenced in strips. The fence was moved every other day. Three rows were mashed down with a four-wheeler so the fence could be placed in the middle of the down corn. The fence used was a two-strand poly tape electric with step in posts placed about 30 feet apart. There was no problem with the cattle reaching through the fence.
Per acre costs were calculated as follows: land use – $30, fertilizer – $43, gramoxone – $9, spraying – $7, planter rental – $8, tractor use – $4, seed cost – $28, total per acre costs = $129.
Per acre returns were calculated: 706.15 pounds of beef at 50 cents per pound = $353.08. Net returns per acre = $224.08. Cost per pound of beef produced = 18.3 cents.
Implications from this project:
1. Grazing maze was an economical method of producing beef.
2. Producer need not own any expensive equipment.
3. Steers could possibly gain more weight.
4. Steers would return more profit per acre.
5. Could be used in stocker operation for topping out feeders.
6. A crop of hay could be harvested before planting grazing maze.
7. Nitrate level should be checked in extremely dry weather.
8. Pasture could be stockpiling while the cattle are utilizing the grazing corn.