Published: September 04, 2008 11:40 am            

Extension Service – Pastures and droughts

The drought that is still affecting Randolph County is resulting in poor pasture conditions, and hay supplies could be short again this fall and winter.

Due to our poor pasture conditions and possible short hay supply, it is critical for producers to develop a plan now that will get them through the fall and winter.

Given the current situation, all producers should critically evaluate their herd.

First, any calves of marketable size should be sold given we are enjoying good calf prices.

Any cows that are not pregnant and don’t have a calf should be sold immediately. Older cows with worn teeth and cows that are due to calve late in the calving season should also be considered for early sale.

If producers plan to stay in the cattle business, he or she should decide which cows they will keep no matter what so they can rebuild their herd in coming years.

At a minimum, these would be the replacement heifers and young cows that have shown they can raise a good quality calf.

These animals represent the best genetics the producer has, and every effort should be made to feed them appropriately so they raise a calf and breed back on time.

Producers should plan on growing as much forage as they can this fall by using fall fertilization after rains come and/or by planting winter annuals such as rye, wheat or ryegrass.

The producer should also plan to graze the forage they do grow as efficiently as possible using rotational or strip-grazing techniques.

Given the possible shortage of hay again and likely insufficient pasture, producers should seek out alternative feed sources.

Drought-damaged crops, such as corn or soybeans, can also be harvested for silage or hay. Cows can also glean crop fields if toxic weeds are not present.

Producers need to have their hay tested again this year especially from hay you have purchased from other sources.

This should be done for all hay before being fed. Forages can be tested for nitrates at no cost through the NCDA Forage Lab in Raleigh.

The Randolph County Center of the N.C. Cooperative Extension can help you do this so if you would like to test your hay for nitrates or nutrient content, call the Extension Office at (336) 318-6007.

Without a core sampler it is hard to get a good representative sample. Taking hay from one bale will not give you the results you need.

For $10 per sample, the lab will also run nutrient analysis of the forage. A little effort now can save a lot time and money later.

Alternative concentrates can also be fed as most of the cow’s diet, assuming she does have access to a minimum amount of forage.

Corn gluten feed, soybean hulls, and wheat middlings are economical alternative feeds for cows. Other sources of feed may also be available locally.

When using unusual feeds, an understanding of feeding management issues is critical so producers are encouraged to ask for advice.

Getting through this drought with a high quality herd in good condition will take careful planning by livestock producers.

The Cooperative Extension Center in Randolph County is your front door for help.

Call (336) 318-6000 or come by the Extension Office at 112 W. Walker Ave. in Asheboro for more information.



Barry Foushee is an agriculture agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service in Asheboro. He can be reached at (336) 318-6007.

        

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