Basics for Forage Production in Tennessee
Most cattle producers in Tennessee realize that a solid forage program is key to having a successful beef cattle operation. Because of this, there seems to be a constant flow of new forages, herbicides or fertilizers on the market that are going to “solve” all the problems in pastures. New solutions seem to be popping up every few years, apparently because the others didn’t work as well as advertised. Producers who have successful forage programs generally have one thing in common. They understand the basics of forage production, and put those basics into practice each day. It is not that they don’t try anything new, but they make sure the basics are covered first. This is an important lesson for all forage producers to understand.
There are a few basic principles that should be incorporated into the management practices for every beef cattle operation, especially those that use tall fescue as the primary forage. Optimal production and quality, minimal weed pressure and a long grazing season should be the goal of each of these farms. The points listed in this publication are practical ways to accomplish these goals.
These include:
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Fertilize according to soil test. If forage is to be produced, the nutrient level in the soil is the starting point. Plants need large amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P) and potassium (K) to produce at the greatest level. If the available supply of one or more of these major nutrients is lacking, forage production will be limited. If too much fertilizer is applied, costs will be increased without improving forage growth. The only way to know the amount of N, P and K to apply on a field is to take a soil test and following its recommendations.
Another piece of information a soil test provides is the pH, which indicate the acidity of the soil. As the pH of a soil decreases, several elements that are toxic to the roots get released from the soil particles, while some of the nutrients that are needed for plant growth get bound to the soil, limiting their availability to the plants. A soil test will determine the pH of the soil, and amount of lime needed to raise the pH and improve growing conditions in the soil. -
Control weeds in pastures and hayfields. Weeds in pastures and hayfields can reduce forage quality, as well as using fertilizer intended for the forage plants. An important part of a forage program is minimizing the negative effect of weeds. A good fertility program and periodic clipping will help, but some weeds cannot normally be controlled without the periodic use of herbicides. Scout fields to determine which weeds are present, then use the appropriate herbicide(s) when needed.
Several weeds are easily controlled if sprayed at the correct time. Buttercup and musk thistle are two examples of winter weeds that can be controlled with a low rate of 2,4-D if they are sprayed before they bloom or bolt (in the case of musk thistle). If the herbicide is applied after bloom or bolting, control will be greatly reduced. Weed plants that produce seed early and the surviving plants will provide adequate seed for next year’s weed crop. When using herbicides, be sure to read and follow all label instructions.
Add clovers to grass pastures and hayfields. Adding red and white clover to grasses can improve forage quality, which will improve the performance of the animals. Since clovers produce nitrogen, a tall fescue/clover mixture will produce the same yield as a tall fescue stand fertilized with 60 lb N per acre. Broadcast 2 lb ladino white clover and 4 lb red clover per acre in mid to late February. This should be done every three years to maintain adequate stands of clovers in tall fescue pastures and hayfields. -
Stockpile tall fescue in fall. One of the greatest expenses for a cow/calf operation is the winter feed cost. Stockpiling the fall growth of tall fescue is a way to lengthen the fall grazing season and reduce winter feed costs. Stockpiling means setting aside up to one acre per cow in early September, fertilizing with 180 lb ammonium nitrate per acre then letting it grow until after frost. For fields that weren’t fertilized in spring, potash and phosphate can be added at the same time to correct any nutrient deficiencies. This growth can then be grazed during the remainder of the fall and into the winter. Forage produced by tall fescue in the fall does not drop in quality as fast as forage produced in spring. Research has shown that the forage can stay above 10 percent crude protein all the way into February. With normal rainfall, stockpiling can add an extra two months to the grazing season, for about half the cost of hay.
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Fill in forage production slumps. Most tall fescue pastures produce adequate amounts of forage during the spring and fall. However, hot and dry conditions during the summer result in reduced growth, causing pastures to be overgrazed. Overgrazing can result in stand loss and increased weed pressure. To prevent overgrazing during summer, devote a limited acreage of pasture to a summer forage. This will provide a place for animals to graze and allow the tall fescue pastures to be rested during the summer. Bermudagrass, sorghum x sudangrass hybrids and pearl millet are examples of the types of forage species that can be used. The majority of the year’s grazing will be provided by tall fescue. Since additional summer grazing is needed for only a 2-3 month period, summer pasture should be limited to approximately 25 percent of the grazing acres of a farm.
BASICS FOR FORAGE PRODUCTION IN TENNESSEE
Gary Bates, Professor and Extension Coordinator, Forage Specialist, The University of Tennessee
