FORAGES KEY TO SUCCESSFUL CATTLE BUSINESS

The rainfall we received in January was very welcomed, and now we are wondering when will the next beneficial rain come? The month of February in the Coastal Bend was one of the driest on record, and in recent years that phrase “driest on record,” has become too common.

Farmers have been busy planting corn, and grain sorghum, while topsoil moisture is leaving us fast. Thankfully we have good deep soil moisture thanks to last years good rains in July and September.
If you are in the cattle business, you know it’s been a long winter, and you are tired of feeding hay and protein. We need rain to jump start our warm-season grasses. Unfortunately when one looks at long-range forecasts, below normal rainfall is predicated for the next couple of months.

We all know that if you are in the cattle business, you are also in the grass production business. Forages are the foundations of a successful cow-calf program. In general, the better the ranch’s forage system, the greater the resulting animal production, and yes we need rain to drive this system.
Improved pastures should be fertilized according to a recent (within two to three years) soil test recommendation, especially now with the high fertilizer costs. Proper fertilization
will enhance vigorous plant growth. A ton of forage with 10% crude protein contains 50 pounds of nitrogen, 10 pounds of phosphorus, 40 pounds of potassium and varying amounts of the other chemical elements needed for growth (i.e., sulfur, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, boron, manganese, molybdenum, and chlorine). A ton of forage will not be produced if any of these nutrients are lacking. Most soils have enough nutrients and nitrogen to produce one to two tons of forage per acre.

Improved grasses were selected for higher yield potentials and need additional nutrients (especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) to produce at an economical level. In grazing systems only a small amount of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contained in the forage that a cow eats is retained in the animal’s body. Most is recycled by urine and/or feces back to the soil. This occurs in grazing systems, once phosphorus and potassium levels are brought up to a high level, they should remain there without extra fertilization. Nitrogen will still be required.

In hay systems, every ton removed from the field will remove 50 pounds nitrogen, 10 pounds phosphorus, and 40 pounds potassium. This will eventually have to be replaced by fertilization. Therefore, the best system is rotational grazing and harvesting hay from the excess growth in the spring and fall. If one neglects to put out the needed phosphorus and potassium, over time the improved grasses will slowly loose vigor and be replaced by invader grass species.

Weed control in pastures greatly affects forage quantity and quality. Broadleaf and grassy weeds infest many pastures. Adequate rainfall, large weed seed populations, and a long growing season are conducive for weed growth; but, at the expense of forage growth. Many weed species germinate earlier than spring grass green-up, using soil moisture and fertility for rapid growth. Only small amounts of forage are produced in weedy pastures, even with proper fertilization. Weeds can be controlled or prevented through maintaining a thick, vigorous grass stand, or by using mechanical (shredding or plowing) or chemical methods. In native pastures one pound of grass is produced for each pound of weed controlled. In result demonstrations in improved pastures, two to 7 pounds of grass was produced for each pound of weed controlled.
Grazing systems can help to improve forage production and animal performance. While each grazing system has its place, use of the same grazing system on all forage systems will not always be profitable. Rotational grazing systems on native rangeland are designed to maintain or increase the presence and vigor of desired plant species. The theory is that as these higher quality desirable plants become more vigorous and predominate in the pasture, livestock performance will improve.

Bermudagrass does not require periods of rest for stand maintenance and vigor, thus the rotation schedules are used to control utilization and quality. Rotating bermudagrass pastures hardly ever increases average daily gain. The goal of rotating such pastures is better utilization of forage to increase gain/acre, or to allow for other management practices.

One factor that will enhance all forages is adequate rainfall, so lets hope that this Spring will bring some good rains to South Texas.

National Ag Day - March 15

 

What Is Ag Day?

It's a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless other across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture.  Ag Day is celebrated on March 15, 2011. National Ag Day falls during National Ag Week, March 13-19, 2011.

What Is Ag Day All About?

Ag Day is about recognizing - and celebrating - the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

• Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

Why Celebrate Agriculture?

Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis. But too few people truly understand this contribution. This is particularly the case in our schools, where students may only be exposed to agriculture if they enroll in related vocational training.  By building awareness, the Agriculture Council of America is encouraging young people to consider career opportunities in agriculture.

Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people ... a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. Quite simply, American agriculture is doing more - and doing it better. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.

GRASSBUR CONTROL OPTIONS REVIEWED

            As temperatures warm, warm-season grasses and weeds will come to life, including the beautiful wildflowers.  Unfortunately, along with the good, there will also be those pesky weeds, including plants like the sandbur.

Field Sandbur (grassbur)

            Field sandbur (grassbur) is a summer annual or short-lived perennial grassy weed found in home lawns, sports fields, parks, along roadsides, and in bermudagrass pastures and hay fields.  This weed is especially adapted to dry, sandy soils but can be found growing in other types of soils as well. The big problem with this weed is the sharp, spiny burs that are part of the seedhead. The bur spines are stiff and can injure the mouths of animals and the hands and feet of people working in infested crops. Field sandburs generally start germinating in spring and will continue to germinate until late summer or early fall months. This weed will continue to grow until the first hard frost or freeze occurs in the fall.

            Until recently, there were few herbicide tools available to help manage the sandbur in our Bermuda grass pastures.  Now however, Prowl H2O, from BASF, has received a label that will allow application to dormant bermudagrass pastures and hay meadows for control of sandbur and other weed species (numerous annual grasses and small seeded broadleaf weeds) all of which are listed on the full label. 

            The label rates for Prowl H20 on dormant bermudagrass pastures and hay meadows is 1.1 to 4.2 quarts per acre.  The higher rate is suggested for more dense infestations of targeted grasses and weeds or where a longer duration of residual weed control is desired.  The timing for application is any time during winter dormancy and prior to weed germination.  Ideally, activation of this herbicide is accomplished with one inch of precipitation following application. 

            There are some additional restrictions including; do not harvest bermudagrass hay until 60 days after treatment, and do not harvest for forage or allow livestock to graze until 45 days after treatment.  Prowl H20 can be used on all bermudagrass varieties, but the stand must be established and have gone through at least one cutting before treatment.  The use of Prowl H20 on rangeland is prohibited.

(4 leaf sandbur with one tiller)

            If you miss the opportunity to treat for sandburs when the bermudagrass is dormant, there might be another option available.   Pastora herbicide, from Dupont, was recently labeled for control of emerged sandburs in bermudagrass.   Applications should be made to seedling sandburs (when the sandbur is less than 1.5 inches tall and/or across) and actively growing.  Moreover, applications of  Pastora have to be made to bermudagrass that  is less than 4 inches tall following initial green-up in the spring or after cutting for hay.  Tall, dense stands of Bermuda grass can intercept spray and reduce sandbur control. 

            Pastora  should not be applied to newly sprigged or newly planted bermudagrass. Apply only to established Bermuda grass that is at least one year old.  A follow-up application of Pastora may be necessary to control subsequent germination (flushes) of sandbur following the first application.   For the control of sandbur species, apply Pastora herbicide at a broadcast rate of 1.0 to 1.5 ounces per acre.  There are no grazing or haying restrictions for this herbicide, and as always, read and follow all the label restrictions when utilizing this product. 

            The control of sandbur in bermudagrass pastures and hay meadows with herbicides should be part of an overall management plan that includes fertility management based on soil testing, adequate soil moisture, insect and rodent control along with best management agronomic practices.

            Any references made to commercial products or trade names were made solely for educational purposes with the understanding that no endorsement nor discrimination is implied by Texas AgriLife Extension Service or its agents.

GULF COAST COTTON WORKSHOP SERIES BEGINS FEB 25

        The first in a series of Gulf Coast Cotton Management Workshops will be held on Friday, February 25, 2011 at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center on Hwy. 44 just west of the Corpus Christi Airport.  The focus of the first workshop will be the “Pre-season Planning to Emergence” period.  This series, offers producers the opportunity to ask questions and interact with industry representatives, consultants, county agents and AgriLife Extension and Research personnel.  With cotton prices currently at record levels, it is important to fine tune cotton production needs to be as efficient as possible to take advantage of the excellent prices.   This workshop is designed to provide local cotton growers with tools to help them be successful in the coming growing season, according to Dr. Juan Landivar, Director of the Corpus Christi Agrilife Research and Extension Center.

          The workshop will begin at 1:30 p.m. and conclude by 5 p.m.  Topics will include a discussion of weed management to avoid the growing herbicide resistance problem emerging in the cotton belt by an invited guest speaker, Dr. Peter Dotray, Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University.  Representatives from cottonseed companies will discuss cotton cultivars for the 2011 season.

        Locally developed online management tools available at the Crop Weather Program website will be discussed and demonstrated.  Agronomic considerations for producing a good cotton crop will also be discussed, including temperature and soil moisture effects on germination along with seeding rates and final lint yields.  Early insect management will also be reviewed, including seed treatments and their role for early-season insect protection.

          The session will wrap-up with a discussion on cotton prices and marketing strategies for the upcoming crop.  3 CEU’s will be offered for pesticide applicators and certified crop advisors.  This workshop is being sponsored by Texas AgriLife Research and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Individuals with disabilities, who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any of the mentioned activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office at 361-767-5223 at least eight days before all programs for assistance.

Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all citizens without

regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.

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Sorghum Referendum Underway

    The referendum period to vote to continue the United Sorghum Checkoff Program began February 1st and runs through Monday, February 28. All sorghum producers who have grown sorghum between July 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 are encouraged to participate in the voting process. In order for a ballot to be considered valid, producers must include a copy of a settlement sheet or seed receipt proving that they grew sorghum and paid into the checkoff during the aforementioned time period. Ballots and proof of production must be returned to a producer’s county FSA office in person, by mail or via fax no later than Monday, February 28. One vote may be cast per entity. For more information about the voting process as well as who qualifies to vote, please visit www.voteforsorghum.com. Ballots are available  at your county FSA office, online at www.voteforsorghum.com or through Kristin Utterback. Please feel free to contact Kristin with any questions or concerns at 979-218-3029 or kristin@texassorghum.org.

TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR PESTICIDE APPLICATORS LICENSE

    To help you meet the continuing education requirements of your pesticide applicator
license or certificate, here are a few recommendations.  Start early! Continuing education activities occur year-round across the state. In Nueces County alone, in the year 2010, 34 hours of CEU’s were offered by the Nueces County Extension Office. You may not find affordable, convenient or sufficient numbers of opportunities if you wait until your license or certificate renewal deadline is near.

    Monitor the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) list of approved recertification courses and training contacts. It’s available from the Certification and Training Division by calling 800-835-5832 (800-TELL-TDA). The list, along with links to Internet - accessible continuing education units (CEU’s), is also posted on the TDA website at: http://ceusearch.texasagriculture.gov/  Another excellent source of CEU information is your local County Extension Agent with Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
                              
    So what CEU’s do you need to maintain your pesticide license?  For Private Applicators: 15 CEU’s every five years, including a minimum of 2 in Laws and Regulations, and 2 in Integrated  Pest Management (IPM). Up to 10 CEU’s may be obtained through TDA approved home study programs, including online courses.  For Commercial and Noncommercial Applicators: 5 CEU’s annually, including at least 1 CEU each in two of three special topics: Laws & Regulations, IPM, and Drift Minimization. CEU’s from TDA-approved home study may be used to re-certify only every other year.  No CEU carryover is allowed as CEU’s must be acquired prior to renewal. Extra CEU credit obtained in one renewal cycle cannot be forwarded and used in the next renewal cycle.

    Retain your Certificates of Completion obtained from participating in CEU courses.  Although some commercial trainers may provide duplicate certificates, there is no recourse for lost certificates from the Extension Service. No single source provides cumulative tracking of all the CEU’s that you acquire. It is up to the individual to keep their certificates on file so they can be accessed if you are subject of a TDA audit.

    Shortly before your license or certificate expires, you will receive an application for renewal from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Be sure to notify TDA if your address has changed. After you submit the application for renewal, your license or certificate should arrive within a few weeks. Keep your Certificates of Completion for one year following renewal.


PRIVATE APPLICATOR TRAINING & TESTING DATE SET
    The Nueces County Office of Texas AgriLife Extension Service will conduct a Private Pesticide Applicator Training on Monday, February 7, 2011,  at the Nueces County Extension Office located in the Calderon Bldg. at 710 E Main in Robstown, Texas. The training will begin at 8:00 a.m. followed by testing administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
    A Private Applicator is defined by law as a person who uses or supervises the use of a restricted-use or state-limited use pesticide for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity.
    Participants in the training should secure a study manual from their local Extension Office prior to the training. The study manual is $25.00. Furthermore, participants in the training are encouraged to bring a pencil and calculator for the exam. Reviewing the study manual prior to the training and test will improve ones performance on the exam.  For additional information about the training contact Jeff Stapper, County Extension Agent - Agriculture & Natural Resources at (361) 767-5223.

VIDEO CEU CONFERENCE - FEBRUARY 9
    Every year about this time my telephone starts ringing with questions about where one can get some CEU’s for their pesticide applicators license, since they just got their renewal notice in the mail from Texas Department of Agriculture.     To help meet the needs of some last minute CEU hunters, a Video CEU Course will be conducted on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at the Nueces County Extension Office, (710 E. Main - Calderon Bldg. in Robstown, Tx) beginning at 8:30 a.m. and concluding by 4:00 p.m.  A total of 6 CEU’s will be offered ( 2 L&R, 2 IPM, 2 G).

    Individuals with disabilities, who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any of the mentioned activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office eight days before all programs for assistance.

CROP SYMPOSIUM TO FOCUS ON EMERGING ISSUES

            The Coastal Bend Crop Symposium will be held on Friday, January 21, 2011 at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center on Hwy. 44 just west of the Corpus Christi Airport. The focus of this symposium will be on emerging crop issues and research that will enhance local farming operations.

            Registration for the symposium will begin at 8:15 am followed by the program at 8:30 am. Morning topics will include; Weed Herbicide Resistance Management and Herbicide Tolerant Sorghum, Planning for Insect Management in Row Crops, Farm Policy Update & Market Outlook, Strategies for Boll Weevil Eradication, Pesticide Laws Review, and a Weather Outlook for the upcoming growing season.

            Following a catered lunch, topics for the afternoon session will include; Cotton Root Rot Research Update, Crop Disease and Management Update, Sunflower Production and Soil Fertility Management, Cotton Technology Update, Drought Tolerant Research in Cotton, and Insect Research Management. 

            Registration fee is $10 per person which includes the catered lunch and all those planning to attend should call the Extension Office at (361) 767-5223 by January 18 to aid in meeting preparations.  5.5 CEU’s will be offered for pesticide applicators and 6 CEU’s  for certified crop advisors.  This symposium is being sponsored by the Nueces and San Patricio County Office of Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the local Crops Committees.

Individuals with disabilities, who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any of the mentioned activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office at 361-767-5223 at least eight days before all programs for assistance.

Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.