Time To Focus On Hay Production And Pastures

DR. TERESA STECKLER

SIMPSON, ILL.
   I have been traveling around southern Illinois and just in the last several days have farmers been cutting hay. We have actually hit a dry spell where it can be harvested. However, some cattlemen may have their focus on finishing planting beans and corn which will delay hay harvest even further.
   Also during my travels I have noticed a couple of concerns that should be addressed. The first concern is the first hay cutting will be poorer quality as the fescue had already headed out. This is easy enough to overcome by supplementing the cattle.  However we need to keep in mind that the cattle futures are projected lower which means we need to reign in expenses, but not at the expense of the cows’ health or the health of the unborn calf.
   Obtaining a representative hay sample from each cutting and sending it off to be analyzed will provide you valuable information on the quality of hay that you have harvested. With this knowledge in hand you can feed the appropriate amount of supplement based on her stage of production.
   When cutting your hay keep in mind that grasses are not very tolerant of ultra-low cutting heights.  Though it varies somewhat between species, regrowth is generated from above ground plant parts that, if removed, impede regrowth and stand longevity. Also, leaving some photosynthetic plant tissue aids in more rapid regrowth. Where pure grass or mixtures are involved, a minimum 3-inch stubble, preferably 4 inches, is generally recommended if the long-term persistence of the grass component is desired.
   I have noticed numerous weeds in hay meadows and pastures; broomsedge, lespedeza, foxtails, etc.  There are a number of reasons to control weeds in hay fields but the primary issues are: weeds can significantly reduce the feeding value of harvested forages and they can out compete desired species.
   Livestock producers should be concerned mainly about those plants your livestock avoid eating, that have low nutritive value such as golden-rod, or are poisonous like hoary alyssum. Before taking action, identify the weeds that are a problem in your pasture. From there you can decide the best control method.
   Cultural control. Weeds are generally more of a problem in overgrazed, infertile pastures than in fertile, well-managed pastures. Good grazing management (with pasture rest periods) and good fertility will go a long way in keeping the forage healthy and able to compete with pasture weeds. Prevent spreading weeds by cleaning equipment after working in weed-infested pastures, avoid spreading manure contaminated with weed seeds, and keep fencerows free of problem weeds.
   Mechanical control. Repeated mowing, clippings, and hand weeding can diminish weed infestations. When flower buds are closed or just starting to open, cut weeds 3 to 4 inches above the ground. Some farmers clip each paddock after every grazing period. This weakens existing weeds by depleting root reserves and prevents further spread by preventing seed production.
   Chemical control. Good management greatly reduces the need for herbicides. But even with the best cultural and mechanical methods of control, serious weed problems can persist and herbicides may be needed. If weeds are a problem across the entire pasture, herbicides can be broadcast sprayed. Keep in mind, however, that most pasture herbicides will remove desirable legumes as well as weeds. More frequently, weeds are patchy, making spot spraying the preferred method of control. Spot spraying is less costly than broadcast treatments.
   Before applying any herbicides, be sure problem weeds have been accurately identified. Wait until animals have left a paddock before spraying and do not graze treated areas until label restrictions allow.
Integrated control. No single practice will produce or maintain weed-free pastures. An organized system that combines the appropriate preventative, cultural, mechanical, and chemical measures for each pasture is required. Start by evaluating the present status of your pastures and devise a 3- to 5-year plan of pasture improvement. Follow the above recommendations and with good management and perseverance, you will achieve more production from your grass and grass-legume pastures.
   Soil fertility. Many agronomic and environmental problems can be avoided by fertilizing at the correct levels. Be sure to state the type of pasture being grown when submitting your sample as recommendations would be different for grass/legume pasture and tall grass pasture.
   While we cannot control the weather, managing our pastures and hay meadows will allow for optimal forage production regardless of harvest type. Contact your local extension agent if you need help identifying weeds and always follow herbicide labels for grazing/haying restrictions. Good luck! ∆
   DR. TERESA L. STECKLER: Extension Specialist, Animal Systems/Beef, Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, University of Illinois