Don’t Forget Your Pastures this Spring

Although we are thinking about COVID-19 and how that is affecting our lives. We can’t forget it is spring and time to think about our pastures. This will give us an opportunity to get out in the pasture. Although we are all trying to cut corners, we should not cut too many corners on our cattle nutrition, and that all starts with our forages. If you have not already taken soil samples, I would recommend doing that soon. Although many of our county extension offices are closed to the public, you can still send your soil samples directly to the UF Soils Lab. Forms can be found here: https://soilslab.ifas.ufl.edu/ESTL%20Home.asp

We have received some much needed rains in the past week, and more is on the way. So it is time to fertilize according to UF/IFAS recommendations if needed. Once you have taken soil samples, a copy will be sent to your local extension agent, so if you have question on formulating the fertilizer give them a call.

If you are planning on planting forages now is the time as well. Especially with the rains coming now. Please refer to this publication for planting rates and guidelines: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag342

You can also watch this facebook video that I did for horse producers in March. Although it was geared towards horse owners, the same principles apply for all livestock and forage establishment. https://www.facebook.com/SpringhillEquine/videos/vb.153533233477/224885991963170/?type=2&theater

Beef cattle and pasture images from the Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona, Florida. Image used in the 2014 Extension calendar.

 

 

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Posted: April 22, 2020


Category: Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Livestock, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Agriculture, FarmingAlachua, Livestock, NGLAG, UF/IFAS Extension


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