National Forage Week is June 19-25, 2016 AFGC New Zealand Tour Itinerary Available Online Eden Shale Farm Forage Establishment Field Day - June 16, 2016 Annual Forage Workers Tour a chance for Forage researchers to collaborate, learn and share Heart of America Grazing Conference Highlight: Reduced or Low Lignin Alfalfa: Advantages for Hay and Grazing Toxic Topic: Johnsongrass Poisoning in Horses Featured Publication: Producer\u27s Guide to Pasture-Based Beef Finishing ID-224 Forage News Quote of the Month:  Hay Moisture Can Be a Burning Issu

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky

English

Clear as Mud (Problems for livestock and pastures) Reclaiming Broomsedge Infested pastures Flood Damage and recovery management for forage

University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky UKnowledge Forage News Plant and Soil Sciences 3-2018 Forage News [2018-03] Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky Follow this and additional works at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/forage_news  Part of the Plant Sciences Commons Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits you. Repository Citation Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, "Forage News [2018-03]" (2018). Forage News. 246. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/forage_news/246 This Newsletter is brought to you for free and open access by the Plant and Soil Sciences at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Forage News by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact UKnowledge@lsv.uky.edu.  Clear as Mud   Mud is a problem for cattle; it slows and complicates feeding, exposes herds to greater pathogen loads, and can increase their energy requirements if it mats down their hair coat. Mud increases the probability of nutrient runoff, impairing the environment and losing fertilizer nutrients that are needed on the farm.   The infrastructure solution. Adding concrete feeding structures and other all-weather surfaces can minimize or reduce mud. Installing heavy use pads using filter fabric, rock and limestone is also very helpful. Disadvantages include cost, difficulty in having enough area for larger groups of livestock, and the need to scrape and handle manure. To get more information on these options, google ‘UKY all weather surfaces.’  The feeding solution. Feeding methods can be altered to reduce mud. Unrolling round bales moves the hoof traffic around the farm, but generates more hay waste than other methods. Bale unrolling will spread manure and urine over a larger area than with ring feeders or feeding structures.  Bale grazing is gaining in utility for some Kentucky producers is. This feeding method places bales across the feeding area in late fall. Temporary fencing is placed around these bales to allow allocating this forage to livestock as needed over the winter.   The forage solution. Maintaining heathy vigorous stands of grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue for overwintering areas will help. Bluegrass is a sod-former and the foliage of tall fescue resists the weathering that happens with orchardgrass. Grass stands managed for adequate residual heights will have greater root volume in the soil to support hoof traffic.   The re-seeding method. Farm layout and management needs often mean some fields are torn up every year. To bring these fields back into some level of production, consider reseeding with temporary forages.  Perennial and annual ryegrass provide short term options that are quick to establish and relatively inexpensive. Annual ryegrass will establish very quickly and is inexpensive; however annual ryegrass will only survive to mid-summer. Perennial ryegrass survives two seasons but is a bit more costly and slightly slower to establish. Unlike other cool season grasses, ryegrasses can be broadcast on top of the ground and will still germinate and take root if rains are consistent. Even when overseeding ryegrass, dragging is recommended. Use 25 to 30 pounds of seed per acre at a minimum.  Crabgrass can be seeded with ryegrass or alone if the seed will be lightly covered after broadcasting. These seed will lie dormant in the soil until the warmer weather of late spring. Crabgrass will provide grazing late into the summer, given good emergence and strategic applications of nitrogen.   Calling these ‘solutions’ is a bit of an overstatement. But infrastructure, feeding methods, forage management and even reseeding are tools to help deal with mud. Happy foraging. ~ Dr. Jimmy Henning, reprinted from The Farmer’s Pride  Catch up from the Alfalfa Conference  The 37th KY Alfalfa and Stored Forages Conference was held on Feb. 22nd in Cave City, with a strong line up of speakers, gracious support from sponsors and good turnout for the conference. All presentations were recorded and are now posted on the KY Forages YouTube Channel, KYForages, and proceedings can be found on the UK Forage Extension Website, forages.ca.uky.edu.     Forage Timely Tips: March  Continue pasture renovation by no-tilling seed with clovers  Smooth and re-seed hay feeding areas and heavy traffic areas  Control competition from grasses with young clover plants by grazing or mowing as needed  Prepare for spring seeding of alfalfa  Begin grazing if growth permits  Plan and implement grazing system and rotation  Identify weeds and select the appropriate herbicide to control those weeds for a weed-free pasture    Early Bird Registration extended for the March 8th Novel Tall Fescue Renovation Workshop   Discounted registration has been extended through Friday, March 2nd for the Novel Tall Fescue Renovation Workshop, but space is limited! Reserve your spot today for this day long workshop focused on understanding and managing novel tall fescues and reducing toxic tall fescue in your grazing system. Speakers include KY forage extension specialists Ray Smith, Jimmy Henning, local producers currently managing novel tall fescue stands, research and extension specialists from the Alliance for Grassland Renewal, and seed company representatives. The event will be held at the Bluegrass Stockyards in Lexington and includes lunch, a tour of the UK tall fescue research plots and all handouts. Register online at https://2018ukynoveltallfescue.eventbrite.com.  Featured Publication: Flood Damage and Recovery Management for Forages (FSA3145)   Flood damage to forages can be quite variable depending on several factors, such as time of year, temperature, soil texture, flood duration and water movement. Flood events of one day or less usually have low impact on forage survival However, if the field was ready for hay harvest, the top growth may be damaged or unsuitable for harvest after the flood recedes Such fields should be checked for debris and silt cover before considering hay harvest. Timing of flood occurrence relative to forage growth stage also has a large impact on forage survival. For more details on how flooding affects forage stands, download the entire article by John Jennings at the Univ. of Arkansas at www.uaex.edu/publications.  Reclaiming Broomsedge Infested Pastures   Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicis L.) is a native warm-season grass that can dominate poorly managed pastures and hayfields.  While it has little value as a forage, it does provide good nesting habitat for birds such as turkey and quail.  Broomsedge in pastures and hayfields is often an indication that something is not quite right.  In most cases it is related low soil fertility and poor grazing management. Read on to discover some approaches to reduce broomsedge and promote desirable forages.   Soil test and adjust fertility.  Many people say that broomsedge infested pastures need lime.  This may be true in some cases, but I have found over the years that they are more commonly low in phosphorus.  Soil testing is the only way to tell what amendments you need to apply.    Manage grazing and clipping to favor desirable forage species.  In many cases, there are desirable forage species in broomsedge infested pastures.  By adjusting soil fertility and managing grazing to favor these species we can make them more competitive.  Normally these species are cool-season grasses.  So not grazing them closely and frequently during the summer months will get them ready to grow in late summer and fall when temperature and moisture conditions are ideal.    Clip pastures in late summer or early fall.  Clipping broomsedge once in late summer or early fall once just before it produces seed can reduce shading of desirable forage species, making them more competitive in the stand.    Apply nitrogen fertilizer in early fall.  After we clip pastures in late summer, applying 60 lb N/A can stimulate desirable cool-season grasses helping to shift the botanical composition away from broomsedge.    Feed hay on broomsedge infested pastures.  This is low input way of increasing soil fertility over time.  Each ton of hay contains approximately 50 lb of nitrogen, 15 lbs of phosphorus, and 60 lbs of potassium.  It is important to remember that although feeding hay does bring nutrients into a grazing system, it is a much slower way to build fertility than applying commercial fertilizer or broiler litter.  Make sure to move feeding points around the pasture to get a more even nutrient distribution.    Burn broomsedge infested pastures.  Not the best idea, because native warm-season grasses evolved under burning.  This means that burning can actually enhance broomsedge stands.      Apply nitrogen in late spring or early summer and graze broomsedge.  The idea is make the broomsedge more palatable and graze it during the summer months.  The problem with this approach is that desirable forage species will tend to be overgrazed during the summer, putting them at a disadvantage.  This approach may actually make your broomsedge problem worse over time.    Kill the existing the pasture with nonselective herbicide and reestablish it.  Although this is viable approach to controlling broomsedge, without proper soil fertility and grazing management, the broomsedge will come back.  In addition, this is by far the most time consuming and expensive approach.    Controlling broomsedge in pastures and hayfields will require a sustained effort of improving both soil fertility and grazing management.  So make a plan, implement it, and over time you will see reduction broomsedge as your desirable forage species become more competitive.    To learn more about integrated weed control in pastures, contact your local extension office or visit the “UK Weed Science Website” at https://weedscience.ca.uky.edu/forages   ~ Dr. Chris Teutsch, reprinted from Cow Country News  Upcoming Events MAR 8 - Novel Tall Fescue Workshop, Lexington, KY MAR 20 - KY Fencing School, Princeton, KY MAR 22 - KY Fencing School, Versailles, KY APR 24-25 - KY Grazing School, Princeton, KY May 31 - Equine Farm/Facilities Expo, Harrodsburg, KY  See additional stories on page 3! Grazing School Scheduled for April 24-25 in Princeton  The spring Grazing School will be held in Princeton on April 24th and 25th. Program highlights include benefits of rotational grazing, portable water systems, laying out a grazing system, economics of grazing and hands on activities. Registration is $50 and includes all materials, grazing manual, breaks and lunches. For more information, visit the UK Forage Extension website at forages.ca.uky.edu.   Registration still open for the Versailles Fencing School  Spots are still available for the March 22nd Fencing School at UK’s C. Oran Little Research Farm-Beef Unit in Versailles. During the daylong training, participants will learn about the state’s fence law, fencing economics, construction basics and electric fencing basics. They will also have hands-on fence building opportunities with instruction from industry experts. Registration is $30 and due by March 5th. The March 20th school in Princeton is sold out. Register online at https://2018kyfencing.eventbrite.com.   Quote of the Month: Forages, particularly the grasses, are the most important plants on the face of the Earth. ~ Glenn W. Burton.   Forage became a critical source of human food with the killing and eating of the first grazing animal. Today, forage grasses provide most of the nutrition for cattle, sheep, goats, horses and mules. They also protect and improve our soils, contribute to clean water and air, play a major role in decelerating releases of carbon into the environment, account for about 25% of the total value of U.S> agriculture, occupy about 50% of the total land area of the U.S. and provide recreation, wildlife habitat and esthetic value. In addition, large seeded grasses that include the grain crops, corn, rice, wheat, barley, rye, oat, sorghum and millets supply about three-fourths of the energy and about half of the protein consumed by humans. As Dr. Burton stated many years ago, without question, forages really are the most important plants on Earth. Purchase Forage-Livestock Quotes and Concepts books for $5 each by contacting ukforageextension@uky.edu.  KFGC Awards Presented at the 37th Alfalfa and Stored Forages Conference  The 2018 Garry Lacefield Award recipient is UK Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler. Dr Jeff Lehmkuhler is Associate Extension Professor in the Department of Animal and Food Science at the UK College of Agriculture Food and the Environment. Jeff grew up on a small, diversified farm in Southern Indiana and has advanced degrees from Purdue and the University of Missouri. Dr. Lehmkuhler’s work focuses on improving the nutrition of Kentucky’s beef cattle herd where he big proponent of the use of improved forages like alfalfa. He is a patient and insightful mentor for farmers and county agents alike and received the 2016 Southern Section American Society of Animal Science Extension Award for his accomplishments in outreach efforts. Dr. Lehmkuhler developed the Master Stocker Program, is Co-Chair of the Master Grazer Program Committee and is an integral part of many others.  Congratulations Dr. Lehmkuhler!  The 2018 Charlie Schnitzler Award recipient is Mark Thomas, alfalfa producer from Fleming County. Mark’s farming operation focuses on the growth and production of high quality alfalfa hay and haylage. He is a long-term supporter of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s hay testing program, and actively tests hay and haylage he produces. He places a priority on the production of high quality horse and dairy forage, and is at the forefront of the use of hay technology like Roundup Ready alfalfa, continuous moisture sensing while baling and using preservatives in the production of high quality hay. Mark is actively renovating tracts of the original family farm and surrounding farms by establishing forage cover around streams - reducing runoff and reclaiming pasture productivity. Mark’s quality alfalfa and alfalfa-grass hay has been recognized several times by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Alfalfa Conference. Mark has also be very active in the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council including serving on its board of directors. Congratulations Mark Thomas!  The Warren Thompson Industry Award for 2018 is presented to the Akridge Farm Supply Family. Established in 1933 by T.R. (Ruble) Akridge, the Akridge Farm Supply Store has been the source of quality feed and seed for the farmers of the Fredonia Valley of Kentucky. Beginning with a General Store in Fredonia, the family business now has a second location in Eddyville. What began as a General Store has grown into a full service agri-supply business. Akridge farm supply is truly a family business, extending to the fourth generation. Ruble Akridge’s son Dean came into the business in the 1960’s and grew the business to the size it is today. Now the business is actively managed by Ruble’s grandson Paul (Eddyville) and Gary Holland (Fredonia).  Akridge Farm Supply has been supplying alfalfa seed to the farmers of the Fredonia Valley for over 75 years.  Congratulations  to the whole Akridge Farm Supply Family!  

Forage News [2018-03]

Successful Heart of America Grazing ConferenceSpecial Forage Seminar to be held March 8th at UKKentucky Represented in American Forage and Grassland Council AwardsHow could Mild Winter Affect Alfalfa Insects?Forage News Quote of the Month -  Feeding Seed is a Bad Idea Kentucky Alfalfa Awards Given at Heart of AmericaAmerican Forage and Grassland Council Annual MeetingHeart of America Grazing Conference Highlight: The Secret Ingredient of Clover: Biochanin A and IsoflavonoidsFeatured Publication: Inoculation of Forage Legume

University of Kentucky UKnowledge Forage News Plant and Soil Sciences 2-1-2016 Forage News [2016-02] Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky Follow this and additional works at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/forage_news  Part of the Plant Sciences Commons Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits you. Repository Citation Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, "Forage News [2016-02]" (2016). Forage News. 25. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/forage_news/25 This Newsletter is brought to you for free and open access by the Plant and Soil Sciences at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Forage News by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact UKnowledge@lsv.uky.edu.                                                                                                                                                     February 2016 S. Ray Smith, Extension Forage Specialist and Krista Lea, MS   Successful Heart of America Grazing Conference The Heart of America Grazing conference was hosted by the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council on January 25-26 in Lexington. The event was a tremendous success with 170 participants from Kentucky and several surrounding states.  Highlights from the meeting will be included in subsequent issues of Forage News, including Dr. Michael Flythe’s work with Isoflavonoids (see article on page 2).   Special Forage Seminar to be held March 8th at UK  A special Forage Seminar “New Forage Varieties: Application on Your Farm” has been announced. Keynote speaker is Dr. Joe Bouton. Dr. Bouton is known worldwide for his practical approach to forage breeding. His focus has been to develop varieties that are adapted and persistent and that make a profit for farmers across the southeast.  Through his work at the University of Georgia and the Noble Foundation, he has released more groundbreaking forage varieties than any other breeder in the last 25 years, including Alfagraze alfalfa, MaxQ tall fescue and Durana and Patriot white clover. The seminar will be held March 8th, 7-9 pm at the University of Kentucky Good Barn Conference facility.   Kentucky Represented in American Forage and Grassland Council Awards  The annual AFGC Awards banquet was held on January 12th in Baton Rouge, LA, and two USDA-ARS Forage Animal Production Research Unit researchers from Lexington were honored.   Dr. Jimmy Klotz is a Research Animal Scientist and adjunct faculty at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Klotz was an AFGC Merit Award Winner; his research has been instrumental in improving the understanding of the mechanisms by which ergot alkaloids adversely affect grazing animal physiology and well-being.    Dr. Glen Aiken was honored with AFGC’s highest award, the Medallion Award. Dr. Aiken is a Research Animal Scientist and Agronomist and has been the Research Leader at the USDA-ARS FAPRU in Lexington, KY since 2013. Dr. Aiken’s research is focused on developing animal and pasture management approaches to improve forage productivity and persistence, and the efficiency of growth on pasture by beef cattle.   Dr. Aiken is a Fellow in the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America, and is an Adjunct Professor in the Plant and Soil Sciences and the Animal and Food Sciences Departments at the University of Kentucky.   How Could Mild Winter Affect Alfalfa Insects?  Winter temperatures have a significant impact on insect survival and can greatly affect pest activity for the upcoming growing season. Above-normal temperatures can result in earlier appearance, greater numbers, and increased damage from common pests. In some cases, problems may develop with species that seldom cause injury. The abnormally mild conditions during the early part of this winter favor key alfalfa pests and perhaps some that we do not see too often. It is still early so cold weather during February through March can bring things back to near-normal, but it is worth looking ahead just to be prepared. Pests that may exhibit early activity or increased injury due to a mild winter include Alfalfa Weevils, Potato Leafhopper and Black Legume Aphid.~ Lee Townsend See full article in January 2016 issue of Kentucky Pest News, go to “KY pest news” link on Forage website.   Forage News Quote of the Month “Feeding Seed is a Bad Idea” Livestock producers often see evidence of grazing animals having spread seed of forage plants through dung droppings. This sometimes inspires them to consider feeding seed to livestock to facilitate spread of desirable species around the farm. However, the extent of survival of seed that has passed through the digestive tract of an animal is generally low, especially with grass seed. In the case of legume seed, survival of passage through an animal is low except for “hard seed,” which for most legumes is a small percentage of the total. Uneven distribution of seed and (for legume seed) lack of inoculation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria are additional problems associated with depending on animals to distribute seed.  To purchase the Forage-Livestock Quotes and Concepts book, contact KFGC at ukforageextension@uky.edu. Books are $5 each.  Kentucky Alfalfa Awards Given at Heart of America The KY Alfalfa awards, normally handed out at the KY Alfalfa Conference, were given out at the Heart of America Grazing conference on January 26th. The Charlie Schnitzler Producer Award went to Flynn Farms, Mark and Ron Flynn operate a highly successful alfalfa hay farm in For more forage information, visit our UK Forage Extension Website at:  http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage/   Jefferson County. Dr. Kenny Burdine is the Ag. Economics extension specialist at UK and received the Garry D. Lacefield Public Service Award. Kenny has delivered practical economic information for hay producers and cattlemen in KY for over 10 years. The Warren Thompson Industry Award went to Hank Bendorf, who has been one of the most supportive industry reps for KY alfalfa producers throughout his career. He worked closely with Warren Thompson to implement many on-farm alfalfa demonstrations throughout the southeast.   American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Meeting  Kentucky had the largest contingency of out of state attendees at the recent AFGC meeting in Baton Rouge January 10-12. Those in attendance included research scientists, extension specialists, county Ag. agents, producers and UK students. Kentucky Forage Spokesperson Jay McElwain gave an excellent presentation on his farm and represented KY well in the contest. The Emerging Scientist contest had two students from UK: Eric Billman presented his work on grazing preference of dairy cattle and Kelly Prince, the overall winner and only female in the contest, presented her master’s work on carbohydrates in cool season grasses.  UK undergraduate student AnnMarie Kadnar presented a poster on the stability of ergovaline in tall fescue samples. Speakers from Kentucky included Garry Lacefield, Glen Aiken, Ray Smith, Scott Flynn and Michael Flythe. The National Forage Bowl Contest, chaired by UK’s Krista Lea was also a tremendous success, with Kansas State University beating University of Wisconsin-River Falls to be the champs for the second straight year. Challenge to all KY schools: let’s send several teams from the state next year.   Heart of America Grazing Conference Highlight:  The Secret Ingredients of Clover: Biochanin A and Isoflavonoids It is well known that an important value of clover is free nitrogen.  What many do not realize is that clovers also contain a class of chemicals called isoflavones, and recent discoveries show that the isoflavones positively influence the way that ruminants digest protein.  The USDA laboratory in Lexington, KY determined that the red clover isoflavone, biochanin A, could reduce ammonia production from rumen bacteria by killing the same bacteria as anti-microbial growth promoters. Two feeding trials were carried out (spring and fall 2015).  In each trial, 48 Angus cross steers were put on pasture (clover-free, novel endophyte fescue) in one of three groups: pasture only (control), pasture plus dry distillers’ grains (DGG) or pasture plus dry distillers’ grains with added biochanin A (DGG+BA).  The biochanin A was given at 7 g/head/day, which would be equivalent to the amount of biochanin A in a diet that was approximately 1/3 red clover.  The average daily gains were calculated the end of the 63- and 61-day trials.  In both cases, the addition of biochanin A improved average daily gain.   Biochanin A also shows benefits in other ways. A survey of research done on humans and non-ruminant animals revealed that isoflavones were also used to treat hypertension.  Previous researchers showed that biochanin A could dilate a blood vessel (the aorta) in rats.  Consider this with the common wisdom about clovers in tall fescue pastures.  Fescue toxicosis is caused by toxic alkaloids produced by a fungus that lives in the grass.  The alkaloids cause the blood vessels to constrict, which causes many of the negative health effects associated with tall fescue.  It has long been held that clovers in the pasture can “dilute” the concentration of alkaloids in the diet; that is, the animals will consume less tall fescue because they also have clover. However, if isoflavones could relax blood vessels in ruminants, then clover might directly counteract blood vessel constriction by fescue alkaloids.    Preliminary research at USDA with goats clearly showed that clover extract dilated blood vessels previously constricted from consuming tall fescue with high alkaloid levels. The discovery that clover isoflavones can counteract at least one of the negative effects of toxic tall fescue gives us another reason to maintain clovers in pasture where fescue is prevalent. Isoflavones are estrogenic, which means that they have to be carefully used.  For example, different feeding levels might be recommended for backgrounding and finishing beef versus pre-weaning or in dairy production.  There are also special considerations for sheep, which are believed to be particularly sensitive to reproductive effects of plant estrogens.  Clearly, more research is needed on the biologically active chemicals made by forage legumes, as well as how to best utilize them as “functional feed” in each industry supported by forage. However, the above results indicate that this research is well worth pursuing. ~ Michael Flythe, Glen Aiken and Isabelle Kagan, summary from Heart of America Grazing Conference Proceedings.  Full proceedings are available online at www.uky.edu/ag/forage.   Featured Publication: Inoculation of Forage Legumes (AGR-90)    Legumes can improve grass-based forage programs by increasing yield, improving quality, improving summer production, and converting atmospheric nitrogen into a chemical form that the legume plant can use, thus reducing the need for applied nitrogen fertilizer. In order for the legume to “fix” nitrogen, they must have active nodules on the roots. Nodules are formed when proper bacteria are in contact with the seed during the establishment period. Supplying this bacteria in sufficient quantities can be done through the addition of rhizobia bacteria prior to seeding on the farm or at the factory when seed are pre-inoculated with large quantities of rhizobium. This and other publications can be found at www.uky.edu/ag/forage under the publication tab.   Important Reminder: February is the month to frost seed clovers in KY.   Upcoming Events (full details at UK Forage Website – www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage) FEB 6 KY Small Ruminant Grazing Conf. Catlettsburg, KY FEB 11 Pastures Please Equine Conf., Versailles, KY MAR 8 New Forage Varieties Seminar, Lexington, KY APR 12 Adv. Grazing School, Versailles, KY MAY 2-4 SPFCIC. Monroe, LA MAY 17-18 KY Grazing School, Versailles, KY JULY 17-22 International Rangeland Congress, SK, Canada.  

Forage News [2016-02]

Heart of America Grazing Conference Highlight: Native Warm-Season Grasses (NWSG): Naturally Adapted Productive PasturesNitrate Test Kits available - KY County Extension OfficesFeatured Publication: Forage-Related Disorders in Cattle: Nitrate Poisoning (UK pub ID-217)Forage News Quote of the Month:  Insanity:  Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results Program and registration - KFGC Annual Field DayScott County Field Day Replaces Annual UK Equine Field Day for 2016Dairymen and Horse Owners: Caution with rye strawThe Forage-Livestock Community Says Goodbye to a Forage Legend: Russell HackleyWebinar on Hi-Gest® Low Lignin AlfalfaNew Holland Product Support KitsDetails on AFGC New Zealand Tour Signu

University of Kentucky UKnowledge Forage News Plant and Soil Sciences 7-1-2016 Forage News [2016-07] Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky Follow this and additional works at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/forage_news  Part of the Plant Sciences Commons Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits you. Repository Citation Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, "Forage News [2016-07]" (2016). Forage News. 20. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/forage_news/20 This Newsletter is brought to you for free and open access by the Plant and Soil Sciences at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Forage News by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact UKnowledge@lsv.uky.edu.                                                                                                                                                     July 2016 S. Ray Smith, Extension Forage Specialist and Krista Lea, MS   Heart of America Conf. Highlight: Native Warm-Season Grasses (NWSG): Naturally Adapted Productive Pastures        The series of severe droughts between 2007-2012 resulted in decreases in cattle numbers in the southeast. Some of the impact of these droughts may have been offset if producers had reliable, drought-resilient summer forages. Beginning in 2008, a group of researchers at the Univ. of TN started a series of studies designed to evaluate the potential of Native Warm Season Grasses (NWSG) to compliment to tall fescue.   Figure 1. Stocking rate (lb/acre) for switchgrass and a big bluestem/indiangrass blend. Week 1 is the last week of April.   One lesson learned from this study was that these grasses had higher carrying capacities than anticipated. Based on 60 units of nitrogen (N) per acre applied each spring (late April), carrying capacity was over 1,000 pounds of live animal per acre, season long (Figure 1). Switchgrass was especially productive reaching a peak in late May - early June of 2,500 lb/acre. This stocking translates into 145 animal unit days (AUD) per acre for BB/IG, 198 for SG, and 206 for EG.         Based on research to date, it appears that NWSG can provide a valuable, high quality source of summer forage that can effectively complement tall fescue production systems.  ~ Dr. Pat Keyser See full article and all Heart of America Proceedings at  www.uky.edu/ag/forage.    Nitrate Test Kits available- KY County Extension Offices          Because nitrate poisoning is a significant concern in the summer months, Nitrate Test Kits have once again been made available to county extension offices by Ext. Director Dr. Gary Palmer.  Producers are asked to contact their local county agent if they are concerned about nitrate poisoning and would like to test their forages (see article below).      KY County Agents: If you have not yet requested your nitrate test kit, please contact ukforageextension@uky.edu. Supplies are limited and are first come first serve basis.  Featured Publication: Forage-Related Disorders in Cattle: Nitrate Poisoning (UK pub ID-217)        Drought-stressed sorghum and/or corn are the source of most of the forage-related cases of nitrate poisoning in Kentucky, but wheat, sudangrass, rye, pearl millet, soybeans, beets, Brassica spp. (rape, kale, turnips, swedes) and oats can also accumulate nitrates. Common weeds that are nitrate accumulators include ragweed, pigweed, thistle, bindweed, dock, jimsonweed, and johnsongrass.         Few plants normally contain high nitrate levels, since under normal growing conditions the nitrates are converted to protein as quickly as they are absorbed from the roots. However, under certain conditions such as high nitrogen fertilization, drought or abrupt changes in weather, plants can develop dangerously high nitrate levels. The main problem with excess nitrates is that they are converted in the rumen to nitrites that are absorbed in the bloodstream and ultimately prevent the red blood cells from carrying life-giving oxygen. Death or abortion may result as a consequence of nitrate intoxication. Care must be taken to recognize possible toxic forages and manage them appropriately to avoid animal loss. The laboratory you intend to use or your local county agent can provide specific instructions for nitrate testing.    Forage News Quote of the Month “Insanity: Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results” We’ve all done it – it didn’t work this time but we’ll keep trying and trying. However, there may be better approaches. If it didin’t work, stop and find the reason. Change the approach. Remove the impediment to success. Get advice from persons who are knowledgeable and who can provide additional information and a different perspective. Forage-livestock production is an expensive endeavor. At every opportunity and in all areas of forage-livestock management, one should stack the deck to favor success.   To purchase the Forage-Livestock Quotes and Concepts book, contact KFGC at ukforageextension@uky.edu. Books are $5 each.  Program and registration - KFGC Annual Field Day        This year’s Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council Annual Field Day will be held at the Edenshale Research and demonstration Farm on Tuesday, Sept. 13th (245 Eden Shale For more forage information, visit our UK Forage Extension Website at:  http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage/   Road, Owenton, KY 40359) with registration beginning at 3:30 pm and a meal at 6:30. Topics include: Farm Overview, Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue and Seedhead Suppression, Alternative Summer Forages to Maximize Beef Gain in Kentucky, Rainfall Collection Watering Systems and Manure Management for Livestock Producers, and Russell Hackley’s Legacy to Forages in KY and the U.S. Register online at http://KFGCFieldDay.eventbrite.com or by calling 502-484-5703. This event is supported by the KFGC, Kentucky Beef Network, Owen County Extension Service and the University of Kentucky, CAFE.   Scott County Field Day Replaces Annual UK Equine Field Day for 2016  The Annual Scott County Field Day will be hosted by Old Friends Farm on July 15th 4:30-7:30 and replaces the annual UK Equine Farm and Facilities Day for 2016. Old Friends is home to over 100 retired race horses including 1997 and 2002 KY Derby winners Silver Charm and War Emblem. Highlights include hands-on exhibits and field demonstrations.   Dairymen and Horse Owners: Caution with rye straw  Due to a shortage of wheat straw in the United States, more and more dairy and equine operations are switching to rye straw for bedding. According to experts at the UK CAFÉ,  this can be a good option, but there are several unique considerations with rye straw. Unlike wheat, where the grain is harvested first and the remaining stems are cut and baled, with rye, the whole plant is usually harvested and baled. This means the seed heads are still on the plant. The seed heads of rye have awns or appendages that may cause gum irritation. Another consideration with rye straw is the risk of ergot. Ergot is caused by fungi and is poisonous to livestock when infected cereal grasses are consumed. In horses, the most common signs are lactation failure or deficiency, prolonged gestation and fertility problems and in dairy cattle reduced milk production.  Ergot bodies, look similar to mouse droppings and occur in the place of healthy seed. Often ergot bodies fall off during the raking and baling process. However, inspect rye straw being used as bedding to ensure it is free of ergot bodies. If ergot bodies are found, use caution because of potential toxic concentrations of ergot alkaloids. Additional info: https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/crops/pp551.pdf. ~ UK CAFÉ  Press Release June 7, 2016  The Forage-Livestock Community Says Goodbye to a Forage Legend: Russell Hackley   Russell Hackley passed away June 12 one day before his 74th birthday. Russell was a patriot devoted to God, family, agriculture, and his community. With wisdom and wit, his stories, quotes, and insight often entertained, taught, and challenged those who knew him.  His love for the land, implementation of rotational grazing practices, and utilization of forage species in his beef cattle production earned him multiple local, state, and national awards, including Master Conservationist, Outstanding Grassland Farmer, and Forage Spokesperson Awards, among others. He traveled four continents, learning about agriculture methods and innovations in various countries. In addition, he served his industry through multiple leadership positions, including KCA’s Foundation board member, Regional VP of KCA, KCA Executive Committee member, board member of both the KFGC and AFGC, and as a board member of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. He was also a proud member of the Grayson County Cattlemen's Association. ~ Portions of obituary reprinted from the Grayson County News Gazette, June 14-15.  Webinar on Hi-Gest® Low Lignin Alfalfa   Currently, two varieties of Low Lignin alfalfa varieties have been released, Hi-Gest® (Dow AgroSciences) and HarvXtra™ (Forage Genetics International). There will be a 45 min webinar update on Hi-Gest® Thursday, March 21st, at 10 a.m. or 12 noon EDT.  Presenters will update participants about the acceptance, fiber digestibility and on-farm performance of Hi-Gest® Low Lignin Alfalfa since its commercialization in October 2014. The webinar's technical content will be the same at either session; however, the 10a.m. session will be more focused to the Eastern U.S. dairy/alfalfa management practices, and the later session will be better suited to dairy/commercial hay grower practices found in the Western U.S. Register now! https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/8126740405637354243   New Holland Product Support Kits        Keep your haying equipment in “tip-top” shape. A product support kit is a collection of OEM parts that comes as a single packaged unit with all of the parts needed to make a repair or upgrade, along with hardware and instruction sheets for easy repairs/installations. Kits are usually offered as one package - one part number - and can offer savings in terms of both time and money. For farmers who do their own equipment repair and maintenance, kits give the confidence of having all of the components needed to complete a job, allowing for faster repairs and allowing machines to be easily be updated to include the latest technology, boosting productivity and trade-in value.  Check with your equipment dealer for available kits. ~ From Canadian Forage and Grassland Council Newsletter  Details on AFGC New Zealand Tour Signup                      The American Forage and Grassland Council is pleased to host a 2016 New Zealand Tour October 23 to Nov 5, 2016.   This trip will forever change the way you view forage-based agriculture as you will be inspired by the passion for pastoral farming systems that you see  in NZ. View the tentative agenda at www.afgc.org and select the tour from the Events menu. Space is limited to 30 participants. Registration fee for the tour will be $2800 for AFGC members and $2850 for non-members for 10 days and $4100 for members and $4150 for non-members for 14 days.  The 14-Day tour will include transportation and lodging for the New Zealand Grassland Association Annual Conference.  The registration fee for the New Zealand Grassland Association Annual Conference is not included.  There is a non-refundable deposit of $1000 due by September 1, 2016 with full payment due by September 15, 2016.  Upcoming Events (www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage) JULY 14 – Equine Field Day. Scott County, KY  JULY 17-22 International Rangeland Congress. SK, Canada.  AUG 11 Organic Assoc KY Pasture Walk. Washington Co. SEPT 13 KFGC Field Day. Edenshale Farm SEPT 22 Beef Bash. Princeton, KY OCT 19 KY Grazing Conference. Somerset, KY JAN 22-24 AFGC Annual Meeting, Roanoke, VA 

Forage News [2016-07]

University of Kentucky UKnowledge Forage News Plant and Soil Sciences 6-2016 Forage News [2016-06] Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky Follow this and additional works at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/forage_news  Part of the Plant Sciences Commons Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits you. Repository Citation Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, "Forage News [2016-06]" (2016). Forage News. 21. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/forage_news/21 This Newsletter is brought to you for free and open access by the Plant and Soil Sciences at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Forage News by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact UKnowledge@lsv.uky.edu.                                                                                                                                                     June 2016 S. Ray Smith, Extension Forage Specialist and Krista Lea, MS   National Forage Week is June 19-25, 2016 The American Forage and Grassland Council (AFGC) and other forage organizations are celebrating National Forage Week for the second year in a row.  AFGC is striving to bring farming and forages into greater public awareness and inform consumers about the role of forages and forage production. AFGC is asking for support from forage producers to help get the word out by putting up fliers in local farm supply stores, sending press releases to hometown papers, arranging for a public service listing on local business reader boards and posting on Facebook, Twitter or other social media posts. AFGC will be equipping each of their 22 state forage affiliates with promotional materials in addition to the national organization’s campaign. Promotional materials may be acquired by emailing: info@afgc.org or go to AFGC.org.   ~ Tina Bowling, AFGC Executive Director  AFGC New Zealand Tour Itinerary Available Online Preliminary itineraries for the AFGC New Zealand tour are now available online at www.afgc.org. Option 1 begins in Auckland and includes stops at Hobbiton beef and sheep farm, CRV Dairy Farm in Ohaupo, Taupo Beef, Massey University and Lincoln University Dairy Farm in Christchurch before spending three days at the NZ Grasslands Conference. Details can be found at www.afgc.org/new_zealand.  ~ Krista Lea   Eden Shale Farm Forage Establishment Field Day – June 16, 2016   The Forage Establishment Field Day at Eden Shale Farm will be held on June 16th and is sponsored by USDA ARS, Dow AgroSciences, Barenbrug and the Kentucky Beef Network. This free event will run 5:30-8:00 pm and includes dinner. Topics and speakers include: Options for Managing Fescue Toxicosis, Dr. Glen Aiken; Successful establishment of grasses and legumes, Dr. Ray Smith;  Proper selection, timing, and use of herbicides for weed control when establishing cool and warm-season grasses, Dr. Scott Flynn; Selecting the Right forage species to fill gaps in your production system, Kade Hass; and Spray equipment and Planter demonstrations for those who wish to stay, Dr. Scott Flynn, Kade Hass and others.   RSVP to Dan Miller at 859-278-0899 or dmiller@kycattle.org. The Eden Shale Farm is located at 245 Eden Shale Road, Owenton, KY 40359   ~ Krista Lea   Annual Forage Workers Tour a chance for Forage researchers to collaborate, learn and share University of Kentucky faculty and staff in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment participated in the annual Forage Workers Tour. This year, the tour featured several locations in south and southeastern Kentucky, highlighting different aspects of the agricultural community. The tour kicked off with a visit to Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment where the group learned how Tarter makes their famous gates. Peddicord Gelbveih Beef Operation was the first farm visited on the trip. This farm demonstrated how they handled their cool season forage pastures to benefit their purebred beef herd. The first day of visits ended with Ray Lewis Coffey Beef Operation where Mr. Coffey backgrounds stockers through the winter on stockpiled fescue. His operation also includes vegetable production for a roadside market stand.  John and Anne Bays presented Moonlight Farms to the group the following morning, highlighting their grass-fed Scottish Highland cattle. In addition to raising beef, the Bays also raise hogs and chickens to supplement their private sale of beef to their local community. Just west of Corbin, we visited Gerald Hart and toured his vegetable production operation and roadside market. Mr. Hart grows a range of vegetables in hoop houses and outside for almost year round production.   ~ AnnMarie Kadnar  Heart of America Grazing Conference Highlight:   Reduced or Low Lignin Alfalfa: Advantages for Hay and Grazing.   Lignin is an essential structural component of all land plants. It fills spaces in the cell wall between cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. Lignin provides strength for plants, from giant Sequoia trees to alfalfa growing in hay fields. A For more forage information, visit our UK Forage Extension Website at:  http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage/   good analogy is that lignin is like the steel reinforcing rods in concrete. Life on earth would not be possible without lignin to allow plants to grow upright. The limitation for livestock is that lignin is indigestible. In recent years, forage breeders have also developed reduced lignin alfalfa varieties. These varieties have often been called low-lignin alfalfa, but the term “Reduced Lignin” is preferred because it is essential that enough lignin remains in the alfalfa stems to prevent lodging.  How to Use Reduced Lignin Varieties  Dr. Dan Undersander (Univ. of Wisconsin) gives three main benefits of reduced lignin alfalfa: 1) Higher quality forage (if harvested at same time), 2) Wider harvest window (if rain), and 3) Higher yield (if harvested later at same quality). Feeding trials are being conducted at 3 to 4 universities over this winter period and there will be actual feeding data available later this year. One of the greatest advantages of the reduced lignin alfalfa varieties is that alfalfa quality does not change as fast around harvest. This means that the window of harvest is lengthened and, if rain delays, the impact on quality will not be as great. Another advantage of delayed harvest is that it improves winter survival and rate of spring green-up the next year.    Full Proceedings from the 2016 Heart of America Grazing Conference and other Kentucky Forage Conferences over the last 35 years can be found on the UK Forage extension website. ~ Dr. Ray Smith.   Toxic Topic: Johnsongrass Poisoning in Horses  Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) is a perennial drought-tolerant, warm season grass that can be found in some KY pastures and hayfields. Drought conditions can cause a dying off of cool season pasture grasses while this weedy grass survives and flourishes. Cattle producers can achieve good animal production on pastures containing Johnsongrass, but it can be toxic to horses. Supplemental hay should be provided on horse pastures that contain significant amounts of Johnsongrass. All sorghums, including Johnsongrass, can be associated with four major disease syndromes in horses: 1. Neuropathy (nerve damage) and teratogenesis (damaging effects to the fetus); 2. Photosensitization; 3. Nitrate intoxication; and 4. Acute cyanide poisoning. In horses, symptoms of poisoning can occur after a few weeks to months of continuously grazing Johnsongrass or other sorghums, at any growth stage of the plant.  The condition is sporadic, and not all horses eating sorghums are affected. The amount of sorghum that needs to be ingested for clinical signs to occur has not been established, but poisoning generally requires continuous exposure to large amounts of sorghum related species for several weeks or longer. Prevention is important and includes minimizing exposure to Johnsongrass and other sorghums by controlling these plants in hayfields and pastures and by not feeding hay containing sorghums. Johnsongrass can be controlled in pastures by mowing and close grazing; control in hayfields is more problematic. Consult your local county agent for more information on controlling Johnsongrass.  ~ Dr. Cynthia Gaskill, UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory   Featured Publication: Producer’s Guide to Pasture-Based Beef Finishing ID-224  New and expanded local demand for pasture-based beef has created opportunities in the upper south for cattle farmers who want to tap into this market. This new market will not be for everyone. Challenges and risks not associated with conventional cow-calf and stocker enterprises are detailed in this publication. A high profit potential is available for those who are willing to take these risks and can consistently produce a high-yielding finished animal that consumers enjoy eating. Three of the authors of this publication are currently pasture-finishing cattle (two with a pure-forage approach and one with a grain-on-grass approach) and can personally attest to the profit potential. As with any new enterprise, however, the learning curve is steep, and success requires a commitment to working through the many production, marketing, and processing details. This reference guide provides a foundation for this process. The full publication can be found on the UK Forages webpage under forage publications/grazing.   Forage News Quote of the Month “Hay Moisture Can Be a Burning Issue” Hay baled at too high a moisture level will heat excessively. Small square bales should be baled at 20% moisture or less, and large round bales at 18% moisture or less. In addition to causing reduced digestibility of protein and fiber, heating can sometimes result in a hay fire. Hay temperatures below 120oF is normal and safe; between 120oF and 140oF is considered a caution zone, at which the hay should be closely monitored. If the temperature goes above 160oF, fire is likely. To lower fire hazard, fresh green hay should never be stored against older, dry hay. Hay that is heating to an unacceptable, dangerous level should be moved to a spot where fire will not destroy anything other than the hay. Fire danger generally subsideds within two to three weeks after baling.   To purchase the Forage-Livestock Quotes and Concepts book, contact KFGC at ukforageextension@uky.edu. Books are $5 each.    Upcoming Events (www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage)  JUNE 16 Forage Establishment Field Day, Edenshale Farm JUNE 19-25 National Forage Week JULY 17-22 International Rangeland Congress, SK, Canada.  AUG 11 Organic Association of KY Pasture Walk. Washington Co., KY SEPT 13 KFGC Field Day, Edenshale Farm SEPT 22 Beef Bash, Princeton, KY OCT 19 KY Grazing Conference, Somerset, KY JAN 22-24 AFGC Annual Meeting, Roanoke, VA 