Utilizing stockpiled forages

If you have stockpiled forages for use this winter, November and December are good months to utilize this accumulated feed. This allows for the forage to attain maximum growth and be utilized before quality is lowered. Strip grazing is the best method to utilize stockpiled forages.

Fence off a section of the stockpiled pasture and allow animals to graze the forage down to a residual height of two to three inches, then move fence to allow access to more stockpiled forage. There is no real need to rotate animals like we do in the spring to allow for forage regrowth, simply move the fence to allow access to more pasture.

Strip grazing at relatively high stocking densities will allow for maximum forage utilization while minimizing trampling and waste. Animals will often consume up to 70 percent of available forage by strip grazing. Be sure there is adequate amount of forage available between offerings of new forage.

In order to determine the amount of forage to include in a strip, one must know how much forage is available. The amount of accumulated stockpiled forage varies with location, rainfall, and the amount of nitrogen applied.

Tools, such as a grazing stick or falling plate meter, can be used to determine forage quantity. The quantity of stockpiled fescue may average around 3000 lb of dry matter per acre. A 1,400 lb cow may consume 30 to 35 lbs of forage dry matter/day. Accounting for a 70 percent utilization rate with strip grazing, 3,000 lbs of dry matter per acre would last 40 cows about one and a half days and giving two acres would provide enough forage for approximately three days.

If the forage appears limiting by day two, provide a new strip and adjust your assessment of available forage and utilization to ensure cows are offered enough forage.

Stockpiling forages is a great way to lower winter feeding costs by allowing animals to consume high quality forage into the winter months reducing the need for stored and purchased feed, feeding labor and machinery costs. However, be prepared for adverse weather conditions such as snow and ice cover by keeping some hay on hand throughout the winter months.

As long as stockpiled forage is available, hay will not need to be fed unless there is deep snow cover. Snow depth of six inches or more would be considered a deep cover.

Cattle will pick through a few inches of snow for access to pasture. However, keep in mind that even ¼ inch of ice on forage may prevent grazing and forage supplementation will be needed.

For more information on stockpiling forages contact the Clinton County Extension Office at 387-5404. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Upcoming Meetings

Cattleman’s Association

The Clinton/Cumberland Cattleman’s Association Annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 26th at 6:00pm at Bluegrass Stockyards in Albany. Please call the Clinton County Extension Office at 387-5404 if you plan to attend so meal preparations can be made.

Grain production meeting

A Grain production meeting will be held at the Wayne County Extension Office on Monday, November 25th at 6:00pm(EST). UK Extension grain crops specialist Chad Lee will present topics on Corn, Soybeans, and Wheat, one emphasis will be on results of Corn population research he has been conducting.

Extension associate, Amanda Gumbert will also be at the meeting to discuss Ag water quality and Nutrient management plans for grain producers.

Please call the Wayne Co. Extension Office at 606-348-8453 or the Clinton County Extension Office at 387-5404 if you plan to attend so meal preparations can be made.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.