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Little River, TX | As to the Waco (Blackland Income Growth) it has a forage meeting as well as a cattle meeting. I am not sure if they will conflict or not.
There will be a USDA Fertility man from Blackland Research in Temple, A retired NRCS range management specialest who knows and understands stocking rates. From TAMU a weed specialest and another for brush control.
Otherwise do a search on bermudagrass pasture. There is a world of information on bermudagrass for forage. Nothing like for alfalfa though. There is good information from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, and Kansas. Probably more besides.
A short lesson is probably 5 acres per animal will work. In ideal conditions 2-3 acres per animal might work. With less than ideal conditions expect to feed hay and at best break even. Remember also that just because some stuff is wrapped in string or wire does not mean it is cow feed. You probably need 12% CP hay but maybe 10% will work.
The best hay test is to put two bales out, from different sources. If they all stay on one bale that one is the better feed.
If you can, and here is where electric fence with step in post shines, divide the pasture into small enough plots so the cows can graze it down to a few inches,and then rest it for 4 to 6 weeks. Have about a third of you pasture to into winter with standing dry forage. Plant some wheat on maybe a 20% of your ground and rye grass on another 20%. Just be sure all the wheat and rye grass is grazed off by the middle of march when the bermudagrass is starting to look for some sun light.
Last of all remember I am a hay man not a cow man. | |
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Winter feeding
