Wheat pastures are a treasure trove for cattle operations, particularly in regions like Texas, where the climate allows producers to extend grazing seasons and optimize land use. Wheat, with its high-quality forage and dual purpose as a grain crop, is a boon for profitability, supporting both grazing and grain production. This versatile crop is a smart strategy to maximize your pasture, keeping costs in check while providing cattle with essential nutrition.
Using wheat pastures, you can give your herd a more extended grazing period, often lasting from November through March, depending on the weather. This extended grazing season is particularly valuable when other forages are low in quantity and quality, making wheat a reliable and consistent feed source. In a region like the Southern Plains, where conditions can be unpredictable, having a dependable pasture like wheat is a real game-changer for producers looking to maximize productivity.
However, using wheat pastures is more complex than just letting the cows graze. Timing, supplementation, and stocking rates are critical to getting the most out of your wheat fields and ensuring your cattle stay healthy and productive. In the following sections, we’ll explore how to manage wheat pastures to maximize forage quality and profitability effectively.
Winter grazing management can 
Soil testing, often overlooked, is
Prickly pear, along with other cactus species, is a pressing issue in pastures. The proliferation of these cacti can impede livestock movement and pose serious health risks.
Drought can be devastating. Forages stop producing, making it difficult for ranchers to make food. Drought can make things seem bleak.
Looking out onto a field of perfectly rolled hay bales is not just a beautiful sight; it’s a testament to your hard work and expertise. The feeling of pride and accomplishment that comes from baling them yourself is truly unmatched.
Having a good summer pasture management plan can save you many headaches later on. It will allow you to put out potential fires, not literally, before they occur.
Fertilizer costs have increased significantly over the last few decades, even more so over the last couple of years. For example, nitrogen fertilizer has doubled in just the last two years. With the way things are going, it does not look like they will change for the better any time soon.
Spring is almost around the corner. The temperatures will soon rise, and the grass will begin to grow again. For most people, pasture management comes to mind when temperatures rise, but that is not necessarily the case. It is vital to get a start on it now.
