Fertilizer costs have increased a lot over the last few decades, even more over the last year. An example of this is that nitrogen fertilizer has doubled in just the last 2 years. With the way things are going it is not looking it will change for the better any time soon.
The most expensive input in warm-season forage production is commercial fertilizer. Since this is a costly resource, we need to make use of it efficiently. This will ensure that the return on the investment can be optimized for the most profits.
I will tell you that when it comes to being efficient that does not mean being the “cheapest”. Going with the lowest cost in the long run can actually end up costing the most. Here are 4 ways that you can look to optimize what fertilizer that you put out while reducing forage production costs.
Spring is almost around the corner. The temperatures will soon start to rise and the grass, hopefully, will begin to grow again. For most people, pasture management comes to mind when the temperatures start to rise but that is not necessarily the case. It is important to get a start on it now.
Mesquite trees are the most popular “trash” tree out there. Though mostly that popularity is due to the excellent firewood that it provides. Despite it being able to provide us with some really good firewood it does pose some problems for range managers.
Drought is one of those things that every cattle producer will have to deal with at some point. It ranks right up there with Death and Taxes. Just like those two though it is unavoidable it is also something that most producers find themselves unprepared for.
Prescribed burning, also known as controlled burning, is for lack of a better term just a fire that you have set intentionally. Despite the fact that the word “fire” often brings up negative images of nothing but destruction a prescribed burn can be a good thing. It is a management tool that is used by land managers and land owners to improve the diversity of their vegetation. It can also be used to control any invasive plants that are present in your pasture.
A summer pasture can be a producer’s greatest resources for his cattle. When managed correctly it provides all of the nutrients your cattle need going into fall breeding season.
Pasture thistles are a group of plants that are considered a serious threat to rangelands. Like most weeds they propagate very quickly and choke out any grasses that are growing there.
Mesquite trees, everyone’s favorite “trash” tree. It can provide us with some really good firewood but it does pose some problems for range managers.
Looking out onto a field of perfectly rolled hay bales is a beautiful sight to see. It is even more impactful if you are the one that baled them. Can feel yourself filling with pride on a job well done.
Cedar, more accurately known as juniper, can be a very difficult plant to control. It is a very aggressive woody plant that grows here in Texas. It is often viewed as invasive because if left unchecked it can quickly take over a pasture chocking out any grass growth.
