The Rural Voice, 2003-08, Page 48Advice
Better use of forage can help cut costs
By Jack Kyle, Grazier Specialist
OMAF, Lindsay
One of the aspects of the recent
disruption to cattle markets will be
the need for increased feed supplies
for those who cannot, or choose not
to, market their animals at their
normal marketing window.
Maximizing the use of pasture can
make a significant contribution to
increasing on farm feed supplies.
There are several different
approaches that a producer might
take to make the most of on farm
resources.
Rotational grazing will give
increased production. Doing this
from the beginning of the season will
give the most benefit but even in
mid-season you will realize improved
grass production. The value in
rotational grazing comes from the
rest period or non -grazing period that
allows the grass to re -grow after
being grazed. A re -growth period of
approximately 30-40 days should be
the goal. Rotational grazing will also
help reduce losses due to tramping
and encourage the animals to
consume all the grass rather than
being selective in what they eat.
Nitrogen fertilizer will give a
boost to grass production in a
pasture. It is necessary to get a rain
following application to get the
nitrogen into the soil. If the nitrogen
prills lay on the soil surface without
rain, much of the N will be lost into
the atmosphere. An application of 50
to 75 kgs of N/ha should be made;
lower amounts will not promote
significant growth (the grass will turn
green but extra growth will be
limited). For nitrogen
recommendations for pasture see the
following link on the OMAF
website: http://www.gov.on.ca/
OMAFRA/english/crops/pub811 /5 fer
t.htm#table56
Stockpile grazing can be used to
extend the grazing season into the
late fall or even early winter. By
stockpile grazing we mean to allow
the forage to grow through the late
summer and early fall for use as
pasture after the growing season
ends. Research and experience has
shown that a non -lactating beef cow
can survive very well on stockpiled
forage and even gain weight. This
practice can reduce the need for
stored forage for several weeks to
several months depending on how
you apply it to your farm. See the
following link on the OMAF website
for further information:
http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/eng
lish/livestock/beef/facts/99-009.htm
Look for alternate grazing areas,
on your farm and in your community
Temporary electric fence can be
easily erected to make use of an area
that has not traditionally been
pastured.
Second and third growth in hay
fields can be grazed if the hay is not
Continued on page 46
If You Work With Manure, Water,
Sewage, Waste, or Bulk Materials
BaIIaqhLIQUID
_
TECHNOLOGIES inc.
Will Customize a System for You
- whether it's One Component or a
Complete System
Pumping, Treatment, Transport Water Treatment &
& Control Systems Control Systems
• Dragline Injection Systems • Medicators/Injectors
• Manure and Silage Handling • Sediment Filters
Truck Boxes & Trailers • Floats and Level Control Systems
• Stall Filling Equipment • Ozone Systems
• Manure Separation • Phone Dialers, Furnace Alarms,
• Aerators Sump Alarms & Control Panels
• Submersible Pumps • Decorative & Dewatering Pumps
• Centrifugal Pumps • Lift Stations
• Self Primer Pumps • Water Treatment Systems for foul
• Mechanical Filtration water, taste and stains
• Biological Solutions • UV Systems
• Sump Alarms, Floats, and Controls • Water Softeners
• Composting Technologies • Custom Pump Control Panels
Call Toll Free 877-312-4600 and we'll help you "put it all together"!
Or visit our website for for more in-depth information
lsallagh
LIQUID
TECHNOLOGIES in..
The Water, Manure, and Waste Management Solutions Company
121 North Street, West Wingham, ON NOG 2W0
Phone: 519-357-4600 Fax: 519-357-4630
Email - ballaliquidtech@wightman.ca
www.bliquidtech.com
Technologies for a Better Tomorrow - TODAY!
AUGUST 2003 45