Clemson Forages Team

The presence of weeds in pastures can affect animal performance due to its negative impact on forage quality and yield. Also, some weeds can be toxic to grazing animals which compromises their health and reproductive performance. Poor pasture establishment and management practices such as seed drill not properly calibrated, low-quality seed, deep seeding, not correcting […]

In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Liliane Silva from Clemson University explores strategies for optimizing forage-livestock systems. She highlights best practices for improving grazing systems, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing sustainability in animal production. Dr. Silva also shares insights on boosting soil health and ecosystem resilience. Tune in now! Link: […]

Legumes are nitrogen-fixing plants that can improve forage quality, soil fertility, and sustainability in pastures. Clovers are widely used in the region and can be considered a simple and low-cost approach to enhance forage production and reduce nitrogen fertilizer input in operations. Frost seeding is a common practice that allows for the establishment of clovers […]

Silvopasture systems are defined as the integration of tree, forage, and livestock in the same area (Figure 1). These systems allow for income diversification through forestry and livestock production, while optimizing resource use for environmental, economic, and social benefits of operations. In the Southeast region, heat stress is a major issue to livestock, and it […]

The livestock industry is one of the most important agricultural activities in the Southeast. Over the years, educational efforts have focused on improved management practices to optimize forage and animal production to reduce production costs due to the fluctuations of input prices. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in sustainable production intensification on […]

Cover crops are annual plants that can be used to improve soil quality and health during the non-harvesting season of cash crops.  Cover crops promote soil coverage, suppress weeds, recycle soil nutrients, and reduce erosion, pests and diseases, while increasing soil organic matter.  They also reduce nutrient runoff and leaching. Cover crops encompass grasses, legumes […]

There are multiple factors affecting a horses’ diet nutritional requirements,  including type of work and physiological state of the animal. Meeting the nutritional requirements using forage-based diets can be difficult, therefore, it is important to properly balance their diets and include high-quality forages, when possible. In the absence of available pastures for grazing, horse owners […]

Forage Drops Newsletter – August 2024 Link: https://mailchi.mp/b5509736fa9a/forage-drops-newsletter-may23-14186625 Thanks to our colleagues at @Georgia Forages UGA Extension for the great resource to consult insecticide options for controlling fall armyworm.

In South Carolina, annual agricultural production losses due to wildlife damage (e.g., deer) are large in several crops, including cash crops, hayfields and grazing areas. Recent estimates for cash crops (e.g., soybean, cotton) show that millions of dollars are lost annually due to damage to the plants from their germination until harvest. Dr. Cory Heaton […]