Clemson Extension offers a free Climate-Resilience in Forage Systems online course. Registration is open for this self-paced course available through Clemson Extension Online. The course covers tools, concepts and strategies to help farmers make informed decisions about managing forage and livestock systems, while also supporting long-term viability and resilience in operations. “This beginner-to-intermediate level course is […]
Clemson Forages Team
Establishment and management of silvopasture systems in South Carolina
We are excited to announce the release of this new educational handbook: “Establishment and management of silvopasture systems in South Carolina”. This is a great multidisciplinary collaboration among 12 specialists and graduate students to discuss aspects related to the establishment and management of silvopasture. This handbook provides concepts and research-based information on the establishment and […]
Improved management practices of forage stands to improve water conservation and quality
Forages are the primary feed source for livestock production systems. Forage systems play an essential role in delivering ecosystem services (ES), and the management practices applied to them directly affect ES delivery. In recent years, forage research has expanded to better understand how management practices can be improved to optimize ES responses. Management practices directly […]
Management strategies for establishment and conservation of limpograss pastures
Limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) is a warm-season perennial grass with high forage mass production potential and nutritive value and is tolerant to poorly drained sandy soils. Under ideal conditions, it can produce 8 to 10 tons of dry matter per acre. Limpograss can be managed under grazing, or for conserved purposes (hay or baleage production). It […]
Clemson Forage-Livestock Systems Research and Education Program
Dr. Liliane Silva is an Assistant Professor and the Forage-Livestock Systems Specialist at Clemson University. Silva started working with forage and pasture science research in 2010 and has gained experience and knowledge through her work and involvement with diverse groups, activities, and efforts at the regional, national, and international levels. She was hired in Clemson […]
Planning warm-season forages planting
Warm-season annual forages are fast-growing, high-quality forages that can supplement production and quality to support animal performance. In the Southeast, they are planted from April through June and can be used under baleage or greenchop production, or grazing management. Most livestock operations in the region are based on perennial grasses, such as tall fescue (Festuca […]
Using warm-season native grasses in grazing systems in the Southeastern US
In the Southeastern US, livestock producers rely on forages as the basis of their operations. During the summer, many commonly used perennial forages (including bermudagrass and bahiagrass) will produce high quality forage in the mid-summer months but will have slow growth in the spring and early summer. Others, like tall fescue, will go dormant in […]
Incorporation of brassicas into forage-livestock systems to extend the grazing season
The brassica family includes crops used as vegetables, cover crops, oilseeds, and forages. The brassicas used as forage are radish, turnips, kale, and rapeseed. Due to their high water content (>80), brassicas are generally used for grazing. They quickly establish and provide high-quality forage during the fall and winter when perennial forages are dormant. In […]
Improved Management Strategies to Support Ecosystem Services Delivery in Forage Systems
In the Southeast, forages are the primary feed source for livestock production systems due to the diversity of adapted forage species, favorable climate conditions and lower production costs. With the growing population, agricultural systems face challenges in increasing food and fiber production while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Forage systems play an essential role in delivering […]
Exploring sustainable alternative feed sources for livestock production
According to the United Nations (2019), the world population will consist of 9.7 billion in 2050. In this context, food production must double to meet the demand (Ray et al., 2013; Frὸna et al., 2019). Global livestock production is expected to double-growing faster than any other agricultural subsector, with most of this increase taking place […]
