Author: lseveri

by Liliane Silva, Forages Specialist, Clemson University Stockpiling is a management practice that defers forage availability for use later. This practice helps to decrease the costs associated with feeding hay in livestock operations. In the southeast U.S., perennial grasses such as bahiagrass and bermudagrass are used to close the forage gap in early fall and […]

The majority of livestock production systems in South Carolina are based on perennial grasses (e.g., bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and tall fescue). Bermudagrass and bahiagrass are warm-season grasses and they become dormant when temperatures decrease, and days shorten in fall. Many livestock producers plant cool-season annual forages to extend their grazing season and provide additional high forage […]

This week, we harvested this study for the second time! Great to see how much the brachiarias grew in the 4-week interval! #foragedrops  

This guide provides concepts and research-based information on animal, environment, forage, and soil topics for Extension educators and producers in the Southeast region. The authors do not assume any responsibility, make any guarantees, or offer any warranties regarding the results obtained from the use of any management strategies included in this guide. This material is […]

Soil Health in Forage-Livestock Systems Leo Vieira-Filho, Postdoctoral Fellow Liliane Silva, Assistant Professor and Forages Specialist   Soil health is defined “as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans” (USDA, 2024). Soil health is measured by assessing chemical (e.g., nutrient concentration, pH and organic […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]