Author: lseveri

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 […]

Check out the new blog post about soil fertility in forage systems! #foragedrops   Link: https://blogs.clemson.edu/livestock/soil-fertility-in-forage-systems/

Check out the new blog post about silvopasture systems! #foragedrops   Link: https://blogs.clemson.edu/livestock/silvopasture-systems-an-overview-of-components-and-establishment-of-woodland-systems/

Stockpiling is a management practice that defers forage availability for use later. This practice helps to decrease 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 extend the grazing season. Stockpiled bermudagrass has moderate […]

Warm-season annual forages are fast-growing, high-quality species that can supplement production and quality to support animal performance. In the Southeast, they are typically planted from April through June and can be managed for baleage production, greenchop, or grazing. Since most livestock operations in the region are based on perennial grasses, such as tall fescue and […]

Link: https://mailchi.mp/450bbde8b27d/forage-drops-newsletter-may23-14184455

Forage quality is commonly defined as the nutrient concentration and digestibility of forages. It is important to emphasize that in the technical literature, forage quality is defined by forage nutritive value and intake. The nutrient concentration of forages directly impacts individual animal performance (e.g., growth, milk production), while the total amount of forage produced determines […]

Forages are the primary feed source for livestock production systems worldwide due to low production costs, adapted species, and diversity. With the growing population agricultural systems are facing challenges in increasing food and fiber production while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Forage systems play an essential role in delivering ecosystem services, and their management directly affects […]

On April 12th, Mr. Brian Beer, Livestock and Forages agent, held the Winter annual field day at the Sandhill REC (Columbia, SC). Dr. Cory Heaton presented fencing options for controlling wildlife, while Beer and I (Liliane Silva) discussed the forage species and varieties from our demonstration plots. #foragedrops

On April 2nd, I had the pleasure of participating in the Winter annuals field day at Ninety Six, SC, through an invitation from Mr. Reid Miller, a local extension agent. I had a great opportunity to interact with producers from different counties nearby and discuss the demonstration plots Reid established on Mr. Greg’s farm. It […]