Clemson Forages Team

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 […]

On April 11th, Janet Steele and I (Liliane Silva) held a Silvopasture field day at Colleton County at Mr/ Alton Smith’s farm. We were able to address topics relating to forage species and establishment, tree setup and management, and Mr. Alton’s input on challenges and experiences. We had a good group of producers attending this […]

   On April 18th, I had a chance to speak at the Pendleton Farmers Society meeting in Pendleton, SC. This organization is the birthplace of Clemson University and is the oldest Agricultural Society in the USA (dates back to the 1820s). I want to give a huge thanks to Dr. Timothy Keown for the invitation […]

On April 4th, I had the opportunity to talk with out-of-state livestock and forage producers about establishing and managing warm-season annuals in grazing systems. This was an online webinar through an invitation from Mr. Handy with AgriUnity LLC. I am thankful for the opportunity and the interaction I had with the group. It was great […]

In March, the Clemson Livestock and Forages Extension Team met at the Edisto REC in Blackville, SC, to conduct a joint in-service training on the 26th. Dr. Scharko and Mr. Justice gave a classroom and practical training on beef quality assurance for the group. Then, the group heard from Dr. Silva about cool-season forage research […]

On March 28th, we had the Best Management Practices for Forage-Livestock Systems workshop/in-service training at the Edisto REC in Blackville, SC. After the classroom portion in the morning, we had I (Liliane Silva) talking about grazing management, cool-season forage species, nutrient cycling and other topics. Dr. Mike Marshall provided research content for weed control in […]