In the Southeast region, most livestock operations are based on the use of perennial warm-season grasses. Due to the seasonality of production, there is a need to provide supplemental feed to livestock during the cooler months. In this context, implementing management strategies such as stockpiling forages, feeding hay or non-forage feedstuff, or planting cool-season annuals are alternatives to decrease the reliance on hay in your operation. Therefore, late summer is the time to assess the needs and plan for the upcoming months. Below are some considerations for the end of the growing season:
- Consider planting cool-season forages. Annual cool-season forages help to extend forage production and distribution. This practice decreases the reliance on conserved forages and provides high forage quality to the animals. Several forage species can be planted in monocultures or mixtures to meet the animal`s requirements. Consider your site location, soil type, pH and fertility, plant and animal needs, and budget before choosing the forages to be implemented into your enterprise.
- Collect soil samples and have them analyzed. Before planting cool-season forages, collect soil samples of the sites and send them to the laboratory for analysis. The soil report will provide lime and fertilizer recommendations based on current soil pH and nutrient levels. Even if you are not planning on establishing cool season forages this fall, collecting soil samples from your perennial fields is still a good idea. Fall is a good time to plan for lime application to remediate pH issues. For assistance with soil sampling, reach out to your local Extension educator.
- Scout your fields for weeds. Consider controlling weeds in early fall when they start emerging instead of waiting until later in the season when the weeds have already produced seeds and achieved maturity.
- Avoid overgrazing your forage stand in the fall. Overgrazing your stand compromises the energy reserves the plants accumulated to tolerate freezing temperatures and prepare to regrow in the spring. An exception is when overseeding your stand, you may need to remove excessive forage before planting the cool-season forages. Consider using a no-till drill to ensure proper seed-soil contact.
- Apply potassium (K) to your perennial warm-season grass stand if your soil sample report recommends it. Consider applying a low rate of K (40 lb./A) to your pastures in early fall to improve their response to diseases and winterhardiness (ability to undergo freezing temperatures).
- Plan fencing and water needs for your winter pastures. Consider your grazing management so you can address fencing materials and water requirements ahead of time.
- If you are feeding hay:
- Remember to alternate feeding sites on pastures. This practice helps with both hay and animal waste distribution. Thus, this will prevent excessive accumulation of waste hay in a single portion of the field, which could delay the regrowth of the warm-season grass in the spring.
- Pull forage samples and analyze them in the laboratory. Analyzing hay samples helps supplement animals based on what their diet lacks to meet the animal`s nutrient requirements per animal category. This practice is both economical and environmentally friendly.
- Decrease losses associated with storage methods. Losses of quantity and quality can occur during the storage period. Direct exposition to rainfall and contact with soil can lead to mold growth. If bales are exposed, wildlife can use bales to nest or as food causing losses and possibly bringing sources of contamination to animals consuming that feed later.
Submitted by Liliane Silva, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist,
Forage-Livestock Systems, Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University
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