The 2022 January Cattle Inventory Report was released by the National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) on January 31, 2022. Below are some insights from the report. As of January 1, 2022, the US cattle inventory totaled 91.9 million head, 2 percent lower than the January 2021 inventory of 93.8 million head (See Figure 1). The […]
Livestock and Forages
Coping with High Fertilizer Costs in Forage Systems
Management practices are crucial in determining forage production and quality in forage systems. Among them, fertilization is essential to supply nutrients needed by plants. Over the past decades, the fluctuation of costs of fertilizers has elevated the importance of improving nutrient use efficiency while also seeking alternative strategies to reduce off-farm inputs into forage systems. […]
Farmers Don’t Take Snow Days
The pandemonium at the bread and milk aisle must mean we are due for some wintery weather and milk sandwiches. At the time of this article, forecasts call for snow, ice, and long periods of sub-freezing temps. While this is not uncommon for our area, we have a few more precautions than your average homeowner […]
Upcoming 46th Annual Clemson University Extension Bull and Heifer Sale
We are fast approaching the 46th Annual Clemson University Extension, Bull and Heifer sale. This years sale will be at the T. Ed Garrison Arena on February 5, 2022. Sale time is at noon. We will offer 40 plus bulls that excel in their performance and EPD profiles. The breeds offered will be Angus, Balancers, […]
Fencing Workshop Highlights
Not only do good fences make good neighbors, but they are also a critical tool for even the most basic management of livestock and forages. Lack of facilities, more specifically fencing, restricts producers from establishing progressive management strategies such as rotational grazing, defined breeding seasons, weaning, gathering animals to work, and feed. Extension agents can […]
4-H Livestock Clubs Find Their Spark in Lexington, Orangeburg, and Calhoun Counties
Nicole Correa assisted Lexington County and Orangeburg/Calhoun County 4-H Agents in creating 2 Livestock Clubs to reach youth in those counties. Over the last year there has been 7 meetings between the two clubs, with 10 more to follow in the coming year. Both clubs meet once a month and focus on a specific area […]
Off-farm load lots, what are they worth to the farmer?
Cattle producers always try to maximize the value of the calves they market. Group marketing efforts provide opportunities for farmers to improve market prices by allowing smaller farms to sell in truckload lots of feeder calves. One question that always remains is, “How much is it worth?” Several Clemson Extension Livestock & Forage Agents in […]
Cool-Season Forages Management
In the southeast region, most livestock forage systems are based on use of perennial grasses. Some of these forages are warm-season species and remain dormant during the cooler months of the year. Due to our weather conditions, we are still able to grow cool-season forages to extend the grazing season and decrease our reliance on […]
Roadway Safety For Farm Equipment Operators
Spring and summer are some of the busier times of the year for farmers. Planting, cultivating, and tending crops and livestock, and making hay are just a few farm activities that usually mean increased travel time on roadways for agricultural equipment operators. Farm equipment is becoming wider and larger, and many farmers tend fields at […]
2021 SC Junior Beef Round Up
The SC Junior Beef Round Up was held August 6-8, 2018 at the T Ed Garrison Arena in Pendleton, SC. Over 95 youth from 5 southeastern states exhibited over 150 head of beef cattle at the annual event. Competitions were held for sales talk, essay, junior cattlemen’s knowledge, showmanship, and breed shows. This year’s competition […]
