The Midway District Extension team proudly writes for the local papers. The article below was featured in early June.
The days are longer, hotter, and the wheat is turning; for many of the producers in the Midway District we are gearing up for harvest but let’s not forget some simple tips that we can use to help us better utilize our pastures and allow our cattle to get the most from the grass we have.
- Distribution of salt and mineral from your water source.
By encouraging or attracting your cattle to other areas of the pasture you are more likely to have uniformed grazing patterns. Rotating the salt and mineral placement throughout the grazing season will increase cattle distribution in larger pastures and decrease trampling of one area.
- Adequate water available for the stocking rate.
As a rule of thumb, consumption will range from 2 gallons per 100 pounds of body during the hottest weather. Lactating cows require nearly twice as much water compared to dry cows. Additionally, clean fresh water free of manure, dirt, and other debris will be more appealing.
- Fences
It is easy to drive by on a “date night” and check fences. You never know when the neighbor’s bull may have jumped over or if a calf or two was playing and I’m sure the list is endless. It is important to check our fences whenever we have an opportunity, and be that friendly neighbor.
These may seem like non-essential items now, but keep in mind the basics are the foundation for every successful business, and it would make for a long harvest if your cows were out of water or in the wrong pasture. Best of luck to everyone this harvest!
More articles can be found at http://www.midway.k-state.edu/in-the-news/index.html
For more information about livestock and pasture management tips contact the Midway District Extension office or call (785)483-3157 or (785)472-4442. Dusti Lynne Betts serves as the Midway Extension District Livestock Production Agent. All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap.