A quarterly news publication of The Ohio State University Extension, Editors: Clif Little and Mark Sulc
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Contents:

• Pastures For Profit - Managed Grazing Schools. Are They Worth Attending?
  
• Study Shows Need for Site? Specific Riparian Grazing Guidelines
  
• Using Manure on Forage Crops

[top] Pastures For Profit - Managed Grazing Schools. Are They Worth Attending? - David Samples, Jeff McCutcheon, & Chris Penrose, OSU Extension Agents, Agriculture & Natural Resources

"As a result of what you learned at a grazing school, have you been able to extend the grazing season? " "Have you been able to reduce your cost of production?" "Have you made improvements to your farm's production?"

These are three of the more than 30 questions posed to livestock producers who have attended one of the Pastures for Profit - managed grazing schools, that have been offered across Ohio since 1994. Nearly 90 producers from 12 counties responded to a mail survey, and their responses are providing a valuable, and fairly detailed look, at how managed grazing systems have affected their business and personal lives.

For those who may not be familiar with what these Pastures for Profit schools are all about, here's a brief overview...The program is designed to provide producers with information that will allow them to make management decisions that can improve the profitability of their farm business. Classroom sessions focus on the relationships that exist between the goals of the producer, the type of grazing animals, the growth patterns of forages, and the available resources such as water, soils, topography and finances. This system approach is then applied to a local case farm where the participants work as a team to evaluate the farm and develop a plan that will allow the farm owner to accomplish his or her goals.

The idea sharing that takes place during this practical exercise reflects the various management philosophies and the willingness of the producers to attempt new practices. To say the least, some very creative plans have come out of these experiences and that has been a benefit to everyone involved.

Preliminary results from the study show the differences in the levels of adoption among producers. In spite of these differences, however, some very convincing information has been gained from the survey. Here are a few of the strongest responses:

*In terms of the general operations, after participating in a grazing school:
Nearly all respondents indicated that they had increased the productivity of their farm, and to a slightly less degree had reduced their operating costs.
All but a few indicated they had increased the productivity of their forages on a per acre basis and had decreased feed costs.
Almost half have decreased machinery costs.

*On more specific questions:
Nearly all of the participants have developed a rotational grazing system.
A majority of the producers have adopted practices that allow forages to be stockpiled for late season grazing.
A vast majority of the respondents have been able to extend their grazing season well into the fall and several have been able to begin grazing at least 10 days earlier in the spring.
Most of the producers indicated they had introduced some cool season grass and legume species into their forage systems.
Very few have added warm season grasses to their pasture mix.

As impressive as these responses are, probably the best indicators of the value of the grazing schools are ones that producers share in their own words...
"Have increased the number of animals, better body condition on cows, and heavier weaning weights."
"Cleaner farm, less brush, less feed cost, keep livestock on grass most of the year."
"Increase animals per acre, increased weaning weights of lambs."
"Increased animals per acre, forage production, gains and improved calving intervals."
"Less feed bought, less manure to move."
"Decreased fertilizer costs."
"Cows calmer, easier to handle."
"Sheep are healthy being outside, a lot less work for me."
"Better manager of resources on farm."
"Wife enjoys farming with me more due to less stress and better attitude."

Is it worth attending one of the Pastures for Profit - managed grazing schools? Lowered costs, improved productivity, and a better quality of life are themes that appear quite frequently among comments made by those who have adopted managed grazing practices. Even with the drought of 1999, most of the producers continue to be positive and work toward improving their managed grazing systems. Producers' expectations and levels of improved productivity may differ, but the answer we are hearing is a resounding Yes!

If you are interested in participating in a Pastures for Profit program, please contact your local OSU Extension Office for details. The next round of schools to be offered will probably begin this fall.

[top] Study Shows Need for Site? Specific Riparian Grazing Guidelines - Carol Flaherty, MSU Communications Service, Bozeman, MT 59717

Montana State University
Communications Services

BOZEMAN ?? Montana streams may be as different from Kentucky creeks as a Montana twang is from a Kentucky drawl.

For that matter, different places along the same Montana stream are so different that it calls into question nation?wide grazing guidelines for such areas, say researchers.

That is the conclusion reached after a five?year study of a grazing allotment in the Beaverhead National Forest southeast of Dillon, Montana, says Clay Marlow, Montana State University range researcher. In the studies, livestock grazed some areas according to federal guidelines. In other areas, big game but not livestock grazed, and in one area neither livestock nor big game could graze, though small animals had access.

Stream channel responses to land management in the study areas were site?specific, says Marlow. Some grazed and ungrazed stream channels were no different after five years while a site grazed by both big game and cattle "improved," if improved is defined as the channel becoming narrower and deeper.

Deep narrow channels are sometimes considered "better," because they are cooler, which is better for fish. Similarly, loss of willow and shrubs is considered undesirable because they shade and maintain lower stream temperature. Over?grazing sometimes is indicated by stream channels becoming wider and shallower due to the impact of wildlife and livestock hooves.

Marlow coordinated the studies done by graduate students Mark Manukien and B.J. Rhodes on stream channels in mountain valleys dominated by mountain big sagebrush, wheatgrass and fescue grass. Manukien is now an MSU Extension agent in Prairie County. The areas right along the creeks??termed "riparian" areas??also have willow, sedges and Kentucky bluegrass.

One site was on Long Creek and it is there that one of the grazed stations deepened more than the site that kept out both cattle and big game. The other four Long Creek locations measured were all similar whether they were grazed or not. However, at the site on nearby Pole Creek, all four measured areas were significantly different from each other, with a grazed station showing more deepening than the area where cattle were kept out. All sites showed some deepening and narrowing every year measured.

"Because of the high variability along each stream, we really can't attribute any of the changes in the two pastures to either the livestock or to the grazing management," says Marlow.

"Current grazing guidelines for riparian areas do not have a substantial scientific basis," says Marlow. "Consequently, the grazing permittee, which was the Matador Cattle Company, and the Sheridan Ranger District of the Beaverhead National Forest, joined with the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station to learn how real streams respond to real grazing."

Use of the same grazing standards over large areas cannot be considered a reliable basis for monitoring efforts, because of the natural variation in streams even in the same watershed, says Marlow.

"The use of forest?wide or national standards may not benefit either the natural resource base or local economic uses," says Marlow, adding that this is why collaboration among the various agencies and users is important for long?term protection of the resources and maintenance of local rural economies.

All educational programs and activities conducted by Ohio State University are available to all potential clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, age, handicap or Vietnam-era veteran status.

If you require some type of assistance/accommodations to attend programs, contact your local Extension Office or TDD 1-800-589-8292.

[Top] Using Manure on Forage Crops - Maurice E. Watson, OSU Fertility Specialist

Farms with medium to large animals herds usually have substantial quantities of manure to utilize. Cropland has traditionally been used as the best place to dispose of manure. There are several important reasons for applying manure to forage crops. One main reason is that the manure contains valuable nutrients that are important to the growth of forage crops. The application of manure back to the ground within the same farm allows for a recycling of the nutrients within that farm system. Another important reason is the need to get rid of the manure from the barn area, and that other cropland is not available. The use of forage cropland may allow more versatility in providing a larger window of opportunity for manure application.

In order to decide which forage fields should receive the manure, it is important to start by testing the soil in each field. Knowledge of the nutrient levels allows for good manure management, which in turn provides better plant growth and water quality protection. Fields that are low in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) should be chosen whenever possible. A soil test report will not only tell you the levels of these nutrients, but in conjunction with a manure analysis, usually will provide recommendations on the rate of manure to apply. In order to obtain accurate recommendations, it is important to make a good estimate of the yield goal. This is especially important when it comes to the use of nitrogen (N) by the crop and the corresponding availability of N from the manure. In addition, the rate of manure may also depend on the age of the crop and on the crop that will follow in the rotation. The soil test report will also determine the pH of the soil. It is important to maintain the soil pH between 6.0 to 7.0 for most forage crops. Other factors that will govern the manure application rate are the steepness of slope, nearness to water streams or ponds, and the application method.

Under Ohio conditions it is thought that about 1/3 of the total N becomes available to the crop during the first growing season. It is expected that all the P and K will be available to the plant over the first growing season. These nutrients are more slowly released than from synthetic fertilizer and the rate of release depends on the kinds and populations of organisms present. These organisms are very dependent on optimum temperature and moisture conditions.

The application of manure to legume forage crops usually is not recommended. However, in certain cases it may be necessary if other cropland is not available. Even though the legume plant is in symbiotic relationship with specific microorganisms and creates its own N, legumes will take up nitrogen if it is present in the soil. In situations where the seeds were not inoculated with appropriate bacteria at planting or where the formation of nodules on legume roots has been restricted for some reason, it is beneficial to add a source of N. The N from manure can help the legume plant in this case. It is important to understand that the addition of manure to legume crops usually promotes weed and grass growth. It is often beneficial to apply manure to an old legume field, before it is plowed under. Manure will also supply substantial quantities of sulfur. Legume plants have higher sulfur requirements than grass plants.

Soils supporting grass forages are ideal for manure applications. Grasses, since they have a high N requirement, readily make use of the N released from the manure. Also, grasses will take up substantial quantities of P and K from the manure. The recommended manure rates for grasses are usually based on the N in the manure and the expected yield of the plant. It is important to remember that manures are low in magnesium (Mg) compared to K. Under high concentrations of K in the soil the plant will preferentially take up more K than Mg, thus leading to possible "grass tetany" problems when the grass is fed to ruminant animals. Therefore, it is important not to allow these elements to become out of balance.

The method of manure application usually depends on the stage of the legume or grass crop. Prior to establishment the manure can be incorporated into the soil. This is the best way to conserve any ammonia-N that may be in the manure. In addition, it allows for more rapid breakdown of the manure and a more efficient release of the other nutrients. It is best to apply the manure 3-4 weeks before planting and not to apply more than an equivalent of 300 lbs of K2O per acre. Amounts greater than this can lead to salt problems, especially in droughty times. Try to avoid soil compaction by not applying the manure when the field is wet

On established grass forage lands and even on legume forage lands the manure can be applied as a top-dressing. In the case of established grasslands, it is best to apply in cool weather to minimize the volatilization of ammonia-N. In order to avoid manure run-off into water bodies, it is best not to top-dress manure on frozen ground. In all cases it is important to apply the manure uniformly. A good time to top-dress manure is a few days after a cutting has been removed. However, always be careful not to smother the small plants with too much manure.

Soil testing, manure testing and plant analysis should be employed regularly to manage manure applications properly. Plant analysis is especially important in aiding in the evaluation of the K/Mg balance in the plant. When using these tools always take representative samples and follow the necessary instruction concerning the particular test. Test the soil at least every 3 years. Test the manure frequently at first to establish the variation in the test parameters. Also, be sure to test if the diet or manure storage system is changed. It is best to monitor the forage crop with plant analysis every year. Don't forget to retain the test records for each crop in each field and review the test results periodically. Try to get a feel for the nutrient situation in the soil and in the crop.

Manure can be a very important resource when used properly. Learn how to manage it prevent environmental damage. Learn the characteristics of the growth of the forage crop and the soils in which they are growing.

All educational programs and activities conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to all potential clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, age, handicap or Vietnam-era veteran status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Admin. and Director, OSU Extension. TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.

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