Local Ag Producers Discuss
Winter Pastures, Tuesday Night

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

Local forage and ag producers attended a workshop on winter pasture production, Tuesday night, conducted at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, sponsored by Northeast Texas Farmers Co-op. "Winter pasture may not be as critical this year, as last, from the standpoint of hay replacement, but if you've priced corn, you know how high feed costs will be for the coming winter," learned local farmers and ranchers. "And, a good stand of winter pasture can replace the protein that would traditionally be sought in corn and other grains!"

Demonstrations of seeding rates, fertilization rates, ground preparation, and grazing and stocking rates were discussed at Tuesday night's meeting.

 

 

 

"I think most local stockmen are looking for ways to reduce their dependence on grain," allowed one local producer. "With feed costs skyrocketing, we're looking for ways to feed our cattle more economically for the winter, and being less dependent on grain in the ration."

 

 

 

"With the price of corn at record levels, because of the drought in the Mid-West, my ol' cows need to develop a taste for something other than corn," added another rancher. "We're forced to look at cheaper alternatives and ways to cut feed costs, to make the winter."

Tuesday night's meeting offered producers alternatives and provided them with ways to establish and maintain a winter pasture program.

 

 

 

 

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