temperatures and some snow, but several days
of low wind-chill indexes and cattle with wet
hair coats is a recipe for disaster. On top of the
numerous climatic events last winter, Payne said
other deaths were due to high levels of nitrates in
hay or silage. Securing enough quality feedstuffs
and testing those before feeding is a necessity.
Gradual Grazing
Debris deposited after a flood could lead to
physical injuries in cattle, so producers should
survey an area before turning cattle out to
graze. Deposited sediment may also need to
be removed before grazing. Redfearn said
cost-share programs are available through
the FSA to remove debris and sediment.
With the earlier flooding, a lot of perennial
grasses hadn’t broken dormancy, but later
flooding can have more negative impacts,
Redfearn said. Excessive moisture can hold
soil temperatures down to slow growth and
lessen oxygen exchange. In pastures, warmer
temperatures in the spring are crucial, because a
lot of production happens as a result of growth
that occurs early in the growing season.
“Ideally, producers will want their
grasses in rapid growth before
allowing grazing, but some hay
supplies were lost during the
flood,” Redfearn said. “Producers
are grazing as soon as they can,
even without getting a good
stand. From a pasture standpoint,
it may be too early to graze, but
from an animal health standpoint,
it’s probably a better thing to
do. We’re liable to see some
reduced production in those
pastures this year, but hopefully
we won’t get any more disastrous
weather that will impede
recovery for the long term.”
Producers should also
note that weeds will grow
even when grass doesn’t. Weeds such as
poison hemlock can be fatal to cattle.
“We need to be aware if we have any toxic
weeds present, we need to restrict grazing
on those areas until we can get those
weeds taken care of,” Redfearn said.
If feedstuffs have been contaminated with
floodwaters, or producers are low on feedstuffs,
producers may need to consider drylot feeding
cows for a period of time, Rasby said. Extension
is available to help with management strategies,
rations and other useful information. LT
Resources
Producers can learn more by contacting their local
extension office. Nebraska Extension has numerous
resources for producers online at https://beef.
unl.edu (Beef Production) and https://flood.unl.
edu (Flood Resources). MU Extension has a beef
resources website, https://extension2.missouri.edu/
programs/beef-extension. Assistance programs
are available through the FSA, and the Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is prepped
to provide technical expertise as needed.
Helton Consulting - Working For you!
Superior Service - Honesty - Integrity - Common Cow Sense
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Since 1990, I’ve been involved in the Limousin business as a breeder
and sales consultant. Over the years, I’ve represented numerous
Limousin producers at top sales across the country. Customer
satisfaction is the foundation of my program and I’m extremely
proud of the reputation I’ve earned for honesty and integrity. I’d be
honored to put my 28 years of experience to work for you!
A HUGE THANKS! to
everyone that helped us
have a successful spring
sale season!
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Be sure to check
http://www.chrlimousin.com
for Fall sale updates as available!
William E. (Bill) Helton
3733 Co. Rd. 1212 • Vinemont, Alabama 35179
256/962-0256, cell
e-mail: [email protected]
www.chrlimousin.com
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