5 steps to boost per-acre beef production
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Better grazing can help hold the line on feed costs.
As grain prices climb, cattle producers often lean harder on their grazing acres. This year, savvy livestock grazers could find bottom line-boosting opportunities by maximizing pasture productivity.
For Dr. Nancy Jackson, veterinarian and owner/operator of Southern Cross Farm in Mississippi, more grass means bigger gains.
“We manage forage to provide the protein and energy cattle need to be successful,” Jackson says. “Weeds rob me of my investment — taking up nitrogen and water and crowding out grass.”
This year, lower-cost gains from grazing can pay off on both the expense and income side of the ledger.
“Rising corn and soybean prices, along with drought-tightened hay inventories and market uncertainty give cattle producers ample incentive to focus on maximizing pasture production this grazing season,” says Jeff Clark, Market Development Specialist at Corteva Agriscience. “Growing more, high-quality grazed forage is an excellent cost-containment strategy.
With market factors signaling continued support for grain prices, many ag economists point to profitable opportunities in the pasture this grazing season. For cattle feeders, buying heavier calves will shorten the finishing phase so they require less high-priced grain. That likely means increased demand for heavier calves and presents an opportunity for grazers.
“Ensuring your grazing acres are at peak production is a good place to start,” Clark says. “Growing more grass and managing it well can help you ramp up per-acre beef production. Whether that’s by improved daily gains or — especially during 2021 — extending the grazing season, it’s hard to go wrong with lower-cost gains on pasture.”
Eliminating weeds with new DuraCor® herbicide means more grass and grazing space. DuraCor conveniently delivers extended control of broadleaf weeds. With proven safety to desirable forage grasses, that means greater productivity from every acre.
START FAST, FINISH STRONG
Season-long success in the pasture starts early and continues through the summer. It’s not a turn-’em-out-and-forget-it enterprise, Clark says. He offers several tips that can help maximize pasture productivity:
- Evaluate last year’s successes and challenges and adjust grazing plans accordingly.
- Scout early and often. Catch small problems before they become larger headaches.
- Don’t forget fertility. Fertilizing according to soil test can increase forage quantity and quality.
- Control broadleaf weeds early.
- Go gentle on drought-stressed areas. Over grazing will prolong drought recovery.
“In many areas, weeds already are up and growing, stealing the moisture, nutrients and sunlight forages need,” Clark explains. “Catching weeds as soon as possible gives pasture grasses a competitive advantage and helps deliver a same-season return on investment.”
Using a residual herbicide, such as DuraCor, stops weeds that are up and growing while providing control of those that germinate later. This extended control will help stop weeds throughout the season, preserving moisture and allowing grasses stay ahead of weeds. Sound grazing management helps maintain success.
“I encourage producers to scout early and often to prepare for what’s to come,” Clark says. “Eliminating weeds lets the grass get up and grow. From there, the cow can be a very good management tool. You can work with her to graze properly so the grasses shade and outcompete the weeds.”
For producers like Jackson, DuraCor provides peace of mind knowing they’re maximizing their profit potential and getting the most from every acre.
“Weed control for grass production is very important,” Jackson said. “Weeds will literally slow down the production of grass, and we don’t want that.”
So many factors play into maximizing pasture productivity, especially in areas already challenged by drought. It’s a delicate balance to be sure. For help with a plan to grow more grass, visit RangeAndPasture.com. To learn more about the profit-per-acre approach to pasture management, visit RangeAndPasture.com/ROI.
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™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Under normal field conditions, DuraCor® is nonvolatile. DuraCor has no grazing or haying restrictions for any class of livestock, including lactating dairy cows, horses (including lactating mares) and meat animals prior to slaughter. Label precautions apply to forage treated with DuraCor and to manure and urine from animals that have consumed treated forage. DuraCor is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.
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