|
The NF4 team has been active in April with farm visits to Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Hughes, Johnston, Love and Pittsburg counties in Oklahoma and Delta, Fannin, Grayson and Lamar counties in Texas.
Economics
Since April 1st, the feeder cattle market has been on the rebound. After several weeks of market decline, we have seen increases of $4-6/cwt. for 700 lb calves. Stocker cattle (500lbs) have gone the opposite direction declining $4-6/cwt in the same time period. This period continues to be a volatile time in the cattle and grain markets. Planting progress is slow in the Midwest, and losses continue in the feed yard sector. Also, the cow costs have increased due mainly to the price of fuel, feed and fertilizer. Monitor the cattle and grain markets closely, and evaluate each of your costs to determine if you are getting an appropriate return for your investment.
Livestock
With the recent moisture and warmer temperatures, pastures are starting to green-up. Keep in mind though that this time of year the moisture content of these forages is very high and thus cattle have to consume twice and sometimes three times as much to meet daily dry matter intake. Over the last few weeks a common occurrence has been that hay allocation was ceased due to spring grasses coming on, resulting in a reduction in cow condition. This loss in condition is not necessarily because overall nutrient content of forage is low but because intake is limited due to restricted availability of pasture and the fact that they are "chasing" green growth coming on. As we move further into spring keep in mind that not only do cattle need a diet that is ample in nutrients, they also need enough of it. This may mean that hay feeding has to be extended past the onset of spring green up.
Also this is the time of year we need to start gearing up to implement a good internal and external parasite control program. We have had some good spring rains but unfortunately this also starts the internal parasite season and I am starting to see some flies and have swatted a few mosquitoes as well. Parasites are a huge drain on cattle productivity (weight gain and milk production). Furthermore, biting insects can transfer blood borne diseases, such as anaplasmosis and bovine leukemia. Internal and some external parasites can be controlled with a good worming at spring branding when cattle are going through the chute anyway. Once this occurs external parasites can be kept at bay with several other methods such as wipes, fly tags and occasional individual dusting or spraying.
Pasture and Range
Annual ryegrass is coming on very strong this spring and if moisture stays good can provide good forage production into June. For those folks who wish to make a ryegrass hay cutting, the ideal maturity for harvest is while the ryegrass is still in the boot stage.
Bermudagrass is breaking dormancy and depending upon your location may already have 2-3" of growth. Weeping lovegrass is also greening up and can provide early season grazing opportunities in advance of bermudagrass. Nativegrass pastures are generally ahead of bermudagrass and the same is true this year. Many of the nativegrass pastures appear to have a heavy load of cool season annual grasses which can indicate that they have been grazed too heavily without adequate rest in the past.
Rye pastures have headed and are way past their peak for grazing but opportunities for haying still exist if you will need beef cow hay this winter. Wheat is heading and most fields look good if they have been top dressed with weeds controlled.
Spring forage fertility will be a challenging from at least 2 angles: price and availability. Nitrogen prices are continuing their upward trend with urea at the port in Catoosa estimated to be at $475-525 per ton. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) is being priced around $960 per ton at the port. Many local dealers are not keeping supplies of DAP on hand.
If you are considering putting in wheat for grain this fall into areas that have not been farmed in some time, planning and preparation should begin now. Perennial grass competition will need to begin being controlled this spring and maintained through the summer in order to avoid pulling yield away from the wheat.
Pecans
Pecans have leaved out and it is time to begin spraying zinc if trees are newly planted, or are mature trees that have a history of zinc deficiencies. On young trees, spray zinc every two weeks for the duration of the growing season. Start scouting for foliage feeders and spray insecticide if needed.
If pecan nut casebearer has been a problem in the past, start putting out your traps and scouting for male moths and eggs. Spray when eggs start to hatch or damage is seen.
Soils and Crops
Fertilizer prices have continued to escalate, adding to the necessity to be judicious with fertilizer inputs. In addition to the increased cost of nitrogen we have seen in recent years, the 2008 phosphorus and potassium costs have also increased dramatically. Of the tools we have for helping decide how to allocate our fertilizer resources, none are more useful than soil testing. So far this year NF4 cooperators have completed 322 soil samples for analysis.
Small grain production potential remains good, despite an April 13 freeze that caused significant concerns. So far, it does not appear that this freeze caused much if, any damage to our grain yield potential. Leaf rust has been a problem in our Texas counties but the cooperator fields we have seen were treated before significant damage to the flag leaf occurred.
Planting for early Group 3 and 4 soybeans should have already been completed. Next should be preparations for making the first glyphosate application in glyphosate tolerant beans. The first application should be made approximately 2 weeks after soybean emergence. The second application should be timed for 2-3 weeks after the first. If you are considering planting a late Group 4 or 5 soybean, please call James Locke at (580) 224-6463 to discuss the risks and other options.
Ryegrass has begun its spring growth flush and is growing rapidly. The goal now will be to apply enough grazing pressure on ryegrass (and other cool season annuals) to utilize the forage and not allow it to compete with and set back warm season production. If enough grazing pressure cannot be applied, then prepare to hay off the ryegrass soon after it reaches boot stage.
Warm season perennial grasses, bermudagrass, bahia and old world bluestems, have broken dormancy although in many cases were set back by the April 13 freeze. If fertilizer is to be applied, the time to make this application is fast approaching. If current soil samples are not available for these pastures, they should be collected now. Evaluate potential production for these pastures and be prepared to allocate fertilizer and weed spray resources according to those with the best potential. Warm season weeds such as ragweed, are already approaching 6" in height in many locations, prepare to spray for weeds if pressure justifies expense.
Wildlife
Recent rains and warm temperatures have resulted in many areas greening up quickly. If you have areas that are scheduled for a prescribed burn, your window is getting smaller. The Noble Foundation has conducted several prescribed burns in the last few weeks with mixed results. Open areas dominated by native grasses are still burning well but we have had problems getting a fire to carry through timbered areas. With that being said, anything has the potential to burn under the proper prescription.
An additional benefit of the recent rainfall, many ponds and lakes are filling up. The bass and bluegill should start to spawn very soon, if they have not already. Enjoy fishing this spring.
|
