----- Original Message -----
From: "gene schriefer" <sheepfarm@charter.net>
Our best forage
> to stockpiling under snow or into winter is tall fescue, perhaps meadow
> fescue would stockpile well also, but don't have enough experience with
> that.
--------------I've yet to meet a tall fescue I like here in WI. The
promises of "soft-leaved" TF are exagerated, to say the least. Yes, cattle
will eat stuff if they absolutely have no alternatives but critter
performance suffers.
And you're devoting valuable real estate to growing TF when there are far
more productive cool season grasses. (I'm not going to say that others
should not find merit in TF but our pasture walk group's experiences aren't
positive on TF for cattle).
>
> If you look at really tall species, corn can stand up in deeper snow and
> be
> available for dry beef cows, it might take a little protein supplementing,
> but still would be cheaper than full hay ration. In the brassica's there's
> giant stem kale and rape both of which can get 3-4' tall and could be
> available to winter grazing.
Grazing brassicas has worked well here in south central WI, and considering
the higher oil seed meal priced alternatives, the brassica protein source
can take your cattle into January (well depends upon snow depth). Need to
balance that brassica protein intake with hay and/or corn silage to get
fiber into the rumens. Grazing the new corn silage specific varieties is
definitely the summer slump plan, which gives grazers a running start at
late fall grazing on pastures that were rested in August.
> While Judy is right in concept, that we need to plan to graze 365 in his
> region, but you and I need to temper that with what our region throws at
> us
> most winters. On average how many days is the snow depth deep enough to
> prevent grazing?
>
>
> Gene Schriefer
Judy is right, for MO grazing. But in areas where there is real winter, his
system isn't realistic. Certainly we should try every trick to extend our
grazing season but real winter is what it is. Cattle need more groceries in
real winter. There are advantages/disadvantages to each geographic area.
Here in WI, we're blessed with a great cool season grass growing climate.
It's easier to finish cattle if you don't go backwards on gain in the cold
months.
Dave G.
