Heifer and Young Cow Management

June, 2015
Christa L. Kirby, Extension Agent II, Livestock Manatee County
941-722-4524 / ccarlson@ufl.edu

Spring and summer are the times of year many ranchers look into reestablishing their pastures or establishing new ones. The temperatures are warm and hopefully we continue to have moisture coming our way. But before we jump into renovating a pasture we have options to consider. The biggest options to consider are what our forage needs are and what type of forage is best for our situation.

For those producers considering to reestablish a current pasture you may ask yourself: at what point do we start over? Usually the recommendation for reestablishing a pasture is when there is 40% or less of the desirable forage species available in the pasture. You may be able to over-seed and manage your way out of an undesirable pasture situation if you currently have between 40 and 75% of your desired species still available.

You may be looking to establish a new pasture for many reasons, such as changing the land’s use, increasing forage production, changing forage species, insect damage, overgrazing your pastures or many other reasons. The best reason to establish a new pasture is because it is right for your operation. When establishing a new pasture you want to do it right the first time. This will save both time and money. First you want to do your research and find the right forage for you and your operation. There are many forage varieties available, but you have to find what fits your operation the best. Take some time to look around your pasture and see if your soil is well drained or poorly drained, if your site stays very wet or very dry, or a combination of the two. You also need to consider what you will use the pasture for. Will it be for hay production, grazing, or both? Are you going to have a high stocking rate or are you willing to intensively manage the pasture. All these factors need to be considered to establish a pasture to meet your needs.

Once you have analyzed your site and decided what you are going to plant you are ready to get started. Prior to planting your new forage you want to test your soil fertility. This will tell you what you need to add to your soil for the best growth of your forage. If you need to add lime or dolomite it can take up to six months for your pH to come into the recommended range after application. Once you have sampled your soil you are ready to prepare your seedbed. You want to remove any unwanted brush, trees, and stumps from the area. Once this is complete you can plow or disc the ground to kill any unwanted forage and weeds. You will need to disc the ground multiple times to have a seedbed that is vegetation free. It is recommended that you sample your soil again for fertility after you have prepared your seedbed.

If you are establishing a bahiagrass pasture it is recommended that you purchase your seed from a reputable company that is selling local, fresh seed with a germination rate of 80% or better. It is recommended that you spread 25-30 pounds of viable seed per acre. Once the seed is spread you should cover the seed with about ¼” of soil or roll the seedbed to pack the seed. Rolling will also assist in moisture retention. Moisture is needed for germination and also establishment of the seed. After emergence of the seedlings it is recommended to apply 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre, phosphate as recommended from your soil sample and 25 pounds of potash per acre. Thirty to 50 days later it is recommended to apply another 50 pounds of nitrogen and 25 pounds of potash per acre.

When you are establishing a pasture from vegetative propagated forages you want to use well fertilized planting material that is from mature plants. It is recommended to spread the material as soon as possible after it is harvested. You want to spread 1,000 to 1,500 pounds of material per acre. One acre of material should plant 13-15 acres. Moisture is a must when planting vegetative materials. The seedbed needs to be moist. Once the material is spread it should be crimped into the soil and rolled to preserve the soil moisture. Consistent moisture is needed after planting as well. When planting bermudagrass or stargrass it is recommended to fertilize 7-10 days after planting with 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre and 50% of the potash and all of the phosphate recommended from your soil test results per acre. Thirty to 50 days after planting it is recommended to apply another 70 pounds of nitrogen per acre and the remaining 50% of potash per the soil sample results. If you are establishing limpograss it is recommended to apply 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre, all of the phosphorus and 50% of the potash recommended from your soil test results per acre. Thirty to 50 days later it is recommended to apply another 70 pounds of nitrogen and the remaining 50% of potash per your soil test results per acre.

When establishing pastures it is important to plan ahead and do it right the first time. Use proper soil fertility to get a good establishment of your forages and reduce weeds in your new pasture.

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