Winter Reminders 2014
- Inventory standing forage and develop a plan to utilize remaining forage. Alfalfa can now be grazed with no negative effects on spring growth as long as the ground is firm. Do not allow animals to spend more time in the field than necessary to graze forage.
- Sample hay and obtain forage analysis prior to feeding or sale. Develop a plan for when and to which livestock hay will be fed.
- Evaluate grazing program for the past grazing season. Start planning for changes in forages or management that will be implemented in the spring or late winter.
- Continue to inspect water systems to make sure they are not frozen. Be sure that livestock have access to water at all times.
- Reduce damage to pastures by removing animals or reducing traffic during extremely wet conditions. Consider using a sacrifice area, permanent feed pad, or dry lot. If a sacrifice area is not used, rotating feeding areas frequently will help reduce soil erosion, compaction, and distribute manure nutrients more evenly.
- Apply phosphate, potash, and lime according to soil test recommendations.
- Nitrogen fertilizer can be applied in late February to promote early grass growth if clover percentage is low
- Frost seeding of clovers should be performed between February 1 and March 1.
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