While we may be a ways off yet, greening spring pastures and growing cover crops are great opportunities for livestock to graze and reduce the need for fed forage. This fresh growth also allows animals to start putting back on condition that may have been dropped over the winter months. However, this is also the perfect set of conditions for a case of grass tetany.
By: Kelly Feehan, Extension Educator
Release: Week of March 27, 2023
As temperatures warm in spring, plants covered with mulch for winter should be checked for new growth. If there is none, leave mulch in place as long as possible. It is important not to remove winter mulch too early or to cut the tops of herbaceous perennials off too soon.
While winter mulch and perennial tops provide some protection against cold temperatures, other key benefits they provide are protecting plant tissues from winter drying and slowing spring growth.
Knox County Private Pesticide Applicator Training Locations:
January 12, 2023 in Verdigre
February 16, 2023 in Creighton
With everything to get done in the fall, low on the priority list might be planning for pasture improvements next year and weed control. However, some time spent on these topics this fall could pay dividends next year.
The 2022 Knox County 4-H Fairbook can be found here.
