Warren County’s fair off to a ‘fair’ start
As of this writing we’ve got the dairy and market goat shows completed and Saturday was a very busy entry day in the Jr. and Sr.Ag Buildings. Go by and check them out but, I think the kids beat the adults in the number of entries. Lots of hay, corn, crop seeds and vegetables. The chicken house is full and so is the nursery building. Master gardeners are giving talks and it’s a good place to see those folks you’ve not seen since the last fair. So far it hasn’t rained but many are hoping it will.
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LIMIT FEEDING HAY TO BEEF COWS
Cow-calf producers might like to consider using corn grain as a hay extender to meet brood cows’ nutritional needs. For example, corn grain will likely be a cheaper source of energy than hay.
Several research projects have shown that limit feeding mature cows hay during the winter and meeting their nutritional shortfall with grain can work quite well according to Dr. Jim Neel, Beef Specialist at UT. It is recommended that hay be maintained in the ration at 5-6 lb. per head per day to maintain rumen activity.
Cows that are dry and pregnant can be limited to hay intake of 0.5 percent of body weight (1,000 lb. cow = 5 lb. of hay), corn at 0.75 percent of body weight (1,000 lb. cow = 7.5 lb. of corn) and protein supplement (38 to 44 percent crude protein), 2.0 lb. per day. Following calving and lactating, increase the corn up to 1.0 percent of body weight or 10.0 lb. per day and protein supplement to 3.0 lb. per day. Results of a 3-year study conducted at Ohio State revealed that using corn as a supplement – or hay replacer, reduced the winter feed bill and improved brood cow performance. Whole-shelled corn can work very well and the protein supplement can be in the form of cubes. Both can be fed on a clean, well-drained sod and will save the cost of feed troughs. Lowest Hay Yield Since 1988
According to the Crop Reporting Service Tennessee hay production, excluding alfalfa, is forecast at 2.79 million tons, 33 percent below 2006. Yields are expected to average 1.5 tons per acre, down 0.8 tons from last year and the lowest since 1988. Acreage is estimated at 1.86 million acres, up 60,000 acres from a year earlier. The number of acres cut increased as producers were forced to harvest fields normally not cut because of the need for hay. Also, some CRP land has been released for emergency grazing and hay cutting.
Prospects for a decent 2007 hay crop seem very bleak. Prolonged feeding last fall and winter depleted many farms’ hay stocks. Also, first cuttings this spring were only about 50 percent of normal or less, due to the April freeze. A summer drought has led to limited to no second cuttings and dismal future cutting chances. As of the week ending August 5, nearly two-thirds of the State’s pastures were rated in very poor-to-poor condition with 84 percent of the State reporting very short to short hay stocks. Funding Still Available for Hay Storage as Deadline Nears
Drought makes program a smart choice for farmers Despite drought conditions that have devastated pastures and hay production in Tennessee, demand by farmers is strong for cost share assistance to build hay storage structures according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Since July 2, more than 1,140 Tennessee farmers have been approved for $3.7 million in Hay Storage Facility cost share assistance through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). Oct. 1 is the deadline for cattle and hay producers to apply for funding of 35 percent up to $3,500 toward the cost of building a new hay storage structure or an addition to an existing structure. The program is working to help farmers weather harsh conditions in the future, and funding is still available for anyone who wants to build now or in time for the spring hay crop.’ According to University of Tennessee Extension forage specialists, at least 30 percent of hay stored outside, unprotected can be lost in the first year, and it can continue to lose value as livestock feed over time. Higher production costs and limited hay availability this year makes protecting this resource even more important. To be eligible for hay storage cost share assistance, farmers must be a Tennessee resident and operate a farm or agribusiness located in the state with at least 10 head of cattle or 50 acres of hay production. Applications must include a project budget with cost quotes. Producers with livestock must also register their premises with the National Animal Identification System. Livestock premises can be registered at most Farm Service Agency offices or online at www.tennessee.gov/agriculture/tpis. Only hay storage projects that are approved in advance by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture will be eligible for cost share assistance, and farmers will be limited to one application per fiscal year. Once approved, farmers will have until May 1, 2008 to complete approved activities and reimbursement requirements. Applications for hay storage cost share are on the department’s Web site and at most local farm service centers and farm suppliers. For more information about the TAEP Hay Storage Facility cost share program or to get an application give me a call, here at the Extension office or vist the state website for this program at www.picktnproducts.org.