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The
phrase "can’t see the forest for the trees" is sometimes used
to refer to a situation in which someone is so focused on details they
lose sight of the things of major importance. While attention to detail is
commendable, it’s also good to periodically think about the big picture.
With that in mind, let’s consider some concepts that should be kept in
mind by anyone who wants to have a great forage program.
Forage
typically accounts for over half the cost of production of
forage-consuming livestock and provides most of their nutrition, thus
having a major impact on both expenses and income. While forage programs
vary greatly due to differences in soils, topography, climate, type of
livestock, and producer resources and goals, there are certain approaches
taken by, or characteristics exhibited by, producers who have the most
profitable livestock operations.
Producers
who have the most profitable operations: (1) know their forage options and
the nutritional needs of their animals; (2) exercise attention to detail
during forage establishment; (3) soil test, then lime and fertilize as
needed; (4) use forage legumes when feasible; (5) emphasize forage
quality; (6) prevent or minimize pests and plant-related disorders; (7)
strive to improve pasture utilization; (8) minimize stored feed
requirements; (9) try to keep storage and feeding losses low; and (10)
continually strive to improve their operation.
Two
of these topics deserve special focus. Forage quality is defined in
various ways, but is often poorly understood. It represents a simple
concept, yet encompasses much complexity. Though important, it often
receives far less consideration than it deserves. Adequate animal
nutrition is essential for high rates of gain, ample milk production,
efficient reproduction and adequate profits. For the potential benefits of
advances in plant and animal breeding, introduction of new products and
development of new management approaches to be realized by livestock
producers, there must be adequate focus on forage quality.
A
related topic is the use of forage legumes. Legumes have long been viewed
as special and beneficial pasture plants, but there is justifiably
heightened interest in them at present, thus the reasons for growing them
deserve renewed emphasis. Nitrogen Fixation: When in association
with the proper type of bacteria, most legumes can obtain nitrogen (N)
from the atmosphere and "fix" it in nodules on the roots, which
often results in over 100 pounds of N fixed per acre per year. Forage
Quality: Legumes are usually higher in crude protein, |
