Cattle Rations Short on Energy this Winter

by Doug Mayo | Feb 7, 2014

2013 was certainly a rough year for hay production in the Southeast; first it was too dry to produce enough hay to cut, then too wet to make a quality cutting of hay.  As a result, most ranchers harvested over mature, low quality hay at the end of the growing season. ...

Vaseygrass in your Bermuda hayfield? Start your management now!

by | Jan 17, 2014

When you think of hay in the third week of January, you are probably wondering whether you’ll have enough hay to last until grass greens up in the spring. However, now is the time to develop your plan for controlling Vaseygrass or other grass weeds such as...

Crown Rust Outbreak in North Florida Oats

by | Dec 13, 2013

Crown rust (Puccinia coranata) was found in over 3000 acres of oats in Levy, Suwannee and Madison counties in the last week. The most notable characteristic of the fungus is small pustules which contain orange-yellow spores. Rubbing the leaf with your fingers or a...

Factors for Successfully Wintering Your Meat Goats

by Doug Mayo | Nov 15, 2013

Dr. Henry Grant, County Extension Director, Livestock Agent, Gadsden County Extension Service A winter feeding program for meat goats should have as its main objectives:  to provide the nutrients necessary to maintain a reasonable body condition, to prevent weight...

Minimize Hay Losses to Save Money

by Mark Mauldin | Oct 25, 2013

The cooler temperatures and shorter days associated with the transition from summer to fall can be a welcome change when working outside. However, it is a mixed blessing for Panhandle cattle producers. As temperatures decrease and day lengths shorten, perennial warm...

Cool Season Forage Planting Decisions

by Doug Mayo | Sep 27, 2013

Doug Mayo, Jackson County Extension & Ann Blount, UF/IFAS Forage Breeder Cool season forages have long been the very highest quality feed that can be grown on the ranch for winter livestock supplementation in the Southeast.  Land preparation, seed, and fertilizer...