Toxic Indigo Creeping Into the Panhandle

Toxic Indigo Creeping Into the Panhandle

Creeping Indigo was first noted in South Florida as a toxic plant around 1933. For horses, it is as toxic as it is palatable, and cases of indigo poisoning have been found as far north as Alachua County Florida. Toxicity has been reported in all livestock species...
Check Quality of Late Season Ryegrass Hay

Check Quality of Late Season Ryegrass Hay

It is widely recognized that cool season annuals, like ryegrass, are the highest quality forages we produce here in NW Florida. Even though we often refer to these forages as “winter grazing” they are actually the most productive during the spring. That was certainly...

Fireweed: a Pasture Weed that will Light You Up!

Fireweed is growing well in the Panhandle and I have had a couple of calls this week regarding this plant. This winter annual stinging nettle will definitely light you up! I remember the first time I ever encountered Fireweed (Urtica chamaedryoides) while working on...

Managing Winter Pastures

Winter feeding of the cow herd accounts for 40 to 50% of the total variable cost for producing weaned calves. Because winter nutrition is vital to both the calf’s health and the cows reproductive performance, adequate nutrition is essential. Cool season grasses...