Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth from Your Hay?

Hay feeding is a common practice for many beef cattle enterprises in North Florida. The key question is, are you getting all of the value you expected out of that bale of hay? Multiple factors affect the value and profitability surrounding hay feeding of beef cattle....
Looking Forward:  UF/IFAS Forage Breeding Update

Looking Forward: UF/IFAS Forage Breeding Update

It is hot outside and the furthest thing from most cattleman’s minds is what forages to plant this fall. Next week, the University of Georgia, Auburn University, and University of Florida forage workers meet to discuss winter forage trial results from this past year...

Know your Hay, B, C’s!

Hay storage is a little different from the days in the picture above (1913), but two things haven’t changed. Hay is never any better quality than it is when it’s cut, and all kinds of things happen to reduce the quantity of hay that makes it into the...
UF/IFAS Seeks Input from Hay Producers on Stem Maggot Damage

UF/IFAS Seeks Input from Hay Producers on Stem Maggot Damage

Atherigona reversura is the scientific name of the bermudagrass stem maggot, a new invasive fly from south Asia which damages bermudagrass pasture and hay fields.  This pest was first discovered in 2009 in California and in 2010 in Georgia, and since these initial...

Minimize Hay Losses to Save Money

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...
Round Bale Silage, a Viable Option for Rain-Weary Hay Producers.

Round Bale Silage, a Viable Option for Rain-Weary Hay Producers.

Introduction: “When the sun shines, make hay.”  (John Heywood, 1546).  For north Florida’s farmers, that statement is much easier said than done lately.  Daily precipitation and rainfall amounts well over 10 inches have left hay farmers frustrated.  While, of course,...