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Step Two in Flood Recovery of Pastures Is Renovation

May 2, 2019
pasture covered with silt after flooding

As flood waters recede, the renovation of flooded pastures is just beginning. Now is a good time to check pasture plants for survival. Forage production is a function of the plant species, and their density and growth. Evaluate live plants (plant vigor), plant density, and desirable species versus weeds.

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First Step in Recovering Flooded Pastures and Hay Ground

April 26, 2019
corn stalk in a field fence row after flood

Flood waters are receding, but the challenges in recovery for farmers and livestock producers are just beginning. We recommend producers get out in their fields as soon as possible to assess the damage to pastures and hay ground, then check out possible disaster assistance. Look for three things in the assessment: debris, silt on the forage, and thinned or dead forage plants. Debris includes wire, metal and trash that may be injurious to animal health and is usually found along fence lines and in the corners of fields.

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Evaluating Hay and Pasture Stands for Winter Injury

March 29, 2010
Table showing age of stand and rating winter survival of alfalfa

By Stephen K. Barnhart, Department of Agronomy

A grower has little control over climatic factors that influence winter injury, but understanding some management practices and winter weather characteristics may help to determine where winter injury risks are more likely.

Injury is more likely to occur on species and varieties with low inherent cold hardiness, such as alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, orchardgrass and the ryegrasses. Winterhardy species and varieties are less frequently injured.

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