By Blake Jackson
Missouri has faced consecutive years of severe drought, leaving cool-season pastures struggling to recover. Rachel Hopkins, an agricultural business specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, emphasizes the need to rethink traditional forage management. She points out that relying on the same methods and expecting different results is not effective, particularly for long-term fescue growers.
Drought conditions highlight the challenges of continually reseeding cool-season grasses. When dry spells return, these grasses often fail, leading to financial strain. Hopkins encourages considering native warm-season grasses as a viable alternative.
Transitioning from cool-season to native warm-season grasses comes with hurdles, mainly establishment and competition. The cost of seeds can be high, but financial assistance is available through various programs. Managing weeds and existing grasses is critical during early growth, as young plants need time to establish. Once mature, these grasses compete well, but overgrazing can weaken them.
Another approach involves integrating native grasses with fescue. Preliminary research indicates positive outcomes, with ongoing trials assessing long-term effectiveness. This method allows for more balanced forage availability throughout the year.
Estimating Costs and Payback Period
The primary expense in adopting native grasses is the establishment phase. A planning tool from MU Extension helps estimate costs for planting species like big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass.
- Year 1: Spraying existing forage leads to an estimated loss of $133.14 per acre.
- Year 2: Establishment occurs, with no grazing, leading to a loss of $510.11 per acre, largely due to seed costs. Financial programs can offset expenses for seeding and weed control.
- Year 3: Limited grazing begins, generating slight income.
- Year 4: Grazing revenue improves, increasing profitability.
With cost-share programs, the investment pays off in about five years. Without assistance, the payback period extends beyond seven years. Research also shows improved cattle weight gain on native grasses compared to fescue.
Producers must assess future drought risks and the long-term benefits of switching to resilient native pastures.
Photo Credit: university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Beef Cattle