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Where to spend the first dollars in pasture managementWhere to spend the first dollars in pasture management. * Evaluate fertility status and soil test so you know where and what to spend money on. Then fertilize (lime and fertilizer) to moderate soil test levels. * Graze early (especially on fescue pasture) to utilize early grass production and avoid mature or wasted pasture production that was not grazed. * Develop a watering system. Grass isn't of much use without water. * Frost seed legumes. * Practice rotational grazing to allow pastures to rest. * In stocker programs consider supplementing with gluten-corn mix or distillers grains to improve gain and increase carrying capacity of pastures. * Hay the early surplus growth and then stockpile for later summer/fall/winter grazing. * Educate yourself through grazing publications; Extension/NRCS programs; grazing clinics, field days or pasture walks; Iowa Forage and Grasslands Council meetings/conferences; mentors and other successful graziers. * Install fencing for increased number of tracts and better rotational grazing. * Control weeds and brush. * Improve pasture composition. Interseed new grass or legume species. Consider Palaton canary grass. Spread alfalfa, trefoil and red clover. Source: Rathbun Lake Forage Project and Iowa State University Extension. Date: 5/1/07
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