Improving Pasture Productivity through Forage Management

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2008-02-23
Authors
Otte, David
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Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference
Iowa Beef Center
The Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference is one of the longest running and most successful conferences of its type in the Midwest. For over forty years, the conference has provided an opportunity for producers, researchers, and over 70 industry representatives to come together to explore current topics and issues. This concentrated one-day conference focuses on management and production practices that contribute to making the cow-calf business profitable and competitive on a long-term basis.
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Abstract

I must confess that putting these thoughts and ideas onto paper is more difficult then just opening my mouth and letting those same thoughts roll out. When I began rotational grazing in 1992, I realized there was a lot I didn’t know. Today I realize that there is even more I don’t know. My management decisions reflect the thought process that I have developed through reading, attending conferences, participating in pasture walks, and trial and error. Without a doubt, the most valuable tool in my possession is the knowledge that I have acquired. Limited time and resources, higher land prices, lower cattle prices, all of these influence the decisions I make. As land prices increase, my carrying capacities must increase and my cost per head must decrease. It will be tough to remain in the cattle business at the ratio of 1 cow/calf pair for every 3 acres; how much nicer it would be to achieve 1 cow/calf pair for every 1.5 acre. So let’s take a look at various aspects that can perhaps move us in this direction.

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