Fall is here even if it doesn’t feel like autumn weather. I like warm weather and am always sad to have to see it go. Several people have commented to me about dry conditions. For me, after almost a year with no completely dry periods, it has been nice for a change, especially to not have to get the baler out after mowing the lawn. But the dryness is a concern and has caused a lot of stress on plants. After continuous wet conditions all spring and into summer, plants got

The Old Farmer's Almanac has released their forecast for this winter. “Mild, with soakers” is how Indiana is labeled. I don’t put a lot of weight on these forecasts, but they often line up with other forecasts and occasionally are completely correct. If this forecast holds true, I think we all need to prepare for a winter similar to last year. This past winter, I kept hoping for some free concrete—frozen ground. I only had about a dozen days and that's not enough. To add tru

The older I get, the more I tend to philosophize about things. I’ve been asked a few times why I am such an advocate for sound grazing practices. Best management grazing practices, just like conservation practices for reducing or preventing soil erosion on cropland, help preserve and or regenerate resources not only for present generation, but also for future generations. Keeping a field in forages will save more soil and conserve more water than almost all other erosion c

I certainly didn’t expect the blessed amount of rain that has fallen on most of Indiana in the last month. as made making dry hay a challenge. I am still happy to have the moisture. My pasture was getting fairly dry before the rains started; dry enough that growth was slowing down. I had already slowed down the speed of the livestock to allow a little extra rest and now I have picked up momentum again. I’m delighted to see good regrowth of forage in paddocks not far behin

It wasn’t too long ago that you were hearing that some parts of the state were actually still in drought status. I believe it is safe to say, without even looking it up, that that is no longer a problem. Instead, completely thawed and very soggy ground is prevalent. It’s been a few years since I’ve seen this wet of an early spring. In fact, maybe about twenty years. We are quite often still blessed with some free “concrete” this time of year. As much as I like the warmer

Parts of Indiana still remain dry with an intensity rating of abnormally dry to moderate drought. It’s certainly been drier in the past, especially thinking back to 2012, but we could benefit from some rain. Forage regrowth has slowed down and opportunities for fall annuals remains challenging. I planted some annuals; they emerged but would greatly benefit from some precipitation in order to meet their purpose. If we get some rain, along with enough warm days for good growth,

I mentioned last month I couldn’t believe how much forage growth we have already this year due to the rains. The situation hasn’t changed a whole lot until lately. The challenge now is trying to get forages under control and harvesting any needed forage for later use. I am running late in getting this issue of Grazing Bites out, even with several reminders. I feel the same way about my forage control so far this year; it reminds me visually every day that I’m behind schedu

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One of the ways Management Intensive Rotational Grazing has gained acceptance and following is through an active Pasture Walk program. Beginning in 1998, rotational grazers from the area have gathered on grazing farms for an informal tour. The groups discuss soil, weather conditions, forages, paddock arrangements, livestock varieties, breeds and genetics, watering systems, feeding practices, building arrangement, milking and farm equipment. Much of the interest in rotational