Track 2-8-1: Impact of Market Demands on Grassland Management and Livestock Husbandry
Description
Irrigated grass pastures are essential components of western U.S. agriculture, especially on cattle ranches of the intermountain region. Unfortunately, the yield and quality of these grasslands are relatively low compared to the national average because of current management practices (Jacobs et al., 1993). Attempts have been made to increase forage yields of these pastures by fertilization and applying or controlling irrigations but these efforts have resulted in minimum success (Jacobs et al., 1993). The price increase of fertilizer, energy, and fuel has made improvement of these natural grasslands more difficult and thus threatens the profitability and sustainability of current production systems.
Tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.) is one of the most productive cool-season grasses in the U.S. It can grow on a wide range of soils, has high drought and winter hardiness, and can be used for pasture, hay, stockpiling, silage, soil conservation, and turf grass (Balasko, 1981). Also, it has prolific seed production ability. Therefore, tall fescue may have potential for forage and seed production in northwest Wyoming of U.S., perhaps other areas including neighboring states. The objectives of this project were to find out the suitability of tall fescues that are adaptable to the western mountain regions, specifically the Bighorn Basin, and generate information on growth, forage yield, and seed yield that could benefit growers in the Bighorn Basin and other areas of Wyoming and beyond.
Included in
Tall Fescue: Forage and Seed Production Economics
Irrigated grass pastures are essential components of western U.S. agriculture, especially on cattle ranches of the intermountain region. Unfortunately, the yield and quality of these grasslands are relatively low compared to the national average because of current management practices (Jacobs et al., 1993). Attempts have been made to increase forage yields of these pastures by fertilization and applying or controlling irrigations but these efforts have resulted in minimum success (Jacobs et al., 1993). The price increase of fertilizer, energy, and fuel has made improvement of these natural grasslands more difficult and thus threatens the profitability and sustainability of current production systems.
Tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.) is one of the most productive cool-season grasses in the U.S. It can grow on a wide range of soils, has high drought and winter hardiness, and can be used for pasture, hay, stockpiling, silage, soil conservation, and turf grass (Balasko, 1981). Also, it has prolific seed production ability. Therefore, tall fescue may have potential for forage and seed production in northwest Wyoming of U.S., perhaps other areas including neighboring states. The objectives of this project were to find out the suitability of tall fescues that are adaptable to the western mountain regions, specifically the Bighorn Basin, and generate information on growth, forage yield, and seed yield that could benefit growers in the Bighorn Basin and other areas of Wyoming and beyond.
