Hands-on Range and Livestock Management
#bfrdpwy #aginternship #RightRisk
This past week we began to transition from farming more to livestock. We moved cows twice this week and it was exciting to go see the rangeland. While out there I got to learn management practices such as how to deal with [C]heat [G]rass. I learned that while, you can spray for [C]heat [G]rass, the problem is that it also suppresses natural forage as well. The solution is to graze your cows early in the growing season to suppress the [C]heat [G]rass. What this [does] is allow other forage such as [N]eedle and [T]hread [grass], which thrives on moderate [grazing] pressure, over time the [N]eedle and [T]hread will outgrow the cheatgrass.
While moving the cows I also got to learn about patience in allowing the cows to “pair up” before moving and more importantly after. The reasons this is beneficial is that calves will always return to the last place the[y] took milk, so when you arrive at the destination, if you wait to ensure the herd has “paired up” then you are a lot less likely to have calves try to return to the original location. This also helps while moving [by] not having calves peel off from the herd.
While out on the range I was also quizzed by the family on different grasses and forbes. It was really enjoyable to take the knowledge gained in my Principles of Range Management college course and apply it to the field. We [also] worked on finishing up the water project running the line from the ditch to a pivot.
This week I challenged and asked about how they manage their [C]heat [G]rass and overall invasive species issues. These issues were discussed and[,] in the end, I agree with their manag[ment]ing practice that requires minimal spraying of chemicals.
[Some questions I still have are] how to create a business plan to apply for FSA loans. How to create a plan for operating cost loans in order to show what I am going to buy will improve my income [and] will justify the loan. I want to learn more about their bull selection and what herds of heifers or cows they choose to pair them up with. I want to learn more about what they look for in the horses they buy and why. I want to learn more about how you get paid personally versus what the business get paid.
