The abundant rainfall in the region has really made for some good forage growth so far this summer, but getting the hay baled without getting it rained on in the field remains a challenge.
People in the Tyler area should be taking advantage of an abundance of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other fare at farm markets right now.
Tyler currently has two markets which offer centralized locations where area farmers and consumers can come together to support each other in a win-win situation.
The high prices of corn, a major energy source for most livestock feeds, and depleted hay reserves are going to impact winter feeding costs this year. Overwintering costs are one of the most expensive inputs in a cow-calf operation, and small per-head daily savings can really add up by the time spring arrives. Last year’s drought led to many different types of hay and alternative feedstuffs being fed to area livestock. While some of these products were brought into the area from great distances at great expense due to sheer necessity, others not normally used around here could economically find their way back into the winter feeding repertoire for years to come.
Weed control in pastures is an often discussed topic around our office. As I have shared before and you know from experience, weeds consume the precious water and expensive nutrients that we need in order to produce enough forage for grazing and hay production. And while mowing pastures might provide you with a little time to reflect on the day and a pretty landscape as a result, mowing is not the most efficient way to rid a pasture of unwanted weeds.
This summer is shaping up to be a bad one, again, as far as grasshopper infestations are concerned in the East Texas area. Producers seeing these insects in their hay fields should determine if their infestation is heavy enough to warrant treatment and, if treatment is necessary, should utilize a chemical that fits their production scheme.
My name is Brian Triplett and I am County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Smith County Texas. Smith County (county seat is Tyler) is located mid-way between Dallas, Texas, and Shreveport, Louisiana, on Interstate 20.
