Pastures and Forages: August 2008 Archives

Pasture weed control can be an on-going and expensive process.  Some methods, like mowing pastures, can provide short term 'clean looking' pastures and a perverse form of recreation for some landowners looking for a little alone time, but really do not get at the root (so to speak) of the problem. 

Using herbicides to control pasture weeds can be very cost effective and efficient.  The Smith, Rains, Van Zandt, and Wood County Extension offices have teamed up to conduct herbicide control plots for blackberry/dewberry plants in Rains County.  This year, control plots for Carolina Horse Nettle have been added in a separate location in Wood County.

We are hosting a FREE tour and LUNCH of these plots on Friday, August 29, 2008, beginning at 8 AM and lasting until 1 PM.  We will begin near Hogansville (Rains County) and conclude with lunch in Golden (Wood County).

You must RSVP by August 22 to either b-triplett@tamu.edu or by calling (903) 590 - 2980 in order to help us in the head count and to get directions to the first stop.  Lunch is being sponsored by Dow AgroSciences.

If you are not sure of what blackberries or Carolina Horse Nettle look like, check out these links: Blackberry/Dewberry , Carolina Horse Nettle. 

To view a copy of last year's demonstration report, click on the link: blackberrydemoreport2007.pdf

Time has arrived for Smith County, Texas forage producers to enter the annual hay show.

The show is a platform for local producers to obtain forage test information on the hay they produced this year for a reduced price and to benefit local youth and conservation education efforts at the same time.

Entering the hay show is easy, all we need is a feed sack full of hay from a round bale or an entire square bale of hay from hay produced as small squares.

The hay is analyzed for Crude Protein and Digestibility and then ranked based on a pre-set formula.  The top 25 entries are sold at a benefit auction that takes place September 22 during the Howdy Neighbor Barbecue event at the East Texas State Fair.

Hay can be entered at any one of 13 locations in Smith County on or before August 22.

Click on the document below for a complete set of rules for the 2008 show. 2008hayshowrules.pdf