Plan now to plant small grains, offset decreased summer hay quality

A vast majority of the hay that was produced in East Texas this year (especially the first cutting due to excessive spring rains) is low in both protein and energy; thus leaving producers scratching their heads on how to fill the gap in fulfilling their herds nutritional needs. 

With feed grain costs high, inter-seeding small grains in Bermuda grass pastures is a better idea than ever.

The key factor this year will be soil moisture.  Most of our East Texas soils don't have deep moisture reserves due to prolonged dry spell this summer.  Producers need to check for soil moisture before planting.

Whether you intend to use a prepared seedbed or plant into Bermuda grass sod, Van Zandt producers should start planning now for small grains. Now is the time to check with dealers for seed availability and price, pick the location, and test the soil.

If producers plan to plant into a prepared seedbed, now is the time to harvest forage on the intended site.  If they plan to disk or drill the seed into Bermuda grass, now is the time to lime if a soil test shows they need to do so.

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