Most valuable resource isn't cattle or forage; but soil

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

July 28, 2005 - Look out across the pasture at the livestock grazing. Is the grass green or brown? How tall is it? Does it come up past the cows' ankles? If not, overgrazing should be a concern, according to Extension Agent Fred Burrell of Dallas County.

Burrell spoke to a group of urbanites during a recent "absentee landowners" workshop held at the district Texas Cooperative Extension offices in Dallas. The workshop was held for urban folks who are acquiring land for livestock needs.

What is the most valuable resource? Some might say livestock, while others would say forage; but without soil, neither livestock or forage would be possible, according to Burrell.

The agent pointed out a soil map is helpful, and can be acquired from the Natural Resource Conservation Service office at the county's Farm Service Agency.

"The map will tell your soil profile ... native plants," which is beneficial information when determining what forages will grow well on the land. Plus, Burrell pointed out, it's important to know "what layer of the soil you working with."

Native plants and forages can be more easily maintained, and used for livestock grazing. Plus, the native plants are beneficial to the area's wildlife.

One of the workshop coordinators, Brett Johnson, TPWD urban wildlife biologist, pointed out making the land better for livestock, can also maintain the land for wildlife. And, when wildlife preservations are made to a property, a wildlife tax valuation on the property taxes can be utilized.

There are three components that animals, including wildlife, have to have to survive ... water, shelter and food.

As far as food (forage) for livestock, Burrell cited, "What would work in East Texas would not work in North Texas. What would work in East Texas would not work in South Texas."

Gaining information what works best for a specific region is obtainable from sources such as the county's Extension agents, NRCS personnel, or even the Internet.

One theory for all regions' pastures is "short tops mean short roots. Take half and leave half. ... If I can see (a cow's) ankles, you have overgrazed," the agent said.

Showing a chart for a standing crop threshold, Burrell suggested leaving a stubble height for tallgrass at 12- to 14-inches, for midgrass six- to eight-inches, and for shortgrass, like buffalo, two- to three-inches.

Burrell added the goal of a good grazing system is "one that is designed to manipulate animals in order to obtain maximum sustained animal and forage production at a low cost, without compromising plant, livestock, and wildlife needs.

"Keep in mind we are growing a forage. Sustainability equals profit."

Operational goals that support technical goals include profit desired, land sustainability, plant diversity, animals, water, and personal satisfaction.

The agent is also a firm believer in a deferred rotation system for livestock. With this system, livestock are moved from pasture to pasture and the grazing period equals or exceeds the rest period.

"How do you know when to move cattle?," he asked.

The explanation revolved around a cow's rumen (stomach). "You've got to beat the bugs (bacteria) in the rumen. You can have all of the grass but if it is not of high quality, the cattle will meet you at the gate to be rotated."

Burrell referred to "a cow patty" when explaining overgrazing. "I can walk out in the pasture and look at the manure pile and tell the nutritional level. If it piles up, there is not enough nutrition. If it splatters out, too much. But if you can see the patty in the field, to me, you have already overgrazed."

In conclusion, Burrell suggested recording conditions, and effects on specific forages from the weather and season, every time the pastures are visited. "Beware of the signs, such as rainfall. To me, keeping a diary is very important."