High Plains Journal, KS
04-27-07
Forage project improves southern Iowa operations
By Jennifer Bremer
Encouraging the production of forage crops to prevent soil erosion and improve
grasslands is the intention of the southern Iowa Rathbun Lake Forage Project.
Carl Neifert, technical assistant for the project said the project, which started in
2004 in the six county area of Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Appanoose, Wayne and
Decatur counties in the Rathbun Lake Watershed is focused on helping
producers be able to cost effectively manage their existing farm ground for
grazing purposes.
The goals of the Rathbun Lake Forage Project are to increase the use of
technology in forage management, encourage the conversion of row crop acres
to forage acres in the watershed and demonstrate the economics and production
efficiencies of forage acres and livestock production.
Iowa State University Extension livestock field specialist, Joe Sellers said,
"Through these projects we hope to show forage as a competitive alternative to
row crop production."
Producers identify needed improvements
Producers in the area identified ways in which their current operations could be
improved to better utilize the ground for their livestock. Improvements include hay
and pasture seeding, proper fertilizing rates, establishment of rotational grazing,
development of stockpile grazing, improved high traffic crossings, improved
fencing and development of good water sources.
Lucas County producer Randy Beard wanted to convert 40 acres that was only
useful for hunting into land that could be used for haying and grazing.
"I wanted to make the land useful for summer grazing and stockpiled winter
grazing. That meant building permanent perimeter fence and temporary interior
fence for rotational grazing. Developing a pond for a water source and fall
fertilization for stockpiling forage," he said.
All the producers that are involved with the project with the exception of one who
only produces hay are cattle producers, according to Neifert.
Better management practices
"We want to see these producers use better management practices so their land
is more productive. They all have analyzed their current situation and then we
make recommendations for fertilizing and interseeding to get better forages," he
explained.
Each producer is paid $500 per year through the Rathbun Watershed funds to
participate in the program. They also host a field day for the public to see how
the project has worked for them. Beard runs about 85 cows on the 200 acres of
grass that is on his farm. He now can produce enough grass and hay for his
cattle. With his new management practices he has been able to stockpile graze
his cows for 40 or more days, eliminating the need for stored feeds during that
time.
"Land response and fertility improves each year so I expect to have continually
better grass and more added stockpiled grazing days," said Beard. He really likes
the stockpiled grazing because making a nonproductive piece of ground
productive through proper management practices can save money in the long
run. Less hay or feed has to be purchased or used to keep cows in proper
condition through the winter months.
"The good thing about this project is that producers can make better use of the
same amount of acres and produce more quality forages for their cattle," said
Neifert. "The best things really don't cost at all, they pay off in the end."
The Rathbun Lake Special Project and the Rathbun Lake Forage Project is a
partnership between participating landowners in the Rathbun Lake Watershed;
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Division of Soil
Conservation; Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Iowa State University;
Iowa Watershed Improvement Review Board; Southern Iowa Development and
Conservation Authority; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency; USDA Farm Service Agency; USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Agency; Appanoose, Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Monroe and Wayne
Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Counties; Iowa Farm Bureau at the
state and county levels; and Rathbun Regional Water Association.
Editor's note: Watch for more stories from the Rathbun Lake Forage Project to
see how other southern Iowa producers improved their operations.
Jennifer Bremer can be reached by phone at 641-938-2342 or by e-mail at
jbremermaj@hotmail.com.