See the options recommended by UF/IFAS for dealing with low forage quality and nutrition due to the recent freeze event.
In our last blog, we shared information from a UF/IFAS blog article about how freezing temperatures like those seen at the end of January affect forage quality and nutrition. In short, the blog advised that “Even though you may still see plenty of standing forage, it is now similar to low-quality roughage rather than productive pasture. Cattle may appear to be grazing normally but are not receiving adequate nutrients to maintain body condition, growth, or reproductive performance.” The piece cautioned that “this is when many producers see unexplained weight loss, reduced milk production in cows, and poorer conception rates if the issue is not addressed.” So what is a beef producer to do?
Dealing With Low Forage Quality and Nutrition
The blog shared these strategies for remediating low forage quality and nutrition due to a freeze event:
- “Evaluate quality, not just quantity – Assess pasture by nutritive value. Many freeze-injured forages will have low digestibility and crude protein content. Simply “enough forage” doesn’t guarantee adequate nutrition.
- Supplement Wisely – Provide protein supplements (cubes, meals, or liquids) to support rumen function when grazing low-quality forage. Make sure that you introduce energy sources gradually to avoid digestive upsets.
- Monitor Animal Condition – Keep a close eye on body condition scores, especially for cows in late gestation or early lactation when nutrient demands are high.
- Avoid Heavy Grazing – I always advise my people to think of the forage as your base. You are a grass farmer, and you use your animals to harvest this commodity. With that mindset, prioritize the pasture. Return pastures to light stocking to allow regrowth once temperatures warm up. Overgrazing injured stands can delay recovery and reduce vigor.
- Later in the year – you can invest more time monitoring your soil fertility, sourcing hay in advance, and developing a supplementation strategy for next winter.”
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.