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County Impact Statements - Franklin County
Stockpiling Bermuda Grass for Wintering Beef Cows
Winter feed cost is one of the major costs in a cow-calf operation.
This program explores one method of helping to reduce this cost. This
method would be suitable for many cattle farms in Franklin County.
The goal was to determine the feasibility of utilizing stockpiled Bermuda
grass for wintering beef cows instead of cutting the grass as hay. Cost
comparisons and animal performance were measured.
The initial project is being carried out on one producer’s farm near Cecil.
The producer saved $20.77 per cow over the 73 day grazing period by utilizing
the stockpiled Bermuda grass. This resulted in a savings of $786.29 for the
35-cow herd. This information was presented at an area “Grazing Management
School” by a University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Forage
Specialist. Approximately 50 producers attended the school.
The study will be repeated to help determine if the results are valid and
repeatable.
Stockpiled Bermuda grass on James T. King’s farm (ABIP Project).
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Impacts
- Stockpiling Bermuda grass could be successful on many Franklin County
beef cattle farms.
- Stockpiling can help to reduce winter feed costs for beef cows.
- The first year of project in Franklin County saved the producer $20.77
per cow over a 73 day grazing period. This was a savings of $786.29 on a
35-cow herd.
- The results were presented at an area “Grazing Management School”
attended by 50 producers.
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