Ranching Management Questions and Answers in September
What herbicide do you recommend for cheatgrass management in alfalfa or an alfalfa/grass mix? Dr. Jane Mangold MSU Rangeland Weed Specialist, has talked to producers who use a low rate of Roundup (4 ounces per acre) in the early spring, prior to alfalfa and other grasses breaking dormancy. Depending on the severity of the infestation, producers may need to spray a couple years to deplete the seed bank. In addition, producers need to be careful to not stress the alfalfa/grass as a result of repeated applications. It’s a balancing act between hitting the cheatgrass and minimizing stress to desirable vegetation.
How about applying Gramoxone during dormancy for managing cheatgrass in alfalfa or an alfalfa /grass mix? Gramoxone must be applied during crop dormancy to avoid crop injury. Dr. Mangold is not a fan of Gramoxone due to its toxicity and it being a burndown herbicide. Burndown herbicides have to be reapplied multiple times in a season depending on herbicide efficacy, precipitation and temperature.
Do you have recommendations on bull management after breeding? Dr. Rachel Endecott, MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist writes that most bulls will lose 100-300 pounds during the breeding season. Mature bulls might be able to get by on an all-forage diet, but young bulls should be around 75% of their mature body weight by the time they are two years old. It’s recommended that bulls be in body condition score 6 at turnout. While it is important for thin bulls to achieve optimal body condition, it is also important not to overfeed bulls. Fat layers around the scrotum can interfere with temperature regulation, negatively impacting semen quality and production. Overfeeding can also lead to foot problems and soundness issues, as a result, out-of-shape bulls are less likely to hustle to breed cows when turnout time rolls around. I recommend that bulls receive a year-round mineral supplementation program just like the cows. Trace minerals like copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium, along with vitamins A and E are important antioxidants that can prevent sperm damage from stress.
How about post-weaning cow management? Dr. Endecott says that the post-weaning time period is a great time to critically evaluate cow body condition. Are there thin cows who might
See Page 3: Green benefit from being sorted off and run for a time with the young cows? The post‐weaning time period during the cow’s second trimester is when her nutrient requirements are lowest. Putting weight on thin cows is least expensive and most efficient at this time of year.
Additional ranch management information is available at the Chouteau County Extension office at 622-3751. We are located in the basement of the Chouteau County Courthouse.
Montana State University U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
