Maximizing Profits by Grazing a Winter Cover Crop and Monitoring Nutrient Availability for the Subsequent Corn Crop

2000 Annual Report for FNC00-310

Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 2000: $4,250.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2005
Region: North Central
State: Ohio
Project Coordinator:

Maximizing Profits by Grazing a Winter Cover Crop and Monitoring Nutrient Availability for the Subsequent Corn Crop

Summary

Grazing cattle on crop residues and a winter cover crop is profitable, without a negative impact on the environment or on producers' quality of life.

Objective: To increase the profitability of our beef and grain farm through the use of a winter cover crop.

After harvesting soybeans, the producer no-tilled a 120 pounds of rye per acre. The producer applied 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre in the fall during seeding and in the spring. The producer divided the rye into rotational grazing paddocks. The producer observed the paddocks to see if the stocker calves had a taste preference and, then, plowed and planted corn.

A control strip was left ungrazed. She also completed nutrient tests of the soil and corn tissues before and after project was completed.

Results: The project was extended for one year to allow for additional soil and tissue tests.

Objectives/Performance Targets
Objective: To increase the profitability of our beef and grain farm through the use of a winter cover crop.

Methods
After harvesting soybeans, the producer no-tilled 120 pounds of rye per acre. The producer applied 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre in the fall during seeding and in the spring. The producer divided the rye into rotational grazing paddocks. The producer observed the paddocks to see if the stocker calves had a taste preference, and then plowed and planted corn.

A control strip was left ungrazed. She also completed nutrient tests of the soil and corn tissues before and after project was completed.

Outcomes and Impacts
Grazing cattle on crop residues and a winter cover crop is profitable, without a negative impact on the environment or on producers' quality of life.

The project was extended for one year to allow for additional soil and tissue tests