More Grass. More Gains

The most profitable cattle ranches have something in common: grass, and lots of it. Forage production isn’t just a small part of raising cattle — it’s the foundation and the cheapest feed source of the most successful operations.

Many cattle producers consider themselves to be grass farmers, because forage directly correlates to weight gain, stocking rates and feeding flexibility. Every additional pound of grass can translate into greater value per head.

Without actively managing their forage production, producers are leaving potential profit on the table. As Benny Martinez, market development specialist, Corteva Agriscience Range & Pasture, puts it: “We’ve got to raise as many pounds of grass as possible to deliver that extra pound to market.”

Four innovative producers joined a panel at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Cattle Industry Convention to share their perspectives on pasture management and ranch sustainability with, and in front of, their peers.

“We’re all cattle farmers, but No. 1, we’re grass farmers,” said John Starnes of Tennessee River Music in Alabama.

Weeds and brush, unfortunately, have a competitive edge over grass. They steal sunlight, moisture and nutrients from the forages producers depend on to feed their herd.

“In southern Oklahoma, things start turning green toward the middle or end of March, which is when we start seeing weeds come up too,” said Roger Callison of Callison Ranch in Oklahoma. “We scout in March and April and then spray our pastures in May and June.”

Shifting the Mindset

One message remained consistent as producers from different regions of the country shared their ranching experiences: Profitable operations start in the soil.

Growing more grass in a pasture can be compared with the practices that row-crop producers implement to plant and then protect corn, soybeans or cotton for more yield.

“Cotton, for example, about 50 days after it is planted, doesn’t even have a boll on it, but its yield is already determined,” Martinez said. “Grass is similar. It’s about setting the foundation and establishing good roots, so the grass can compete early and outgrow the weeds.”

Acting early and often helps cattle producers stay ahead of unwanted weeds and brush and helps control both before they become bigger problems.

“We use Remedy herbicide and we spot-spray from a four-wheeler,” said Andre ew McCrea of McCrea Family Farms in Missouri. “We try to do that enough so that we don’t have a big problem, so we can just go and scout it. We even go as far as to mark it with our phones so if we see problems and we’ve got that noted in our phone, we know to go back at some point and spray it. If you don’t stay on top of it, then you got a big problem.”t stay on top of it, then you got a big problem.”

Cattle producers also depend on fertilizer to increase the fertility of their soil and forages. Fertilizer is great at growing grass, but it also can grow more weeds without a management plan in place.

“When we fertilize is very important to us, because we can get dry during different times of the year,” Callison said. “We usually fertilize throughout March and April, and we use UltiGraz to get fertilizer and weed control at the same time.”

With UltiGraz^SM Pasture Weed & Feed, producers can save time and money by combining fertilizer and DuraCor® herbicide to control weeds and boost grass growth. Backed by certified retailers and optimized for greater convenience and lower application costs, UltiGraz is the one-stop shop to help grass grow while suppressing weeds in pastures.

“As others have said, you’re growing a crop of grass,” McCrea said. “It’s just like growing corn and soybeans. You wouldn’t think about growing corn and soybeans without fertilizer and not doing soil tests, so you really have to do the same with your pasture. We are soil sampling every pasture every four years, and we’re very intentional about that.”

Sustainability for the Next Generation

Taking steps to build a more sustainable cattle operation takes time, McCrea said, but it also provides a great opportunity for young producers to get involved and use modern technology.

“Sure and steady, just like the tortoise and the hare, is important,” McCrea said. “Taking measured steps is important.”

Starnes echoed the sentiment and encouraged young producers to get involved in the cattle industry by completing an internship and asking questions to more seasoned producers.

“Older producers, we unintentionally bypass a lot of information just because we do it every day and don’t think about it,“ Starnes said. “So, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Go job shadow somebody, ride with them for one day, take a trip with them, go to production sales; whatever you want to do, just try to get involved.”

“You’ve got to start somewhere.” Callison added. “My wife, Nikki, and I, when we started, we leased a place and we bought 20 heifers. Now, we have several hundred cows. So, it takes time. That’s 30 years of growth.”

By focusing on early weed control, smart fertility management, intentional grazing and long-term stewardship, all producers can grow more grass to support healthier cattle and resilient pastures.

“Ranching might not be the best way to make a living, but we’d all agree: It’s a wonderful way to live,” said Kevin Yon of Yon Family Farms in South Carolina.

Head to RangeandPasture.com/PastureTalk to listen to the conversation and get more insights.

Under normal field conditions, DuraCor^® is nonvolatile. DuraCor has no grazing or haying restrictions for any class of livestock, including lactating dairy cows, horses (including lactating mares) and meat animals prior to slaughter. Label precautions apply to forage treated with DuraCor to manure and urine from animals that have consumed treated forage. DuraCor is not registered for sale or use in all states. Consult the label for full details. UltiGraz^℠ with fertilizer is available for use with specific herbicides in the states of AL, AR, CO, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, KS, KY, LA, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NV, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, and WY. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. State restrictions on the sale and use of Remedy^® apply. Except for lactating dairy animals, there are no grazing restrictions following application of this product. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Always read and follow label directions.