Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

David Benfield was present and provided an update on appropriations and funding opportunities. State reports were presented by all in attendance. Utah State University faculty member Rhonda Miller conducted two tours, one at the Caine Dairy and one at the Lewiston Pasture Facility. Renata Nave will become chair. Steve Norberg was elected secretary.

OBJECTIVE 1. Evaluate legume cultural and management strategies emphasizing legume establishment, N cycling and use efficiency, and GHG emissions. 

University of Arkansas (Ken Coffey; Dirk Philipp; and Wayne Coblentz – USDA-ARS Dairy Forage Research Center)

Effect of delayed wrapping and wrapping source on intake and digestibility of alfalfa silage in sheep.

Short-term Outcomes: Alfalfa silage was baled in large round bales, and then wrapped with plastic either the day of baling, or 1, 2 or 3 days after baling. In general, intake and digestibility were greatest in silage wrapped the day following baling and declined with subsequent time delay between baling and wrapping. This provides producers with information to allow them to make better management decisions about how to feed alfalfa silage based on how it was managed after baling.

Outputs: Scientific abstracts were presented at the Midwestern and national meeting of the American Society of Animal Science. This research was the subject of a MS thesis for Valens Niyigena, a Fulbright graduate student from Rwanda.

Activities: Alfalfa silages were baled, then wrapped with plastic either with or without an oxygen-limiting barrier either the day of baling or 1, 2 or 3 days after baling. Pregnant crossbred ewes (n = 16; 3-5 yr old; 140 ± 3.8 lbs) were offered the alfalfa silage from 1 of 8 treatments in a 3-period study. Silage intake, digestibility, and nutrient balance were measured. Intake and digestibility were correlated with silage fermentation characteristics to determine the best predictors of animal performance from silage fermentation profiles.

Milestones:

The first manuscript from this work should be submitted by June, 2017 with a subsequent manuscript by September, 2017.

The study was supported in part by USDA-ARS specific cooperative agreement 58-3655-4-052.

A 3-year study was started in April 2016 targeting alfalfa persistence and possibilities for interseeding legume and non-legume forages into existing alfalfa stands. In this study, red clover, Italian ryegrass, and teff will be interseeded with alfalfa in spring and fall.

Treatment structure:

Control, teff (spring only), ryegrass, red clover, ryegrass + red clover, spring and fall planting

Summary of activities:

• Harvested 4 times experimental plots
• Determined forage chemical composition
• Determined species composition in plots interseeded with teff, ryegrass, and red clover

This project is being funded partly by Univ. of Arkansas-Agricultural Experiment Station and Barenbug Seed Co.

University of Nebraska (John A. Guretzky, Walter H. Schacht, and James MacDonald)

In 2016, we conducted an experiment in Lincoln, NE, that evaluated effects of establishment of perennial legumes with an annual warm-season grass as a companion crop.  We hypothesized that planting of legumes in binary mixtures with sorghum-sudangrass (SSG), a drought hardy annual warm-season grass, would increase forage mass and reduce weed competition without negatively affecting legume establishment. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block with a split plot arrangement of treatments and three replications.  Whole-plots consisted of three common forage legume species: alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. 'Ranger'), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L. 'Norcen'), and [red clover (Trifolium pratense L. 'Medium') and three native prairie legume species: Illinois bundleflower [Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) MacM.], purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea Vent.), and roundhead lespedeza (Lespedeza capitata Michx.).  Subplots consisted of four annual companion crop treatments: 1) none (negative control) and forage harvested in October; 2) none with weedy grasses sprayed (positive control) and forage harvested in October; 3) sorghum-sudangrass seeded at 43 PLS m-2 and forage harvested in October; and 4) sorghum-sudangrass seeded at 43 PLS m-2 and harvested mid-summer and again in October. Legume and SSG establishment was measured in 25 cell frames (5 x 5) with each cell measuring 15 x 15 cm. A 1 was recorded when legumes or SSG were present and 0 was recorded when absent in each cell. Frequency of occurrence (%) and density of each species were computed with these data.

We addressed specific objective of comparing N cycling and use efficiency of ruminants grazing pastures with and without forage legumes by determining how dung excreted from cattle grazing legume-interseeded, N-fertilized, and unfertilized smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pastures affects dung chemical composition, dry matter decomposition, CO2 flux, and N availability in soil in a series of randomized complete block experiments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead, NE. Freshly deposited dung was collected from legume-interseeded, N-fertilized, and unfertilized treatments, refrigerated, separately homogenized, and placed as pats in a neighboring unfertilized pasture. Each treatment was collected 3, 7, and 30 days after placing the pats in two experimental periods (June and August) in 2014 and 2015. Soil cores were taken directly below and laterally from dung pats to determine rate of nutrient movement through soil. CO2 flux from dung was measured for each treatment, as well as a non-dung influenced control. Dung collections coincided with vegetation and diet samples from ruminally-fistulated cattle to examine effects of the pasture treatments on N cycling through the plant-animal-dung-soil complex.

In the legume establishment experiment conducted at Mead, NE, in 2016, legume species differed in terms of frequency of occurrence, but there with no differences in frequency of occurrence between legumes established with SSG and those without. Alfalfa and red clover had > 75% frequency of occurrence which equated to 33 plants m-2 and 31 plants m-2, respectively. Birdsfoot trefoil and Illinois bundleflower had 25 to 50% frequency of occurrence which equated to a density of 13 and 18 plants m-2, respectively. Roundhead lespedeza and purple prairie clover < 20% frequency of occurrence which equated to densities of 4 and 7 plants m-2, respectively. Overall, the first year of this experiment showed that alfalfa and red clover had the best establishment; birdsfoot trefoil and Illinois bundleflower had marginal to adequate establishment; and roundhead lespedeza and purple prairie clover had poor establishment.

In the dung decomposition experiments designed to address this objective (Mead, NE), nutritive value of all pasture diets was high and comparable in June, but was relatively greater in legume-interseeded pastures in August. CO2 flux did not differ among treatments in June but tended to be greater from dung excreted in legume-interseeded pastures in August which may be due to more soluble nutrients readily available for microbial breakdown. Dung decomposition depended on year, season, dung treatment, and harvest time interactions. Dung from N-fertilized pasture was least at 30 days after placement in the June 2014 experiment but decomposed more slowly in the June 2015 experiment. Dung from legume-interseeded pastures displayed similar trends as dung from unfertilized pastures in June 2014 but was more erratic in June 2015. Dung remaining was similar between treatments in Aug 2014 but greatest from unfertilized pastures in Aug 2015. Soil Water Extractable C and N (WEC and WEN) depended on year, dung treatment, and harvest time interactions. WEC did not show consistent responses with dung treatments and harvest times but tended to be higher initially in 2015 than 2014. WEN tended to be higher at 3 and 7 days after placement in 2014 than 2015, but there were no dung treatment effects in either year. WEN declined with increasing days after placement in 2014 but WEC, on the other hand, declined with increasing days after placement in 2015. Overall, all dung collection treatments: legume-interseeded, N-fertilized, and unfertilized smooth bromegrass pastures lost dry matter at similar rates across 30-d periods and showed similar CO2 flux, suggesting limited effects of grazing cattle diets, though different in nutrient composition and digestibility, on decomposition of dung in pastures.

Michigan State University (Kim Cassida)

Increasing Legume Grazing for Higher Beef Gain on Pastures: An Improved High-Tannin Birdsfoot Trefoil Cultivar with Trans-Regional Potential.

Data collected: In 2016, winter survival, vigor, flowering date, and seedpod rating were recorded for surviving individual trefoil plants in a selection nursery. Tall fescue was successfully established into birdsfoot trefoil in late 2015 and mixtures were grazed five times in 2016 with data collected on forage yield and quality, grazing preference, root mass, and soil respiration. Laboratory analyses are under way. Summary statistics and discussion of results: Preliminary results indicate some differences in forage nutritive value among trefoil varieties, and interactions among trefoil and fescue varieties for soil respiration. Key Outcomes and other accomplishments realized: Not yet available.

University of Tennessee (Renata Nave)

Alternatives to conventional nitrogen fertilization on tall fescue and bermudagrass.

When it comes to grazing pastures, management is key to maximizing forage potential. In the southeast region, managing grazing pastures can come with challenges. Some challenges arise due to the growth rate of desired forages, such as tall fescue, through the seasons. Tall fescue, being a cool-season grass, peaks in the spring months, i.e., March through early May, and declines in the warmer months. During the declined growth rate of the tall fescue, new forage, such as bermudagrass, can be integrated to fill in the gap. An additional management practice that will maximize a forage’s potential is to increase yield by applying nitrogen (N).

The objective of this project is to evaluate different sources of N in tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb) Dumort] and bermudagrass [Cynadon dactylon] plots, and to determine its economic viability and sustainability. The sources of N will consist of cool-season legumes (red clover [Trifolium pratense] and white clover [Trifolium repens]), a warm-season legume (cowpea [Vigna unguiculata]), poultry litter (broiler litter), and conventional N fertilizer (34-0-0). There will also be a control with no N fertilization.

Vaughn’s #1 bermudagrass was established in the desired area in July 2014. The tall fescue plots have been reseeded with Kentucky 31 fescue as of September 2014, and broadleaf herbicide was applied to eliminate any non-desirable legumes that would interfere with the future legume-blended treatments.

Soil samples were collected from each experiment in October 2014 after their initial establishments. Red and white clover has been drilled into the desired plots of each experiment as of October 5, 2015. Lime was applied at 1,184 kg/ha to the entire area of tall fescue plots and bermudagrass plots on October 25, 2015. Phosphorus and potassium may be added to the experiments depending on the soil test results. The first year of this study has been completed in October, 2016.

OBJECTIVE 2. Assess the efficacy of secondary plant metabolites in legume species for increasing N retention and improving N cycling in forage-livestock systems. 

Michigan State University (Kim Cassida)

Soil Health Pilot Project: Integrative farming solutions for soil health and well-being in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Major activities completed / experiments conducted: This project was terminated in spring 2016 because of inadequate research infrastructure and funding to complete the research as originally planned. Discussions were held regarding a possible redesign to be initiated in 2017. Data collected: Corn silage yields were collected in fall 2015. No data were collected in 2016. Summary statistics and discussion of results: Using data collected in 2015, calibration equations were developed for measuring pasture biomass with a rising plate meter. Cover crops reduced corn plant population density in 2015 under no-till, but increased population density under tillage (P<0.001). Corn silage dry matter yield was not affected by covers or

tillage (P >0.05). Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Nothing to report due to premature termination of project.

OBJECTIVE 3. Quantify effects of pasture management strategies on N use efficiency by ruminant animals and N cycling in herbage and soils of grassland agro-ecosystems.

University of Arkansas (Ken Coffey and Dirk Philipp)

Soil health and plant species population dynamics of pasture systems due to grazing management and different forage complexes.

Short-term Outcomes: A study was initiated in the summer of 2015 in southeastern Arkansas to compare the impacts of ultra-high density stocking vs. conventional rotational stocking on cattle performance, forage species composition, and soil nitrogen and carbon components. Calf gains and most measurements of calf health were not different between treatments. This gives producers information to help them decide on what level of management they are willing to expend in their grazing systems without compromising animal performance or health.

Outputs: An abstract was presented at the Midwestern section of the American Society of Animal Science and a presentation was given at a field day at the University of Arkansas - Monticello.

Activities: Both cow and stocker cattle studies were initiated in the summer of 2015. In both studies, cattle grazed bermudagrass-based pastures using either conventional rotational stocking or ultra-high density stocking.

Milestones: Our intention is to continue with a variation of this study for another 3 grazing seasons.

This project is supported in part by USDA Animal Health funds.

A study has been initiated targeting grazing preferences and effects on soil quality parameters, including total N and total C in an agroforestry system containing three different tree species, orchardgrass, and strips of native grasses. Forage and soil samples have been taken and analysis is underway.

Summary of activities:

• Established orchardgrass in alleyways in fall of 2015
• Established native grasses (big bluestem, indiangrass, and little bluestem) in between tree blocks in spring of 2016
• Obtained soil and forage samples; data analyses are under way
• Cattle grazed twice experimental area to defoliate orchardgrass; native grasses were not grazed since this is the establishment year.

This project is being supported by USDA-ARS, NIFA, and the Univ. of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

Washington State University (Steve Norberg)

Timothy hay is the largest grass hay commodity in Washington State and the majority of hay is exported to Japan and other countries. Very little research work has been done on determining optimum nitrogen rates for this commodity or a tool for in-season adjustment of nitrogen rate.

We hypothesized that in-season nitrogen status of timothy could be assessed using a Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) units or by nitrogen content of leaf samples. A calibration of these parameters would be accomplished so farmers would be able to in-season apply the nitrogen using fertigation. The SPAD meter measures how much of red light at 650 nm (best absorbed by the chlorophyll molecules) is absorbed by the sample and how much transmission of infrared light at 940 nm, at which no absorption occurs and gives a greenness measurement (SPAD unit). These SPAD units are compared to an over-fertilized strip in the field and relative chlorophyll units (RCM) are calculated (SPAD in question/SPAD over fertilized=RCM) averaged over at least 20 measurements. The objective of the research conducted is to calibrate the SPAD meter and tissue testing for nitrogen in timothy and determine their effectiveness.

Research was conducted at two Washington State University Experiment Stations located near Prosser, and Othello, Washington using different nitrogen rates. Results indicate that the vegetative stage (stems 6 inches in length) will be the most accurate time to assess nitrogen status using RCM and leaf tissue nitrogen content. Results also indicated that both tools RCM and tissue testing will be useful tools to predict in-season nitrogen to maximize yield and profit.

Barbero, R. P., E. B. Malheiros, T. L. da Ros de Araujo, R. L. G. Nave, J. T. Mulliniks, T. T. Berchielli, A. C. Ruggieri, and R. A. Reis. 2015. Combining Marandu grass grazing height and supplementation level to optimize growth and productivity of yearling bulls. Animal Feed Science & Technology. doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2015.09.010.

Bartimus, H. L., T. G. Montgomery, D. Philipp, J. Cater, K. P. Coffey and B. C. Shanks. 2016. Mob grazing effects on cattle performance in southeast Arkansas. J. Anim. Sci. 94(Suppl. 2):55.

Bartimus, H.L., Montgomery, T.G., Philipp, D., Cater, J., Coffey, K.P., Shanks, B.C. 2016. Mob grazing effects on cattle performance in southeastern Arkansas. ASAS Midwestern Section, Des Moines, IA.

Clark, J.K., B.C. Shanks, K.S. Jogan, D. Philipp, K.P. Coffey, N.E. Jack, J.D. Caldwell, and R.T. Rhein. 20XX. Effects of Forage Species and Poultry Litter Application Timing on Forage Preference by Horses. J. Anim. Sci. (Accepted).

Coblentz, W. K., K. P. Coffey, and E. A. Chow. 2016. Storage characteristics, nutritive value, and fermentation characteristics of alfalfa packaged in large-round bales and wrapped in plastic after extended time delays. J. Dairy Sci. 99:3497-3511.

Coblentz, W. K., K. P. Coffey, and E. A. Chow. 2016. Effects of wrapping time delays on fermentation characteristics of baled alfalfa silages. J. Anim. Sci. 94(Suppl. 5): 320.

Coblentz, W. K., K. P. Coffey, and E. A. Chow. 2016. Effects of wrapping time delays on nutritive value of baled alfalfa silages. J. Anim. Sci. 94(Suppl. 5):321.

Gelley, C. H., R. L. G. Nave, and G. E. Bates. 2016. Forage nutritive value and herbage mass relationship of four warm-season grasses. Agronomy Journal. doi:10.2134/agronj2016.01.0018.

Grabber, J.H., W.K. Coblentz, H. Riday, T.C. Griggs, D.H. Min, J.W. MacAdam, and K.A. Cassida. 2015. Protein and dry matter degradability of European- and Mediterranean-derived birdsfoot trefoil cultivars grown in the colder continental USA. Crop Science 55:1356-1364. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2014.09.0659

Guretzky, J.A., C. Dunn, and H. Hillhouse. 2016. Long-term Sandhills prairie responses to precipitation, temperature, and cattle stocking rate. Plant Ecol. DOI 10.1007/s11258-016-0622-9

Guretzky, J.A., W.H. Schacht, T.J. Klopfenstein, and A. Wingeyer. Nitrogen use efficiency and cycling in pastures managed with reduced nitrogen inputs. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings, Minneapolis, MN. 15-18 Nov. 2015.

Jennings, J, Simon, K., Philipp, D., and Beck, P. 2016. Interseeding alfalfa in bermudagrass sods. FSA 3141 (original manuscript).

Jennings, J., Simon, K. Beck, P., and Philipp, D. 2016. Bermudagrass variety selection. FSA (original manuscript).

Jennings, J., Beck P., Philipp, D., Wallace, J.L. 2016. Cogongrass: A potentially invasive weed in Arkansas. FSA 2161 (major revision).

Long, J. E., K. P. Coffey, J. D. Caldwell, D. Philipp, R. T. Rhein, and A. N. Young. 2016. Calcium and magnesium absorption and retention by growing goats offered diets with different calcium sources. J. Anim. Sci. 94(Suppl. 2):193.

Long, J., K. Coffey, J. Caldwell, D. Philipp, R. Rhein, and A. Young. 2016. Calcium and magnesium absorption and retention by growing goats offered diets with different calcium sources. Discovery, Vol. 17, Fall.

Long, J.E., K. P. Coffey, J. D. Caldwell, D. Philipp, R. T. Rhein, A. N. Young. 2016. Calcium and magnesium absorption and retention by growing goats offered diets with different calcium sources. ASAS Midwestern Section, Des Moines, IA.

McFarlane, Z. D., J. D. Hobbs, E. R. Cope, R. L. G. Nave, and J. T. Mulliniks. 2016. Heifer development using stockpiled, dormant native forages delays gain without altering reproductive performance. Joint Annual Meeting ADSA-ASAS – Salt Lake City/UT.

Niyigena, V., K. P. Coffey, W. K. Coblentz, D. Philipp, A. N. Young, R. T. Rhein, and J. K. Clark. 2016. Effect of delayed wrapping and wrapping source on intake and digestibility of alfalfa silage in sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 94(Suppl. 2):168.

Niyigena, V., K. P. Coffey, W. K. Coblentz, D. Philipp, A. N. Young, R. T. Rhein, J. K. Clark. 2016. Effect of delayed wrapping and wrapping source on intake and digestibility of alfalfa silage in sheep. ASAS Midwestern Section, Des Moines, IA.

Niyigena, V. K. P. Coffey, W. K. Coblentz, A. N. Young, D. Philipp, H. L. Bartimus, and R. T. Rhein. 2016. Correlation of fermentation characteristics with intake and digestibility of alfalfa silage in gestating ewes. J. Anim Sci. 94(Suppl. 5):299.

Niyigena, V., K. P. Coffey, W. K. Coblentz, D. Philipp, A. N. Young, R. T. Rhein, H. Bartimus. 2016. Correlation of fermentation characteristics with intake and digestibility of alfalfa silage in gestating ewes. ASAS, Salt Lake City.

Nave, R. L. G., and C. H. Gelley. 2016. Cutting strategy effects on forage mass accumulation of four warm-season grass species. International Annual Meetings ASA-CSSA-SSSA – Phoenix/AZ.

Nave, R. L. G., R. P. Barbero, C. N. Boyer, M. D. Corbin*, and J. T. Mulliniks. 2016. Poultry litter as a sustainable fertilizer for stockpiled tall fescue during winter grazing in Middle Tennessee. Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management. doi:10.2134/cftm2015.0187.

Nave, R. L. G., R. P. Barbero, C. N. Boyer, M. D. Corbin*, and G. E. Bates. 2016. Nitrogen rate and initiation date effects on stockpiled tall fescue during fall grazing in Tennessee. Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management. doi:10.2134/cftm2015.0174.

Norberg, S. 2015. Timothy, Alfalfa, and Soybean Hay, Corn and Soybean Intercropping Forage Projects Update. Northwest Forage Workers Conference. Corvallis, OR.

Norberg, S. 2015. Developing Calibration for SPAD Meter and Tissue Test for In-Season Nitrogen Assessment in Timothy Hay. NC 1182 Annual Meeting - Management and Environmental Factors Affecting Nitrogen Cycling and Use Efficiency in Forage-Based Livestock Production Systems. Logan, UT.

Norberg, S. 2016. Using Chlorophyll Meter and Tissue Testing to Determine In-Season Nitrogen Needs in Timothy Hay Production. Mid-Columbia Hay Growers Assoc. Annual Meeting. Feb. 17, 2016.

Norberg, S., E. Creech, D. Llewellyn, S. Fransen, and J. Neibergs. 2015. Using Chlorophyll Meter and Tissue Testing To Determine In-Season Nitrogen Needs in Timothy Hay Production. Western Alfalfa & Forage Symposium, Reno, NV. Dec. 2-4. Invited Paper.

Norberg, S. 2016. Using Chlorophyll Meter and Tissue Testing to Determine In-Season Nitrogen Needs in Timothy Hay Production. Proceedings in: Washington State Hay Growers Association - 2016 Northwest Hay Expo. Kennewick, WA. Jan. 20-21, 2016.

Norberg, O.S., D.A. Llewellyn, S.C. Fransen, and J.S. Neibergs. 2016. Determining Nitrogen Needs in Timothy Hay Production. Progressive Forage Grower. April 1, 2016. Invited Article http://www.progressiveforage.com/forage-types/other-forage/determining-nitrogen-needs-in-timothy-hay-production.

Philipp, D., and R. Rhein. 2016. Teff, pearl millet, and sorghum-sudangrass yields in Northwest Arkansas. ANSC Report Series.

Philipp, D., and K. Coffey. 2016. Valuation of grassland ecosystems services for sustainable livestock production. Southern Forage and Crop Improvement Conference (SPFCIC), West-Monroe. LA.

Redfearn, D.D., R.B. Mitchell, K.P. Vogel, J.A. Guretzky, G.E. Erickson, T.J. Klopfenstein, and S. Edme. 2015. Cool-season perennial grass options for the western Corn Belt. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings, Minneapolis, MN. 15-18 Nov. 2015.

Schick, B.D., J.A. Guretzky, W.H. Schacht, and M. Mamo. 2015. Dung decomposition dynamics as a function of cattle diet. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings, Minneapolis, MN. 15-18 Nov. 2015.

Schick, B.D., J.A. Guretzky, W.H. Schacht, and M. Mamo. 2015. Grazing cattle diet effect on dung decomposition and soil nutrient movement. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings, Minneapolis, MN. 15-18 Nov. 2015.

Smith, S. A., M. P. Popp, D. R. Keeton, C. P. West, K. P. Coffey, L. L. Nalley, and K. R. Brye. 2016. Economic and greenhouse gas emission response to pasture species composition, stocking rate, and weaning age by calving season, farm size, and pasture fertility. Agric. Resource Econ. Rev. 45:98-123. doi:10.1017/age.2016.11.

Smith, W. B., K. P. Coffey J. D. Tucker, D. S. Hubbell, III, E. B. Kegley, D. Philipp, J. D. Caldwell, and A. N. Young. 2016. Using soybean hulls to meet dietary energy requirements of gestating cows having restricted access to poor-quality hay. Prof. Anim. Sci. (In press).

Turner, K.E., D.P. Belesky, K.A. Cassida, A.M. Zajac, and M.A. Brown. 2015. Selective deworming effects on parameters associated with gastrointestinal parasite management in lambs and meat-goat kids finished on pasture. Small Ruminant Research 31:17-29.

Turner, K.E., K.A. Cassida, H.N. Zerby, and M.A. Brown. 2015. Carcass and meat quality when meat-goat kids were finished on chicory, birdsfoot trefoil, or red clover pastures. Meat Sci. 105:68-74.