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A spring of greener pastures

An extension livestock field specialist says the recent rains are greening up the grass in pastures and hay ground across central Missouri.

“We need the continued rainfall and moisture to keep the grass growing.”

Gene Schmitz with the University of Missouri says the situation looks much different compared to last year with average to above average hay crops expected.

But Schmitz says it’s likely the multi-year drought has caused some stand loss.

“I would have a bit of a concern for hay fields and pastures that have been overgrazed or harvested a little too close and not had as much fertility management as other fields.”

USDA says at the end of April, Missouri’s pasture conditions were rated 80 percent good to excellent, 20 percentage points higher than last year, with hay supplies 99 percent adequate to surplus.

Schmitz some grasses are starting to head with hay cuttings expected to start in mid-May.