Grazing Edition

Illinois Meat Goat Producers News

Cool-season vs. warm-season forages

for deer food plots 3

Chicory: An Alternative Livestock Forage 4

Cool Season Forages 5

Legume Forages 7

Warm Season Forages 8

Cool Season Annual Ryegrass 9

Member Directory 10

Classifieds 12

Calendar 13

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Hey Y’all,

This quarters news letter focuses on types of forages, their performance, and growing patterns.

Cool Season Forages can be divided into two groups, annuals and perennials. Annuals encompass not only the rye grass discussed in this newsletter, but also brassicas, namely turnips. Most of us are familiar with perennials as they are the mainstays of many pastures.

Legumes offer a higher protein level during the warmer months as well as fixing nitrogen in the soil and thus reducing pasture input costs.

Warm Season Forages consist of many native species of grass. When used in a rotational grazing system, a pasture of warm season forages will allow the cool season forages to rest before stockpiling with out reducing the amount of forage available to stock.

Using the growing patterns of the different types of forages; it is possible to develop a rotational grazing program that should allow consistent nutrition throughout the year, and in turn reduce feed costs.

Happy Goat Raising,

Sarah

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Hats $8Shirts S-XL - $10 2XL - $11 3XL - $12Contact Deric Wetherell dpwether@yahoo.com217-898-9358

2011 WIU Buck Test benefits for IMGP members

1) IMGP members entering the buck test will receive a $25 refund per membership (not per buck entered) from IMGP

2) All bucks entered in buck test will be eligible to enter sale sponsored by IMGP directly following the conclusion of the buck test

3) Any IMGP member that enters their buck from the test in the sale will be allowed to sell does also (any bucks not entered in the test will not be allowed for sale)

For more information, contact Deric Wetherell or any IMGP board member. http://www.ilmeatgoat.org/board.html

These goats are actually referred to as the feral goats of South Africa. This breed was originated in 1990 by successful crossbreeding programs with feral and African breeds, such as the Red Boer, the African Boer and the Nubians. Two improved lines of the Kalahari Red breed exist in South Africa. One line was exclusively developed from the red head Boer goat and the other line was developed from unimproved indigenous breeds. Kalahari Red breeders claim that

this breed is tougher and more robust than red-headed Boer goats. This breed is more suited to semi-desert and arid conditions because of its hardiness and color, which act as a camouflage from predators. This breed also seems to thrive in very harsh conditions where most other breeds will not. Kalahari Red is very productive, has good

mothering abilities, strong teeth, excellent growth rates, larger frames, immense goat meat conformation, and a carcass with uniform color. It is a new composite breed that has been imported to Australia since 2000 and crossed with their feral goats. There is an increasing demand for this breed in other countries particularly by North and South American breeders (Campbell, 2003)

African Kalahari Red’s

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Cool-season vs. warm-season forages for deer food plotsBy Matt Tarr, Whitetail Stewards, Inc.

What do the terms cool-season and warm-season mean?The terms cool-season and warm-season refer to the specific time of year that a particular forage germinates and is growing actively.  The temperature of both the soil and air are important for stimulating plants to either begin active growth or to slow growth and become dormant.  Why are these terms important?It is important to know whether the forages you are planting are either cool-season or warm-season plants.  This determines not only when to plant the forage, but when that forage will be useful to deer.  Deer have different demands for nutrition in each season of the year. (Click to view a list of seasonal nutritional demands of deer)  If you want to improve the quality and health of deer in your area, it is important to plant a variety of forages that mature a different times of the year.  Planting a combination of cool-season and warm-season forages will allow you to accomplish this.  Cool-season foragesCool-season forages begin growing when air and soil temperatures are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  They either stop growing (i.e., go dormant) or die when temperatures rise above 60 degrees F.  Cool-season forages can be either annuals or perennials.Cool-season annualsCool-season annual forages have one peak of active growth each year:  

• forages are planted and germinate in the fall

• forages go dormant or growth slows in winter

• forages begin growing again in spring

• forage production peaks in mid spring

• forages die by summer 

Importance of cool-season annualsCool-season annuals are often planted to attract deer to hunting food plots and to provide an early spring food source for deer.  The forages are especially important for helping deer recover energy and protein lost during winter.    Cool-season perennialsCool-season perennial forages have two peaks of active growth each year:  

• forage production begins in spring

• forage production peaks in late spring

• forages go dormant or growth slows in summer

• forages have another short peak in production until a killing frost (24 degrees F) in fall

• forages go dormant over winter

 Importance of cool-season perennialsCool-season perennials are especially important as a spring through early-summer food source to deer.  These forages are important for providing does with the energy they need for lactation or for supporting antler development in bucks.Warm-season foragesWarm-season forages begin growing in late-spring and early summer, when soil temperatures are above 60 degrees to 70 degrees F.   Warm-season forages are either annuals or perennials.  Warm-season perennials follow the same pattern of growth as warm-season annuals, except they don't die in the fall. Instead, they go dormant in winter and will grow again the following spring.  Warm-season forages have one peak of active growth each year:  

• forages begin growing in late-spring

• forage production peaks in mid- to late-summer

• forages die in winter (annuals) or go dormant in winter (perennials)

 Importance of warm-season foragesWarm-season forages are especially important to deer during summer. Summer is a particularly stressful time for deer because most natural forages are low in nutritional value and are difficult to digest.  Warm-season forages provide an important source of nutrition for lactating does, rapidly growing fawns and for antler production in bucks.    

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Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is an herbaceous perennial plant that has historically been used in other countries as a coffee substitute, as a leafy vegetable, and as pasture forage for over 300 years. Although chicory originated in central Europe, breeding for improved forage varieties has been conducted in New Zealand for many years. In the United States, use of chicory as pasture forage is a relatively new concept. Forage chicory is a potentially valuable pasture component because it is a drought-tolerant, high- yielding plant that can improve seasonal distribution of high-quality herbage. Forage chicory is a winter-dormant, herbaceous plant that has a rosette growth habit and a large taproot that allows for some tolerance to drought conditions. Forage chicory varieties, which tend to have much larger leaves, can be confused with wild chicory (also Cichorium intybus L.) and looks very similar to dandelion in the rosette growth stage. Spring growth of chicory consists of many leaves developing from the crown of the plant, but as temperatures warm in early summer, flower stems develop and may grow as tall as 5 to 6 feet. The most common varieties of forage chicory available in Kentucky are Grasslands Puna, Brow Tyne, Six Point, and Oasis. Although originally developed in New Zealand, Grasslands Puna has performed well under Pennsylvania and Kentucky growing conditions. Several other varieties exist but are not available for use in the United States.Forage chicory can provide excellent spring and summer forage for grazing livestock in Kentucky. As with other forage species, nutritive quality declines as the plant matures and reaches the reproductive growth stage in late summer. Forage chicory can grow well in a variety of soil types, if compaction is not a problem. Well-drained to moderately well-drained soils with moderate to high fertility will provide suitable conditions for optimal growth. Both spring (March 15 through May 15) and early fall (Aug. 15 through Sept. 15) seedings have been successful under Kentucky growing conditions. Chicory should not be planted too late in the fall, because the shortened day length and lower temperatures impede establishment. Weeds are a potential problem for establishment of chicory. Herbicide options are not available to control problem weeds during the seedling stage or after establishment of chicory as a forage crop. Mowing or grazing at proper intervals will help stimulate dense chicory regrowth, thus suppressing potential weed problems. Forage chicory may also be planted into existing pastures by broadcasting or drilling. If broadcasting is to be done, do so in late winter or early spring (Feb. 15 through March 15) when the soil surface freezes at night and thaws in the day. Plantings later in spring can also be accomplished by disturbing existing sod (i.e., light discing) and broadcast seeding. No-tillage methods of establishment may also be used; however, suppression of existing vegetation is critical to successful establishment of chicory. In establishing pure stands of chicory, a seeding rate of 3 to 4 pounds per acre will be adequate. However, many factors, such as seeding method, seed quality and seedbed condition, can necessitate adjustments in rate. When seeding chicory in a mixture it is often a good idea to include a legume, because legumes have nitrogen-fixing ability from which chicory will greatly benefit. Refer to Table 1 for seeding rates when planting chicory in a mixture.! Prior to establishment, a soil test should be conducted to determine the fertility status of the desired planting area. Forage chicory will grow best at a pH of approximately 7.0, although diminished production may be realized at pH levels as low as 5.5. In pure stands, apply 35 pounds of nitrogen per acre at planting to promote good establishment. If you are planning to seed a legume with chicory, do not apply nitrogen. Added nitrogen stimulates chicory growth, which will increase competition with any companion legume. In order to achieve maximum life (five to seven years) of the chicory stand, proper grazing management must be considered. Spring-seeded chicory may be grazed after approximately 90 days depending on growing conditions, but care must be taken to prevent overgrazing. A stubble height of1.5 to 2 inches must remain after grazing for optimal productivity. Rotational grazing management is the ideal way to optimize forage chicory persistence and quality. Generally, 25 to 30 days of rest between grazing events is recommend- ed. Care must also be taken to prevent overgrazing and excessive hoof traffic, because exposed taproots are susceptible to freezing and frost-heaving. U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers in Pennsylvania have recorded Grass- lands Puna yields of more than 3 tons per acre during the establishment year. Similarly, one Kentucky study reported dry matter yields of approximately 3.5 tons per acre. Established forage chicory stands have quality and quantity potentials similar to many other Kentucky forage crops. Depending on plant maturity, protein levels may range from 10 to 32 percent, and digestibility of chicory leaves is generally between 90 and 95 percent. Not surprisingly, these digestibility and mineral content values are greater than those of alfalfa. New Zealand studies have reported animal gains of 0.6 pound per day for lambs and 2 pounds per day for Friesian bulls. Chicory contains relatively high levels of minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, and sodium) which are essential for proper animal nutrition.Chicory also contains sesquiterpene lactones and small quantities of condensed tannins. Limited research indicates that these compounds may contribute to gastrointestinal parasite control in small ruminants (e.g., goats and sheep). These compounds may also have a negative affect on palatability and digestibility. Forage chicory is a deep-rooted perennial plant which is drought tolerant and grows well on fertile, well-drained soils. Grasslands Puna, most commonly used in Kentucky, has produced dry matter yields of approximately 3.5 tons per acre in Kentucky. A rotational grazing management system favors forage chicory quantity, quality, and persistence. Bolting must be kept to a minimum for optimal forage production and quality. Forage chicory may be useful as a companion forage with cool-season grasses or legumes and is a high-yielding plant that may improve seasonal distribution of high-quality herbage.

Abbreviated From:CHICORY:

An Alternative Livestock ForageDavid C. Ditsch and Brandon Sears, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

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Tall fescue is widely used as forage, but it also is ideal for waterways, ditch and pond banks, farm lots and lanes.Animals readily graze fescue during April, May, early June and again in the fall, but show reluctance during most of June, July and August. Fescue is one of the best cool-season grasses available for accumulating growth for fall and winter providing much of the fall and winter feed for a beef herd.Tall fescue should be part of a forage system, where adapted. Fescue should be rested during the late summer so the growth can accumulate for fall and winter. If fescue is grazed in the summer, every effort should be made to maintain at least 30% of a legume species.Fescue may be infected with an endophyte fungus. Due to the fungus, animal performance is not as high on fescue as on most other cool-season grasses during the summer. Under these conditions, maintaining a legume with the fescue dilutes the level of ingested fungus. Incorporating a legume also increases forage production during the summer. Fungus-free varieties, such as Illinois 96, Mozark and Martin also lessen the problem.Fescue has more resistance to low temperatures than orchard grass, brome grass, timothy or reed canary grass. Leaves remain green later into the winter than other pasture grasses.Despite the retention of leaves, fescue grows very little after October 15 in Illinois. If fescue produces up to its potential, 60 to 70 percent of its total production will occur by July 1. Most of the later growth occurs in August and September. Therefore, nitrogen fertilizer to stimulate fall growth on straight fescue sods should be applied in the late summer. Dry matter produced after August 1 in several Illinois trials indicate that 30-60 pounds of nitrogen would be enough to encourage optimum production during the late summer.The greatest benefits for stockpiling fescue occur, from nitrogen; however, don’t forget phosphorus and potassium. Soil testing is the best way to determine phosphorus and potassium needs. When fertilizing fescue intended for fall and winter use, remember to keep the ration of nitrogen high and to apply it by August 15 so that the fescue has an opportunity to use the nitrogen.To get the best results from stockpiled fescue, the early spring or elongated growth should be removed by haying or clipping by June 1. Many producers harvest a seed crop from the fescue and then stockpile the re-growth for winter use. If a good seed crop is desired the following year, clipping the fescue soon after seed harvest is essential. Removing excess growth after seed harvest will improve quality of fall stockpiles.If pure fescue stands are used for hay, high yields can be expected if fertilizer - especially nitrogen - is applied during the winter or very early spring. Fescue to be used for hay should receive at least 60 pounds of nitrogen during winter. Phosphorus and potassium may be applied anytime during the year.Fescue will withstand closer grazing and more abuse than most cool-season grasses. But can be overgrazed to the point that vigor as well as production is reduced. Don’t graze closer than three or four inches, and allow at least 30 days for the fescue to recover.

Variety Seeding Vigor 3 yr. total yield ton/acre average ton/acre

KY31 (Infected) 3.8 11.31 3.77

JesupMaxQ 2.3 11.27 3.76

Select 2 11.05 3.68

BarOptima PLVSE 34 2.8 10.97 3.66

Noria 3 10.87 3.62

Orchard grass is leafy, productive and adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions. Seedlings are competitive enough to withstand competition from weeds and other plants. Once established, Orchard grass will survive many years if properly managed. Suited for pasture, hay, green chop and silage. Can be utilized alone or in a combination with legumes.If soil fertility is low, a large portion of the total production of orchard grass occurs in the spring, whereas at high fertility levels, production is well distributed throughout the growing season. Orchard grass is more heat tolerant than timothy or Kentucky bluegrass, but is less heat tolerant than smooth bromegrass or tall fescue. Grows rapidly in cool temperatures and is especially productive in early spring, and reasonably productive in late fall, but less so than tall fescue.The optimum daytime temperature for growth of orchard grass is about 70 degrees. However the combination of a daytime temperature of 71.5 degrees and a nighttime temperature of 53.5 degrees is most favorable for the production of top growth. Temperatures above 82 degrees greatly reduce growth and tillering. Orchard grass is shade tolerant, and is found growing in many areas where there is reduced light. Orchard grass can also withstand high light intensity.Orchard grass is more drought tolerant than either timothy or Kentucky bluegrass, but smooth bromegrass is more drought tolerant than orchard grass and is better adapted to areas that have a combination of low rainfall and high temperature. Drought tolerance of orchard grass probably is related to its extensive root system. Orchard grass persists and grows well on soils that have moderately poor drainage, but does not tolerate flooding or wet soils as well as reed canary grass.

Variety Seeding Vigor 4 yr. total yield ton/acre

Average ton/Acre

Paiute2 3 10.18 2.55

Benchmark Plus 4 10.15 2.54

Profit 3.5 10.07 2.52

Persist 4 9.99 2.50

Checkmate 3.5 9.95 2.49

2010 Orchard Grass ReportUniversity of Kentucky

2010 Tall Fescue ReportUniversity of Kentucky

Abbreviated From:

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Grazing in Illinois

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Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that was introduced from Europe. Because of its sod-forming ability, bluegrass is well suited for erosion control and recreational uses. Bluegrass is very compatible when grown with other grasses and legumes.Bluegrass is adapted to well-drained, loamy or heavier textured soils. It does best in soils with a pH of 5.3 or higher that are of limestone origin.Bluegrass is able to withstand the pressure of heavy grazing. If grazed excessively, though, plants may not recover.When other species of grasses are grazed heavily, they die, enabling bluegrass to spread and eventually dominate the pasture.Bluegrass provides excellent forage during the spring. During this lush growth period, it will have a protein content of 20 percent.To improve forage yields, plant bluegrass with legumes such as ladino clover, Korean lespedeza, red clover, alfalfa and bird’s-foot trefoil.Bluegrass should not be grazed until it reaches a height of six inches, and it should not be grazed closer than three inches.When bluegrass has been properly grazed, allow at least 21 days for it to recover before resuming grazing.Lime and fertilizer should be applied according to a soil test. Bluegrass is recommended for grazing, but seldom is recommended for use as a hay crop.

Variety Seeding Vigor 4 yr. total yield ton/acre

Average ton/Acre

Kenblue 4 8.83 2.21

Ginger 3.3 7.86 1.97

RAD-5 1 6.85 1.71

RAD-339 3.5 6.72 1.68

RAD-762 2.5 6.27 1.57

Timothy is a cool-season bunchgrass that is best suited for hay production due to being a bunchgrass, and leaves open areas at ground level. Timothy is well suited for wildlife plantings. However, Timothy is not recommended for erosion control because of the shallow root system. Timothy is not drought tolerant, but cold tolerant, and lives longer in cool, humid regions.Timothy can be grazed, but management is necessary to avoid close grazing by livestock. Timothy is a medium-to-late maturing grass with peak periods of production in late spring and fall.Timothy is best managed for livestock grazing when planted in pure stands with redtop or in a mixture with any legume except alfalfa.Grazing should not begin until the grass has grown six to eight inches tall, and should not be grazed closer than three inches.When cut for hay, timothy cures clean and relatively free of dust and to nitrogen and phosphate. These should be applied in accordance with soil tests.If timothy is cut at the early head stage and the nitrogen rate is high, stands will be reduced.Research shows Timothy is best cut before the early bloom stage has ended. At early bloom growth stage, plant quality, quantity and palatability is very high.Management contributes to higher, long-term yields, and more growth is left for the pasture in the late summer and fall.The first cutting of timothy and clover mixtures will be mostly clover. However, by the second or third year, most of the clover will have died.The lack of competition between grass and clover, combined with the nitrogen clover roots, results in higher grass yields.Early-cut timothy has a laxative effect on horses. Because of the higher levels of protein, calcium and vitamins, a timothy and legume mixture is recommended for colts and brood mares.Timothy is very palatable, and is favored by horse owners and dairy and beef cattle producers.

Variety Seeding Vigor 3 yr. total yield ton/acre average ton/acre

Treasure 3.3 12.89 4.30

Talon 3 12.61 4.20

Derby 2.3 12.44 4.15

Climax 2.3 11.43 3.81

Clair 1 10.7 3.57

Smooth bromegrass will begin growth in late March or early April, with peak growth in May and early June.• Grows into early summer better than most cool-season grasses. A second smaller growth peak will take place in September and October if soil moisture is adequate.• Species compares favorably to orchard grass, reed canary grass and tall fescue in total productivity, and may provide the highest spring yields. In addition, Smooth Bromegrass is probably the most winter hardy of the cool-season grass species listed above.• Nutrient value and palatability for grazing livestock makes it one of the best cool- season grasses for pasture use.• Usesamixtureofsmoothbromegrassandalfalfahasprovedtobeapopularpasture mixture, and provides added wildlife benefits to the planting.• Legumeaddsfeedvaluewhilethegrassinthemixturereducesthedangerofbloat.• Too early, continuous spring grazing can damage productivity of the stand. Grazing management that provides short periods of grazing followed by adequate rest periods will ensure vigorous productive pastures, whether planted as a single species or as a mixture in pastures.• Requires a higher level of nutrient management than some species of cool-

season grasses if the stand is to remain productive. Stands can become sod-bound unless they are kept well fertilized or mechanically renovated.

Smooth bromegrass should not be confused with many, less desirable annual or at best short-lived perennial cousins.

Variety Seeding Vigor 2 yr. total yield ton/acre

Average ton/Acre

MacBeth-Meadow 3.8 7.42 3.71

Bigfoot-Meadow 2.6 6.22 3.11

Olga-Smooth 3 5.91 2.96

Canerbury-Mt. 4.3 5.76 2.88

2010 Brome ReportUniversity of Kentucky

2010 Bluegrass ReportUniversity of Kentucky

2010 Timothy ReportUniversity of Kentucky

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September

NovemberLegumes Cool Season AnnualsCool Season Perennials Warm-season forages

2010 Alfalfa Report

University of Kentucky

Variety Seeding Vigor 4 yr. total yield ton/acre

Average ton/Acre

Expedition 5 20.24 5.06

L447HD 4.8 19.47 4.87

Perform 5 19.07 4.77

WL355RR 4.8 18.82 4.71

DKA 41-18RR 4.3 18.79 4.70

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a high-quality, short-lived, perennial legume that is used in mixed or pure stands for pasture, hay, silage, green chop, soil improvement, and wildlife habitat. This species is adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. Stands of improved varieties are generally productive for two-and-a-half to three years, with the highest yields occurring in the year following establishment. Red clover is used primarily as a renovation legume for grass pastures. It is a dominant forage legume in Kentucky because it is relatively easy to establish and has high forage quality, high yield, and animal acceptance.

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is a low-growing, perennial pasture legume with white flowers. It differs from red clover in that the stems (stolons) grow along the surface of the soil and can form adventitious roots that may lead to the development of new plants. Three types of white clover grow in Kentucky: Dutch, intermediate, and ladino. Dutch white clover, sometimes called common, naturally occurs in many Kentucky pastures and even lawns. It is generally long lived and reseeds readily, but its small leaves and low growth habit result in low forage yield. The intermediate type is a cross between ladino and Dutch white clover and has been developed to give higher yields than the Dutch type and to persist better than the ladino type under pasture or continuous grazing conditions. Ladino white clover has larger leaves and taller growth than the intermediate and Dutch types and is the highest yielding of the three white clover types. Information on the grazing tolerance of white clover varieties can be found in the 2010 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report.

This is an approximation of the growing patterns for different types of forages.

Legume Forages

University of Kentucky

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Eastern gamagrass is a bunchgrass that produces short, thick rhizomes near the soil surface. It is among the highest quality native warm-season grasses, with high palatability and digestibility and one of the longest growing seasons. Individual plants grow in size as the surface rhizomes spread outward forming large circular clumps over time, with the center often becoming open after a few years. Leaves of eastern gamagrass emerge from the base of the clump and may easily reach a length of 3 or more feet, with the seedheads extending to 6 to 7 feet. The seeds are large and enclosed in a cylindrical seed coat, and tend to have high levels of seed dormancy. Seed treatments such as wet-chilling are usually required to increase seed germination, and as a result many companies sell treated seed. Eastern gamagrass does best on deep, well-drained soils but can withstand short periods of flooding. Corn planters are usually used to seed eastern gamagrass in 30-inch or narrower rows. Some farmers have even been successful seeding it with a corn crop. Eastern gamagrass is often the preferred native warm-season grass for pasture, but its high quality also produces excellent hay and baleage. The large clumps formed by eastern gamagrass can make for a “bumpy” ride when harvesting for hay, but the high quality forage produced offsets driver discomfort.

Big bluestem is a tall growing (6 to 8 feet) bunchgrass with generally higher forage quality than switchgrass. It also provides excellent wildlife habitat. Yield potential is generally less than switchgrass and eastern gamagrass; however, big bluestem is more drought tolerant and can be grown on poorer soils— especially those that are shallow and steep. The seed are small and have appendages that impede gravity flow through the distribution tubes in most seed drills. Seed can be debearded, but even then, drills with specially modified warm-season grass seed hoppers may be necessary for even seed distribution. Big bluestem produces most of its growth after June 1, a date that coincides with the decline in production of cool-season grasses. Its good forage quality and relative ease of drying make it the preferred native warm-season grass for hay production for beef cattle, horses and other livestock species or it can be used for grazing, especially in July and August.

Switchgrass is a tall growing (4 to 9 feet), wide-leaved grass that produces short rhizomes so that individual plants increase in size over time. The seed are similar in size to orchardgrass and are smooth; unlike other native warm-season grasses switchgrass seed flows easily through most drills. Switchgrass becomes thick stemmed as it matures, so it needs to be harvested at an immature stage (before seed heads emerge) for good quality forage. The first harvest in Kentucky should generally be no later than early June. Blackwell are shorter and better adapted to well-drained (even droughty) soils on side slopes and ridge tops. Upland varieties are generally preferred for forage production, with their smaller stems and higher leaf to stem ratio. Lowland varieties such as Alamo and Kanlow are taller, have coarser stems, and do better on sites that may be flooded for short periods or are somewhat poorly drained. Switchgrass works well as a hay crop but can also be rotationally grazed. It is not preferred in the horse hay market, because species in the Panicum genus have a potential to cause liver damage in horses. Switchgrass has also been recently promoted as a bioenergy crop because of its high biomass production potential even on marginal soils with low inherent pH and fertility. Generally the lowland types are preferred for bioenergy production because they produce high yields even when harvested only once per year in the late fall.

Variety 8 yr. total yield ton/acre average ton/acre

KYAG 9601 36.42 4.55

Wapiti 33.93 4.24

Pawnee 31.21 3.90

Kaw 28.44 3.56

Roundtree 25.18 3.15

2009 Big Bluestem ReportUniversity of Kentucky

Abbreviated From:Native Warm-Season Perennial Grasses for Forage in Kentucky

S. Ray Smith, Garry Lacefield, and Tom Keene, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

Variety 8 yr. total yield ton/acre average ton/acre

Mead County 49.15 6.14

Hart 45.76 5.72

Highlander 44.3 5.54

PMK 24 37.49 4.69

2009 Eastern Gamma Grass ReportUniversity of Kentucky

2009 Switch Grass ReportUniversity of Kentucky

Variety 8 yr. total yield ton/acre average ton/acre

Cave in Rock 49.56 6.20

Alamo 48.08 6.01

KYPV 9504 43.25 5.41

KYPV 9505 41.01 5.13

KYPV 9506 39.69 4.96

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Indiangrass is also a tall growing (5 to 7 feet) bunchgrass that develops thick stems if allowed to mature. It provides excellent wildlife habitat because of its clumpy growth and a canopy that stands up well during the winter. It produces more of its growth later in the summer than the other native warm-season grasses, which makes it a good match for cool-season grasses. Indiangrass yield potential is comparable to that of big bluestem but less than switchgrass and eastern gamagrass. It is very drought tolerant and can be grown on steeper, shallower soils. Indiangrass makes a good hay crop but may be best used for summer grazing. The seed is similar to big bluestem and should be debearded when seeding with traditional seed drills.

Little bluestem is less productive than the other native warm- season grasses. It can be harvested as hay or rotationally grazed, but its lower yield and quality make it best suited for conservation and wildlife habitat plantings. It is usually planted in mixtures with other grass species.

Variety 8 yr. total yield ton/acre average ton/acre

Cheyenne 47.08 5.89

Rumsey 42.38 5.30

Nebraska 54 34.64 4.33

Osage 34.5 4.31

Washington County 33.07 4.13

2009 Indian Grass ReportUniversity of Kentucky

Cool Season Annuals

Annual ryegrass is recognized as one of the highest quality cool-season grasses. In a leafy stage, it is high in protein, digestibility, and many vitamins and minerals. It also is quite palatable to grazing animals. Grazing studies in several Southern states have shown excellent animal performance. Average daily gains of 1.8 to 2.2 pounds, gain per steer of 250 to 350 pounds, and gain per acre of 300 to 450 pounds are common, with many studies showing higher values. As with other grasses, forage quality declines with maturity. Dairy cows with adequate milking potential that are receiving most of the nutrients from grazing vegetative annual ryegrass will produce from 35 to more than 45 pounds of milk per day.

Annual ryegrass can be harvested for hay or silage, or it can be grazed. For the best compromise between yield and quality, cuttings for hay or silage should be made in the boot to early head stage. Rotational stocking is an efficient grazing method to use for annual ryegrass.

Grazing can begin in fall when plants are 8 to 10 inches tall, and it can be grazed to a height of 2 to 3 inches. Because annual ryegrass grows so rapidly in spring, grazing on some paddocks must begin early (4 to 6 inches) to get into the rotation and to utilize as much of the crop as possible in the highest quality stage. Low stocking rates and delayed grazing in spring can result in plants in ungrazed paddocks getting to the seedhead stage before grazing, resulting in lower quality and overall production. Since annual ryegrass recovers quickly after grazing and is very productive during spring when stocking rates are not high enough to utilize growth, harvesting some paddocks as hay or haylage may be necessary.

Abbreviated From:

Annual RyegrassGarry Lacefield, Mike Collins, Jimmy Henning, Tim Phillips, Monroe Rasnake,

Robert Spitaleri, Dan Grigson, and Keenan Turner

Annual Ryegrass ReportsUniversity of Kentucky

Variety Seeding Vigor average ton/acre

Jackson 4.3 3.74

Marshall 3.5 3.63

DH-3 3.3 3.3

Striker 4.3 3.26

Fantastic 2.3 3.07

Variety Seeding Vigor average ton/acre

Acrobat 3 4.99

Marshall 4.3 3.42

Bruiser 4.8 2.24

Jackson 4.3 2.02

Flying A 4.1 1.66

Variety Seeding Vigor average ton/acre

Feaast II 3.5 4.69

Bruiser 4.8 4.35

Jackson 4 4.18

Marshall 4.8 4.15

Gulf 5 3.63

2007

2008

2009

10

ILLINOIS MEAT GOAT PRODUCERS NEWS SPRING 2011Member Directory

Alagna, Pete & Lynda

Sundaze Farm

7687 Rolling Oaks Dr

Riverton Illinois 62561 217-494-4727 lkalagna@yahoo.com

Allen, Rick & Misty

Hill Top Farm

13264 N 250 E Rd

Fairmount Illinois 61841 217-493-6729 allen3@illinois.edu

Anderson, Wade & Mark Fraser

Anderson/Fraser Boer Goats

2211 E CR 800 N

Newman Illinois 61942 217-840-5801 wadeanderson@ecicwireless.com

www.andersonfraserboergoats.com

Argo, Joe Sand Hill Farm

23648 CR 700N

Kilbourne Illinois 62655 309-538-4572 217-415-3982

Belk, Bob D Hill Goats W 1712 Hwy 60

Columbus Wisconsin 53925 262-644-5922 414-916-9950 262-644-0426

Blakely, Scott & Hollie

Blakeley's Bountiful Boers

8076 White Oak Road

Magnolia Illinois 61336 309-364-2950 8blake2236@yahoo.com

Borchsenius, Wayne

Norway Nursery

2369 N 35th Road

Marseilles Illinois 61341 815-496-9208 prairiesimpler@yahoo.com

Boston, Scott Leviticus 16 Goat Ranch

2650 Roth Road

Alexander Illinois 62601 217-886-2039 217-491-1266 sboston6@yahoo.com

Carman, Keith KMC Farms 777 CR 1675 East

Sullivan Illinois 61951 217-752-6593 217-752-6593 kmcfarms@dishmail.net

Chenoweth, Don Mackville Boer Goats

Atwood Illinois 61913 217-840-5242 DonChenowith@hotmail.com

Cook, Richard & Sandy

Rocking C Boer Goats

406 8th Street Jewett Illinois 62435 217-849-2204 217-343-9047 rockincbg@hotmail.com

Cooley, Levi 501 Griggsville Road

New Salem Illinois 62357 217-257-0999 217-653-5627 ccnutter05@yahoo.com

Cocquit, Pat Kewanee Sale Barn, Inc.

25836 N 800th Ave.

Kewanee Illinois 61443 309-856-8806 309-314-0187 www.kewaneesalebarn.com

Curtis, Paul & Becky

Dayhill Farm 2624 E. 28th Rd.

Marseilles Illinois 61341 815-357-1889 815-274-4256 day0610@sbcglobal.net www.dayhillfarm.com

Dean, Sarah Walnut Lane Farm

768 245th Ave. Monmouth Illinois 61462 309-221-9024 309-221-9807 sdean4@mymail.bhc.edu

Diemer, Kim & Kathie, Katie

Diemer's Hill Top Boer Goats

21718 W Ave Hawkeye Iowa 52147 563-429-2311 563-380-7503 diemer@iowatelcom.net www.diemershilltopboergoats.com

Dittmer, Richard Dittmer Angus

2329 E 23rd Marseilles Illinois 61341 815-795-2176

Earle, Robert & Susan, Hannah & Audrey

Batty Goats N 7891 Pleasant Lake Rd

East Troy Wisconsin 53120 262-642-5746 262-492-7891 battygoats@centurytel.net

Ellerbrock, Randy & Beth

Star E Ranch

2745 N 1850th Avenue

Clayton Illinois 62324 217-242-5143 beth@star-e-ranch.com www.star-e-ranch.com

Erwin, Maurice & Kim, Andrew & MacKenzie Bonnie

Lamoni Farms Boer Goats

10163 E State Hwy O

Davis City Iowa 50065 641-223-0023 660-878-6128 lamonifarms@yahho.com www.lamonifarmsboergoats.com

Gates Richards, Charlotte & Mikayla Montgomery

Montgomery Goat Farm

32177 Bernauer Rd

Deer Creek Illinois 61733 309-447-6914 gatesrichards@yahoo.com www.montgomerygoatfarm.webs.com

Getzelman, Ann Fox Prairie Farm

14N326 Getzelman Road

Hampshire Illinois 60140 847-683-2069 ann@foxprairiefarm.com www.foxprairiefarm.com

11

Hadden, Angela Diamond Grove Stock Farms

1582 Hadden Lane

Jacksonville Illinois 62650 217-248-6698 haddenangela@yahoo.com

Hazel, Betty Whispering Willows

14973 CR 2850 E

Easton Illinois 62633 309-303-2219 bettyhazel4@yahoo.com www.whisperingwillowsboers.com

Hofer, Eric HHH Farms Geneseo Illinois 61254 309-944-6905 815-703-4814 ehofer@geneseo.net

Hofer, Jay HHH Farms 12812 Liken Road

Cambridge Illinois 61238 309-937-2273 309-314-8511 jjjhofer@geneso.net

Howard, Matt & Rhonda

Howard Farms

RR2 Box 175 Brownstown Illinois 62418 618-427-3843 rhoward65@ymail.com www.howardboergoats.com

Knack, Mary Ellen Spring Creek Farms

27575 E 2250 North Road

Lexington Illinois 61753 309-238-3434 mkfsthse@frontier.com www.springcreekfarms.org

Leroy, Steve & Cathy

Sleepy Hollow Farm

19200 ECR 1850 North

Havana Illinois 62644 309-543-2217 309-657-6572 sleepyhollow1836@yahoo.com

www.sleepyhollowfarm1836.com

Mahan, Kelly & Saly

Back 2 Nature Boer Goats

3691 Westfield Road

Winnebago Illinois 61088 815-335-1398 Back2NatureBoerGoats@msn.com

www.back2natureboers.com

Medema, Katie & Kaleb

K & K Stock Farm

1577 Yager Road

Prophetstown Illinois 61277 815-535-3009 raymond@thewisp.net

Meyer, Rodney & Lori

Hillside Stock Farm

5611 W 8000 S Road

Chebanse Illinois 60922 815-697-3334 815-791-5088 hillside@hillsideboergoats.com

www.hillsideboergoats.com

Miller, Clause & Paul

Agmills Inc RR2 Box 220 B Rushville Illinois 62681 217-322-2811 217-322-4687 217-322-4687 cjmagmills@yahoo.com

Miller, Thomas J. Flyin "M" Meatgoats

7770 E. 1100th St.

Macomb Illinois 61455 309-333-0395

Muehleip, Betsy Ten Strike Ranch

1233 N. Franklin Street

Galena Illinois 61036 815-777-9556 815-541-0003 815-777-4077 tenstrikeranch@hotmail.com

www.freewebs.com/tenstrike123

Murphy, Eric & Shari

Thistle Creek Farm

11412 Otter Creek Drive

Lanark Illinois 61046 815-291-3656 815-291-3546 thistlecreekfarm@live.com

Namchick, John & Lesa

Namchick Farms Boer Goats

3725 S. Broadway Road

Braceville Illinois 60407 817-798-0042 lesanamchick@yahoo.com www.namchickfarmsboergoats.com

Overbye, Jo Overbye Acres

1178 CR 2500 E

Homer Illinois 61849 217-896-2132

Patten, Tom & Susie

Little Creek Farm

15831 Hazel Road

Morrison Illinois 61270 815-772-7593 815-499-9193 nyepatten@hotmail.com

Paulek, Craig CAP Farms 2346 North 18 East Rd

Stonington Illinois 62567 217-254-0991 craig@pistoriusfarms.com www.capfarms.com

Rosenboom, Roland

TriFecta Boer Goats

3029 N 900 E Clifton Illinois 60927 815-694-2333 815-252-2333 815-694-2335 Roland@RosenboomRealty.com

www.RosenboomRealty.com

Rowley, John & Debbie

Rock Creek Goat & Hay Farm

13570 Chambers Road

Petersburg Illinois 62675 217-632-4323 217-725-4401 janddrowley@gmail.com

Sauder, John Full Quiver Farm

18443 Straub Road

Pekin Illinois 61554 309-925-3156 john.sauder.family@gmail.com

Schmidt, Joe & Nathatlie, Anna

Sunnybrook Farm

3131 E 18th Rd

Ottawa Illinois 61350 815-433-0175 deerefarmer1@yahoo.com

Schrock, Kenny & Melissa

Dry Ridge Farm

1469 CR 2500 N

Arthur Illinois 61911 217-578-2522 217-246-0117 mschrock1@gmail.com www.dryridgeboers.com

Showalter, Chad Sandy Pines Boer Goats

PO Box 56 Kilbourne Illinois 62655 309-338-2960 toughford28@yahoo.com

Stockstill, Travis South Forty Farms

6060 Rocky Hollow Farms

Butler Illinois 62015 217-246-5370 travstockstill@consolidated.net

www.south40farms.com

Strubbe, Larry & Janet

Pine View Acres

2165 Strawn Crossing Rd

Jacksonville Illinois 62650 217-248-9042 217-248-8737 jk-strubbe@live.com

12

ILLINOIS MEAT GOAT PRODUCERS NEWS WINTER 2010Classifieds

Bucks For Sale Does For SaleBuck for sale: born 9-2-09  he is a Wide Load son with  Powell/Holman on dame side. His registered name is AABG You Should Be Scared. He has 11 show points on him.  He is long and thick and has  made some big kids for us this year.  $1500  Call Katie Diemer at 563-380-7506  Diemer's Hill Top Boer Goats                                                          

Do you have something to sell or trade? Please contact us to get your classified ad listed here.

1) Member Only - FREE2) Must list specific items (not general "goats for sale")3) Ad will be posted for 3 months4) May request early removal5) Inappropriate ads may be refused

Taylor, David & Christine

Taylor Ridge Farm

5415 W Beecher Rd

Peotone Illinois 60468 708-258-6539 708-258-6539 info@taylorridgegoats.com

www.taylorridgegoats.com

Taylor, Mike & Lori

345 95th Street Roseville Illinois 61743 309-774-4273 309-337-9049

Thomas, Dave & Donna

Thomas Farms

19128 Cheney's Grove Rd

Bloomington Illinois 61705 309-275-7795 thomasboers@msn.com www.thomasboers.com

Thomas, Dave, Matt Ruddick, Jeremy Cantlin

TRC Select Genetics

19128 Cheney's Grove Rd

Bloomington Illinois 61705 815-414-1350 309-275-7795 www.trcgenetics.com

Thompson, Greg Runway Boer Goats

1650 N 1400th Avenue

Quincy Illinois 62305 217-344-5477 217-653-3982

Thorp, Vern & Susan

Windrush Farm

1959 Highway 63

New Sharon Iowa 50207 641-672-2049 neverthorp@aol.com www.windrushboers.com

Tibbs, Jerry & Linda

JL's Farmalls

27294 CR 2240 North

Topeka Illinois 61567 309-597-6037 309-253-6037 jtibbs@ntslink.net

Wetherell, Deric & Sheila, Michael & Mikayla

Wetherell Farm

779 CR 800 E Tolono Illinois 61880 217-485-5285 217-898-9358 dpwether@yahoo.com www.wetherellfarm.com

Wolf, Terry N 7050 Cnty Rd A

Argyle Wisconsin 53504 608-543-9820

Woodburn, Darcy All Creatures Great & Small Boer Goat Farm

21820 N 975 East Rd

Pontiac Illinois 61764 815-842-3375 815-848-1617 dawoody1969@live.com

Worthington, Kristy

KGW Farms PO Box 90 Scales Mound

Illinois 61075 815-541-7698 kgwfarms@wildblue.net www.kgwfarms.com

York, Karen & Bill Powell

Key Ranch N183 County Road K

Sharon Wisconsin 53585 262-736-4001 262-271-4510 262-736-4001 york49@gmail.com www.keyranch-boers.com

A few November 2010 does for sale.Please visit our website at http://www.springcreekfarms.org For Sale page for pictures and pedigrees." You can call us on 309-238-3434 or email us at mkfsthse@frontier.com                         

Namchick Farms Does For Sale:Blue Gainey's V65 (open doe) 10393853 12/6/06 (1-1 teated)NF13 Tushy of Color (open doe) 10448925 10/17/08 (1-1 teated)Lazy Raven Minx (exposed doe to NF13 Big Debut) 10455410 2/20/09 (1-1 teated) For more information please contact Lesa Namchick lesanamchick@yahoo.com817-798-0042 www.namchickfarmsboergoats.com

FOR SALE:RRL Lazy Raven Sundance Ennobled 10418379 (buck) 12/29/2007NF13 Mr Big 10484193 9/28/2009NF13 Big Rock 10531693 10/4/10NF13 McGarrett 10531675 1/30/11 (1-1 teated)NF13 Drinkin' Dark Whiskey 10531692 2/20/11 (1-1 teated)NF13 I Am the Walrus 10532214 3/6/11 (1-1 teated)NF13 Big Time 10532216 3/18/11 (1-1 teated)NF13 Big Shot 10532218 3/21/11 (1-1 teated)NF13 Lookin' for Trouble 10532220 4/2/11 For more information please contact Lesa Namchick lesanamchick@yahoo.com817-798-0042 www.namchickfarmsboergoats.com

WE HAVE A SENIOR, YEARLING, AND SEVERAL YOUNG BUCKS FOR SALE. ALL ARE SHOW QUALITY AND THEY ARE PRICED STARTING AT $300. WE ALSO HAVE SOME HIGH QUALITY YOUNG DOES FOR SALE. SOME ARE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE WITH MORE TO COME SOON TAKE A LOOK ANDERSONFRASERBOERGOATS.COM.  YOU CAN SHOOT ME AN EMAIL AT WADEANDERSON@ECICWIRELESS.COM OR CALL AT 217-840-5801. 

13

4th Saturday of each monthGoat PoolRushville, ILContact Clause Miller; Agmills, Inc.Call: 217-322-4687Email: cjmagmills@yahoo.com 1st Tuesday of every monthGoat & Sheep SaleSouthern Illinois Sale BarnGoreville, IL6 PMFor more information, contact Chris Ray - 618-889-3281or Kevin Kirby - 618-889-9390  June 25 & 26, 2011Henry County Fair ABGA Open Boer Goat ShowHenry County Fairgrounds; Cambridge, ILJudges: TBAwww.henrycountyfairil.com July 2, 2011Schuyler County Fair ABGA Open Boer Goat ShowSchuyler County Fairgrounds; Rushville, ILJudge: Mark BerryIMGP Points will be counted July 8, 2011Morgan County Fair Open Jr. ShowJacksonville, IL July 16, 2011WIU Buck TestWestern Illinois University; Macomb, IL2011 WIU Buck Test

2011 WIU Buck Test Benefits for IMGP members

July 16-17, 2011Mid-American Boer Goat ClassicBureau County FairgroundsPrinceton, ILEntry Fee: $17/class or $30 for both- Due by 7/8/11No Late Entries!!No Pen FeesSat. Judge: Kent DavidsonSun. Judge: David "Chip" KempSeminar and meal will be held Saturday eveningPen sale to be held in conjunction with show - $8/hd for IMGP members or $10 for non-membersIMGP Points will be countedCheck back later for more details 

July 23, 2011Southern Iowa Fair ABGA Open Meat & Boer GoatsSouthern Iowa FairgroundsOskaloosa, IowaJudge: TBAFor more information, contact Paula Middlesworth, 641-777-9210www.southerniowafair.com July 24, 2011Rock Island County FairSanctioned ABGA/Illinois Wether Series Show$100 for Champion & $50 for Reserve WetherMoline, ILJudge: Jesse Kimmelwww.rockislandcountyfair.homestead.com July 30 & 31, 2011Adams County Fair Open Boer Goat ShowAdams County FairgroundsMendon, ILJudges: TBAIMGP points will be counted

August 6, 20112011 Tall Corn ABGA Open Meat & Boer GoatsWashington County FairgroundsWashington, IowaJudge: Robert WashingtonFor more information, contact Susan Thorp, 641-660-1388 August 7, 2011Prairie Thunder / Kankakee County ABGA Boer Goat and Wether ShowKankakee County Fairoff of I-57 at Exit 308 then south one mileEntry Fee: $5/headPen Fees: $3Judge: David "Chip" KempPremium Money on every classFor more information,   Rodney Meyer hillside@hillsideboergoats.com or 815-791-5088Entries will be available at www.kankakeefair.org and www.hillsideboergoats.com

 

August 7, 2011Tall Corn Meat Goat JackpotWahsington County FairgroundsWashington, IowaOnly those wethers purchased at the Tall Corn Sale on 4/23/2011 at the Kalona Sales Barn are eligible to showJudge:  Reggie PhillipsFor more information, contact Susan Thorp, 641-660-1388 August 7, 20112011 Tall Corn ABGA Open Meat & Boer GoatsWashington County FairgroundsWashington, IowaJudge: Reggie PhillipsOpen show follows the Tall Corn Jackpot Wether ShowFor more information, contact Susan Thorp, 641-660-1388 August 21, 2011Iowa State Fair ABGA Boer Goat ShowMore info later September 10, 2011IMGP Fall Goat GalaTwo Shows in One Day!!!!!Illinois State FairgroundsSpringfield, ILEntry Fee: $17/class or $30 for both- Due by 9/2/11No Late Entries!!No Pen FeesAM Judge: David CarterPM Judge: TBAPen sale to be held in conjunction with show - $8/hd for IMGP members or $10 for non-membersIMGP Points will be countedCheck back later for more details September 9-11, 2011Iowa Meat Goat Association Show weekendAnnual Meeting Sept. 9ABGA Sanctioned shows Sept 10 & 11Contact Curt Rush, 712-249-7861 

I’ve had my

beauty sleep. Now its

Show Time!

Mark Your Calendars

ILLINOIS MEAT GOAT PRODUCERS NEWS SPRING 2011

IMGP Newsletter 3000 Tuttle Creek Bvl. #21 Manhattan, KS 66502

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