Researchers seek answers to improve pasture forage
ally October or November, then dries up around late April or early May,” Larsen said. “Annual forage production follows a pattern, with germination in the fall with sufficient rainfall, followed by a slow- growth period through the winter, fol- lowed by a rapid-growth phase inMarch or April.” The researchers found that rainfall had the greatest impact not only on how much forage grew but also on the mix of plants in the pasture and the speed with
University of California Cooperative Extension watershed and natural re- sources farmadvisor based inTempleton. “Have you wondered how much of that feed is lost through the dry months as it sits in the sun?” Larsen was part of a team of UC re- searchers that studied changes in forage quantity and quality over the course of the season at 25 Central Coast locations. The research spanned a three-year pe- riod that included wet and dry periods. “On annual rangelands, forage growth begins with germination in the fall, usu-
ByBob Johnson Ranchers looking to save on feed costs by saving a share of their pasture for later in the season face a grim fact of life: The forage the animals eat in the fall will not be the same as the lush greens they nor- mally see. Deadlines near for farm photo, best dog contests Entry deadlines are approaching for two California Farm Bureau contests. One honors amateur photography that showcases theGoldenState’s agricultural bounty and the other celebrates the great farmdogs of California. The40thannualCaliforniaFarmBureau PhotoContest offers $2,500 in cash prizes. This year’s theme, “Member Reflections,” encourages Farm Bureau members who are amateur photographers to enter pho- tos depicting farm, ranch or food images. Photos could include farmanimals, crops being grown or harvested, rural scenery, fresh or plated food, and people working and livingona farmor ranch. There areno specific categories for entries. Participants maysubmitasmanyas fivehigh-resolution digital photos or prints. All entries must be postmarked or sub- mittedonlineby Sept. 30. Entry forms and official contest rules are available online atwww.cfbf.com/photocontest andwww. californiabountiful.com, and fromcounty FarmBureaus. Entrieswill be eligible for oneof 12 cash prizes, ranging from $50 up to the $1,000 Grand Prize. The contest is open tomem- bers of countyFarmBureaus inCalifornia. In addition to the general competition, photographers younger than 14 as of Sept. 30, 2021, and who are children or depen- dents of Farm Bureau members, are in- vited to submit photos as Budding Artists. Presentedby theCaliforniaFoundationfor Agriculture intheClassroom, this category awardsa first-placeprizeof $250andasec- ond-place prize of $100. Meanwhile, entries will be accepted throughSept. 17 for aFarmBureaucontest asking farmers and ranchers to describe howtheirdogenriches their lives andsup- ports them in their jobs. The contest, with support fromNationwide, offers a $1,000 Grand Prize award and other prizes of $500, $250and$100. Entrantsmust submit a brief story about their dog, plus asmany as four photos. LindseySwall, asixth-generationfarmer fromTulare, submitted the winning entry in the inaugural California Farm Bureau FarmDog Contest last year. Jade, a 4-year- oldblackLabrador retriever, was noted for her duck-hunting skills and the compan- ionship she provided to the family, as well asher fondness for thefamily’swalnutcrop. For full contest information, see www. cfbf.com/farmdogcontest.
University of California research- ers caution that the decline in forage quantity and quality through the hot, dry months must be considered when devising a year-long pasture manage- ment plan. “Have you ever planned on saving pastures, banking feed until later in the summer or fall?” asked Royce Larsen,
See FORAGE, Page 19
2021 California Farm Bureau
PHOTO CONTEST
2020 Grand Prize winner
$2,500 in prizes!
Any amateur photographer who is a member of a county Farm Bureau in California can participate. Not a member? Join today at cfbf.com/join. AGRICULTURE THROUGH YOUR LENS What does California’s agricultural bounty mean to you? Show us with photos such as: Fresh food—plated or in the field Rural scenery Animals, crops and harvests Life, work and family on the farm or ranch
PRIZES All ages $1,000 Grand Prize $500 First Place $250 Second Place $100 Third Place $50 Honorable Mention (six winners) Budding Artists (ages 13 and younger) $250 First Place $100 Second Place
It’s easy to enter: Submit up to five print or high-resolution digital photos. Enter online or postmark by Sept. 30. Go to cfbf.com/photocontest to find rules and forms, enter or see past winners. Or email photocontest@cfbf.com for rules and entry forms.
August 25, 2021 Ag Alert 13
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