Hopkins County Forages "Thriving"
With Wet Spring Rains

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Most of us have gripped about the rain and muddy conditions in Hopkins County, this spring. However, as a result of an extremely wet winter and spring, in the area, Hopkins County agriculture is "reaping the benefits" with outstanding forages and grazing for cattle. "It's just amazing how much forage we have," expressed one local beef cattle rancher, this week. "It was rough trying to get the cattle through the winter and a prolonged period of cold, wet weather, but now that the grass has arrived, the cattle look good and are thriving on the excellent grazing."

Many, many local farmers and ranchers were "short" on hay, for the past winter, because of the extreme winter and a rainy fall in 2009, that didn't allow them to preserve the last cutting of hay. "We were 'tight' for hay supplies and were forced to ration it throughout the winter, forcing additional purchases of protein to make it through the winter," allowed another local cattleman. "And, the cattle just didn't winter very well with the colder than usual temperatures and having to exist in extremely muddy conditions all winter!"

 

Just a couple of months ago, cattle in Hopkins County were in need of additional forage and
protein supplements, because of a wet fall, winter, and spring.

 

 

However, now that the springtime has finally arrived, most cattlemen will agree that they have some of the best forages that they've experienced in a while. The grasses are growing rapidly and the cattle have all gained weight and are "looking good."

 

 

Hay producers have been in the fields already, and are reporting an abundance of forage in the first cutting, this year.

 

Local hay producers have already been in the fields and are reporting a good first cutting of hay,
this season.

 

"We need something to go right for a change!" exclaimed another local agriculturalist. "We experienced a tough, tough fall, winter and spring and the prices of agricultural products haven't been the most profitable, with the downturn in the economy, so maybe 'Mother Nature' is going to at least cooperate for a spell!"

 

This beef cow in Hopkins County, near Como, shows evidence of good forages and gaining weight,
from the grasses that are plentiful, from adequate spring moisture.

 

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