Sat Feb 11 2012
The University of Kentucky Extension Forage Specialists have provided updated comments on factors that have contributed to the abundance of clover in 2010. They have been in regular contact with livestock producers and industry throughout the state and have heard about and seen the overabundance of white clover in many pastures this year. This has raised concerns about bloat and a number of farmers have experienced cattle death losses because of bloat.
There are several reasons for the high percentage of white clover this year. Ironically the drought years of 2007 and 2008 set the stage. During those years many pastures in Kentucky were overgrazed due to restricted plant growth and they simply could not sustain the number of cattle on most farms. Even the pastures that were not overgrazed had thin stands as many pasture plants died due to drought.
Simply put, there just was not enough forage to support the normal number of cattle raised on Kentucky farms. When normal precipitation returned during the fall of 2008 and spring of 2009 white clover that had been dormant in the soil for years had bare soil and perfect conditions to germinate and grow.
Throughout 2009 clover continued to germinate and grow leading to a higher than average abundance. Additionally, the abnormally cool moist conditions during 2009 were perfect for white clover to spread due to aboveground runners or stolons. Ample precipitation continued during the fall of 2009 and spring of 2010 allowing additional seed to germinate and more spreading to occur and clover seemed to take over many pastures.
In short, the clover abundance of 2010 goes back four years with bare ground caused by drought in 2007 and 2008, and above average precipitation and cool growing conditions during 2009 and 2010. And although clover is very high quality and desirable as forage, too much clover can lead to bloat in grazing cattle.
Kentucky Grazing School
The second 2010 Kentucky Grazing School will be held Aug. 9-10 at the Woodford County Extension Office and UK Animal Research Center in Versailles. The grazing school focus will be on extending the grazing season, the value of shade and water, and summer grazing options. Participants will also work together in designing and building temporary pastures and watering systems, calculating pasture production, and determining stocking rates.
Participants will learn how to design a rotational grazing system for their farm, and receive classroom instruction on all aspects of forage and livestock production related to grazing systems. Go to the UK Forage website for more information and a registration form (www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage), or contact Adam Probst if you have any questions, adam.probst@uky.edu or (859) 257-0597.
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