ALAMO Alamo Switchgrass The Ultimate Biomass Crop - has produced as much as 15 Tons/Acre. Valuable as livestock forage, wildlife habitat, erosion control and biofuel source. ... and indiangrass provide excellent warm-season grass pasture that can be continuously stocked for the entire summer if cattle are turned in when the grass is 10 to 12 inches tall (mid- to late June). – Nearly 100% of switchgrass and miscanthus is sold. Switchgrass has also been tapped as forage for beef cattle. In addition, switchgrass is being researched as a potential biomass crop to produce energy. Switchgrass is a warm-season perennial bunchgrass native to much of the United States. summer grazing in pasture systems for beef cattle. It is highly adaptable to a wide range of soils and growing conditions. A research project has been designed to examine the economic feasibility of utilizing switchgrass in a dual-purpose production system that allows for 1) springtime grazing by stocker cattle and 2) fall biomass production that can be harvested and delivered to … He talked about it's attributes as far as being used for bio-fuel, however, his talk about switchgrass as a cattle forage is what really got my attention. Switchgrass is a popular species to include in prairie restorations and CRP plantings. Livestock avoid these plants when mature and in turn increase grazing pressure on other desirable native plant species such as little bluestem (Fig. Monte Rouquette Jr., ...Gerald R. Smith, in Management Strategies for Sustainable Cattle Production in Southern Pastures, 2020. Surplus switchgrass is sold for silt socks, cattle feed and other byproducts. Switchgrass produces large seeds on a spangled-type seed head. Generally, grazing of switchgrass needs to begin before the cool-season forage is depleted or switchgrass will be too far ahead of the cattle. Switchgrass is forage grown in Tennessee that could soon be a source for gasoline - possibly reducing our nation's dependance on foreign oil. For in-stance, Burns, Mochrie, and Timothy [16]reportedthat switchgrass pastures evaluated in North Carolina maintained a long growing season and had a valuable impact on average daily gain. One of its benefits is that it is low in potassium relative to the more commonly used wheat straw. High potassium levels can cause problems for dairy cattle, especially if they are calving during a dry season. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a summer perennial grass that is native to North America.It is a natural component of the native tall-grass prairie which covered most of the Great Plains, as well as the south and eastern United States. Species Description and Varieties Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L) is a tall, rhizomatous Switchgrass is a perennial native grass found predominantly throughout the Great Plains region of the United States, but is highly adaptable to many other climates and soil types. Alamo switchgrass is a selection released in 1978 by the USDA Soil Conservation Service in Texas in cooperation with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. Pastures dominated by switchgrass are abundant throughout Nebraska and adjoining states. Two years ago, we used sheep to plant a diverse mixture of cover crops and perennial pasture plants. Start grazing when switchgrass is 10 to 12 inches tall and graze heavily so it is grazed down to about 4 inches in 2 to 3 weeks. Originally intended for alternative energy production or as ingredients into plant-based plastics and other bioproducts, these crops are increasingly in demand by farmers as livestock bedding for dairy or beef cattle, broiler chickens, sheep or even deep-bedded pigs. Managed correctly, these pastures can be a good source of grazing or hay for cattle. Switchgrass. Switchgrass is a tall grass native to the American Midwest. Switchgrass is widely adapted and found throughout the United States with the exception of the West Coast. So, there are lots of advantages of growing green fodder of your own. A thick stand of Switchgrass makes excellent winter and early spring wildlife cover because of its ability to remain in an upright position when covered with snow or ice. Surplus switchgrass is sold for silt socks, cattle feed and other byproducts. Performs well on a wide range of soils. Switch grass, Panicum virgatum, is one of many native prairie grasses that have been developed as ornamental grasses.Switchgrass – also called tall panic grass, tall prairiegrass, wild redtop, thatchgrass, and other common names – is one of the main species of grasses of the North American tallgrass prairie, ranging from southern Canada (south of latitude 55°N) to Mexico over most … It is also known as tall panic grass, blackbent, Wobsqua grass, and thatchgrass.Switchgrass is used for a wide range of applications and has been notably mentioned as a possible source of biomass for fuels such as ethanol.. Switchgrass is good for feeding cattle and other livestock. Switchgrass may also be a more economically advantageous choice for some dairy farmers. For beef cattle benefits is that it is highly adaptable to a wide range climatic. Found in prairie lowlands, but will grow under wide range of climatic.. 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