Johnsongrass is easily spotted in pastures and hayfields because it grows in bunches that tend to be taller than the forages present. It is a warm-season perennial and can be drought tolerant. Johnsongrass can be grazed and often has good nutritional value, but has to be managed for it’s times of stress.
When in times of stress, which tend to be drought or early frosts in our area, johnsongrass can be poisonous to livestock because of levels of prussic acid and nitrates. Prussic acid will dissipate from cut hay by the time it dries enough to be baled, but nitrates will not. Hay with stressed johnsongrass present needs to be tested to determine its safety before feeding.
Looking to make better use of your pastures? Check out this resource that maps out what to take into consideration when implementing rotational grazing. It's a long read but covers a lot of helpful information.
If you have sheep or goats and are looking for more information on a variety of topics- check out the Small Ruminants Extension Website for updated information, events, and opportunities.
Spring is upon us and it is tempting to plant anything we can get our hands on! Pasture grasses and other forages have a variety of needs in relation to planting, so be sure to check out the NC Forage Planting Guide. Warm vs Cool season, annual vs perennial, region of the state, and more all factor into when it is best to plant forages.
A few things to double check using the guide are:
-- Recommended planting date for our region (Mountain) -- Recommended planting DEPTH -- Seeding Rate changes for Broadcast vs Drilled
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
