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Serving Princeton, Rosewood, Brogden, E. Johnston Co., W. Wayne Co., North Carolina |
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HeadlinesRosewood's Best named Wayne Co. Teacher of the Year Young pastor balances two churches as new Dad Smooth sailing for beginning of school year Clayton Harvest Festival scheduled Byrd, Thompson wed at Lane Tree Football: PHS defense strong in 14-0 loss to N. Moore Football: RHS even up with Southside shutout Volleyball: Rosewood opens with win Detention officer class at WCC Drought report from Extension Service
Photos This week's photo gallery Obituaries Mildred C. Denning, Barbara J. Everette, Gary C. Faircloth, Beulah E. Howell, Pamela A. Neil Movies War Local Showtimes
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Drought report from Extension ServiceBryant M. Spivey, County Extension Director 29 August 2007 — Everyone knows that Johnston County is in a major drought and has been abnormally dry in some areas since late May. According to the NC Drought Management Advisory Council (www.ncdrought.org), Johnston County is in the midst of a severe drought. Two categories, which are more severe, exist and are designated as extreme and exceptional. The Southern Piedmont of NC is currently designated as extreme drought conditions while the western mountains are designated as exceptional drought. The fact that temperatures have been above normal for a month or so only serves to increase difficulties for agriculture in Johnston County. The following official rainfall data provides some information to quantify the drought in Johnston County. Smithfield Rainfall: Clayton Rainfall: This data is not an adequate representation for the entire county. Some parts of the county have rainfall deficits that are much greater than the data from Smithfield and Clayton suggest. While this official data is not an adequate representation for the entire county, it is the best verifiable information that could be located. The drought conditions have resulted in severe impacts on Johnston County crops. Corn, cotton, soybeans, sweet potatoes, tobacco and nurseries are all affected by reduced yields and quality. In addition, pastures have produced limited forage for livestock and many producers have been feeding hay for two months. Many farmers report that hay yields are reduced greater than 50% when compared to normal years and a good portion of this hay has been fed to livestock due to poor pasture growth. NC Cooperative Extension has educational resources to assist with drought management. Please visit the NC Cooperative Extension Drought Information website (www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster/drought) for information to assist with the current drought. On this website you can find information on topics such as cotton, livestock, alternative livestock feed, baling of crop residue, nitrate management, nursery crops, gardens, landscapes, turfgrass, and others. You can also contact the Johnston County Extension Center (www.johnston.ces.ncsu.edu) at (919) 989-5380 for assistance from Extension Agents. Cow Herd Management During Drought The drought that is affecting the entire state of North Carolina is resulting in poor pasture conditions, reduced drinking water supplies, and a critical hay shortage in Johnston County. In past droughts we have moved a lot of hay into the state in a relief effort, but this drought is regional, so pasture conditions and hay supplies are also critical in surrounding states. Due to our poor pasture conditions and short hay supply, it is critical to develop a plan now that will get you through the fall and winter. Your local Cooperative Extension Agent has the knowledge of drought management strategies and other animal management considerations and is ready to help with planning. Given the current situation, all producers should critically evaluate their herd. First, any calves of marketable size should be sold, given we are enjoying good calf prices. Any cows that are not pregnant and don’t have a calf should be sold immediately. Older cows with worn teeth and cows that are due to calve late in the calving season should also be considered for early sale. If you plan to stay in the cattle business, decide which cows to keep no matter what. That way you can rebuild your herd in coming years. At a minimum, these would be the replacement heifers and young cows that have shown they can raise a good quality calf. These animals represent the best genetics you have, and every effort should be made to feed them appropriately so they raise a calf and breed back on time. Plan on growing as much forage as you can this fall by using fall fertilization after rains come and/or by planting winter annuals such as rye, wheat, or ryegrass. Plan to graze the forage you do grow as efficiently as possible using rotational or strip-grazing techniques. Given the shortage of hay, and likely insufficient pasture, seek out alternative feed sources. Crop residues, such as corn stalks, soybean residue and cotton residue, can be used if rations are properly balanced. Drought-damaged crops, such as corn or soybeans, can also be harvested for silage or hay. Cows can also glean crop fields if toxic weeds are not present. Alternative concentrates can also be fed as most of the cow’s diet, assuming she does have access to a minimum amount of forage. Corn gluten feed, soybean hulls, and wheat middlings are economical alternative feeds for cows. Other sources of feed may also be available locally. When using unusual feeds, an understanding of feeding management issues is critical so ask for advice. Getting through this drought with a high quality herd in good condition will take careful planning. Your Cooperative Extension agent, Ron Hughes, is prepared to help you develop your plan. Animal and crop science specialists across the state are working on strategies to help producers, and the Cooperative Extension center in Johnston County is your front door to this help. Call (919) 989-5380 or come by for more information.
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