Many livestock producers and hunters throughout the Winn Parish area are making plans or have already planted their winter forage crops. Many of these producers will be planting mixtures of ryegrass and clovers for their livestock. Hunters will be planting wildlife mixes for the deer and turkeys.

Over the years many have seen their fall winter forage crops not produce to the full potential due to not providing the needed nutrients in the soil. A soil sample will provide the information needed to help in the development of a good fertilization and liming schedule for your winter forage crops. With most fall/winter forage mixes that include clover, if the producer finds it is not reaching its full production potential, the problem generally is related to a soil pH problem. Many soils in Winn Parish are on the acidic side of the pH scale and will require lime to raise the pH to around a 6-6.5 pH to see a good stand of clover.

Clover is a great addition to any forage production program. When done right it can and will reduce some of the fertilizer costs. As many of you know, fertilizer costs have been increasing, so we need to learn to cut cost by correctly applying it.

Below are some examples of crops planted for livestock and wildlife for fall and winter forage:

Many of these planting recommendations are from the Southern Forages Production Handbook. For more information, contact county agent Donny Moon at 318-628-4528.