Hay Management Research Articles

Yield and nutritive quality of forage legumes on reclaimed surface mined land

Legumes are important in the long-term nitrogen economy of surface mined lands and for establishing and maintaining quality livestock forage. Little information is available to reclamation specialist for use in selection of forage legume species based on productivity potential, persistence and nutritive quality for livestock. A study was initiated at two sites in the Appalachian coal fields of Kentucky to evaluate monocultures of alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) under management regimes suitable for livestock production. Legumes were harvested at the early bloom stage throughout the growing season for dry matter (DM) yield determination. Forage quality was determined by measuring crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose (CEL) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). High DM yields were produced by all species during the first production season (range 6.2-9.2 Mg ha-1) but yields of all species declined rapidly by year three. Birdsfoot trefoil demonstrated slightly greater drought tolerance during mid-season (July/August) than alfalfa and red clover. With the exception of site #1 in 1992 (4 harvests), no more than 3 harvests were made during a single growing season. Crude protein concentration of these forage legumes was found to be within the range commonly measured on undisturbed lands. However, high NDF and ADF values where observed above those reported by others for the same species. These results indicate that it may be difficult to maintain a high level of productivity throughout the five-year bonding period under hay management. Management practices such as summer stockpiling may be necessary to compensate for the rapid and wide fluctuations in DM yield and quality due to low water-holding capacity of mine spoils.

Harvest management and N-fertilization effects on yield and regrowth of smooth bromegrass, crested wheatgrass, and meadow bromegrass in the eastern prairies

Little information exists describing how pasture-type grasses such as meadow bromegrass (Bromus biebersteinii Roem & Schult.; MBR) may differ from hay-type grasses such as crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.; CWG) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.; SBR) in terms of DMY response to harvest and fertilizer management. In a 3-yr field trial at Brandon, MB harvest management (two-cut hay management or three- to four-cut simulated pasture management) and nitrogen fertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 kg N ha−1) were examined for their interactive effects on DMY and percent regrowth of CWG, MBR, and SBR Grasses managed under a two-cut hay system generally had greater (P < 0.05) DMY and lower (P < 0.05) percent regrowth than grasses managed under a three- to four-cut simulated pasture system. There were few consistent differences in DMY between grass species with relative ranking and significance changing between site-years. However, percent regrowth of MBR was always greater (P < 0 05) than either CWG or SBR, indicating its value in rotational grazing systems. Generally, MBR responded to N-fertilizer in a similar manner to CWG and SBR. Nitrogen fertilization increased (P < 0.0001) total DMY linearly m all site-years with an apparent optimum of greater than 160 kg N ha−1 yr−1, but percent regrowth did not respond in a consistent manner. Environment, management, and grass species, respectively, accounted for 38.4, 33.2, and 0.6% of the total variation in DMY, emphasizing their relative impact on yield of dryland grasses. Key words: Grass, fertilization, hay, pasture, nitrogen

Strategic change and organizational culture at hay management consultants

In summer 1994 Hay Management Consultants responded to market and stakeholder demands by embarking on a strategic change program which aims at transforming the way the organization operates over a 5-year period. Experience from leading and researching the change process suggests, among other things, that diagnosing and considering the implications of organizational culture at the initial stages of a change programme, as well as conducting subsequent periodic cultural audits, is extremely helpful to its effective management. Moreover, the case highlights important issues relating to the management of knowledge workers in the context of strategic change. Within a simplified framework of strategic decision-making we discuss the importance and role of organizational culture in strategic change programmes, as well as other change management issues and lessons arising from this case. In so doing we illustrate the use of a potent diagnostic tool—the ‘cultural web’—which has assisted the executive to plan and manage the change process and is currently used for monitoring the change.

Canopy Management Influences on Cool‐Season Grass Quality and Simulated Livestock Performance

AbstractInadequate energy intake across the grazing season can be a major limitation to performance of grazing ruminants. A small‐plot experiment was conducted to determine the effect of repeated defoliation, based on canopy height and on the quantity and quality of tall fescue × perennial ryegrass (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. × Lolium perenne L.) hybrid, orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), and prairie grass (Bromus catharticus M. Vahl) in the Central Appalachian Region of the USA. Energy determined from herbage quality data was used to predict growing steer performance. Early and repeated defoliation (T50, 20‐cm canopy cut to 10‐cm residue; S50, 10‐cm canopy cut to 5‐cm residue; and T75, 20‐cm canopy cut to 5‐cm residue) of the grasses resulted in greater herbage crude protein (CP) (202, 226, and 189 g kg−1, respectively) and lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations (591, 572, and 596 kg−1, respectively) compared with the hay management (hay harvested at early seed head emergence followed by T75 management; 152 g CP kg−1 and 620 g NDF kg−1). Cumulative metabolizable energy yield on a 1000‐ha basis tended to be highest for hay (62 138 MJ ha−1) and T75 (49 678 MJ ha−1), compared with S50 (40 373 MJ ha−1) and T50 (28 457 MJ ha−1) simply because of greater herbage mass. Greatest average daily gain was predicted when 250‐kg steers grazed T50 (0.81 kg d−1) compared with S50 (0.70 kg d−1) and T75 ( 0.71 kg d−1). Total number of grazing days per hectare was lowest for T50 (431 d), compared with S50 (580 d) and T75 (690 d). Total annual gain was greater for T75 (690 kg liveweight ha−1) management than for S50 (580 kg ha−1) or T50 (436 kg ha−1). Using herbage earlier in spring before maturation may compromise total herbage productivity, but should sustain a greater number of grazing days and livestock productivity for a given land area.

Effects of fire and hay management on abundance of prairie butterflies

In transect surveys during summer 1988–1993 at 86 tallgrass prairies in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin USA, 80,906 butterflies of 90 species were counted. Individuals were recorded with respect to habitat, type of management (burning or haying), and number of growing seasons since last management. The effects of recent management were analyzed separately for 34 species while controlling for other factors affecting variability in abundance (geography, flight period, weather, yearly fluctuation, vegetation quality and type, patch size, site diversity). While each butterfly species had its own individual response to fire, the prairie specialists (Oarisma poweshiek, Hesperia ottoe, H. dacotae, H. leonardus, Atrytone arogos, Speyeria idalia) showed the most negative effect from fire, which may persist for 3–5+ years. The broader the habitat adaptation, the more over-represented the species tended to be in more recently burned areas and the more under-represented in longer unburned areas. Fire also appeared to affect butterfly abundance based on the species' number of generations per year, vagility, location during fire, and response of their key plants to fire. Specialist numbers were much higher in hayed than burned prairies, while invaders and generalists did not decline markedly with haying. Habitat maintenance with haying is much more favorable for prairie-specialist butterflies than burning.

Growth Rate of Herbage Initially Dominated by Reed Canarygrass or Tall Fescue

Herbage growth rates may fluctuate during the growing season. Yet decisions concerning herbage management, particularly in pastures, are based partially on expected production. No comprehensive study of herbage growth rates has been conducted in southern New England. Such information could be used to better predict seasonal availability of forage. The objective of this study was to determine herbage growth rates using swards initially dominated by reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) or tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). A 2 by 4 factorial experiment was conducted between 1988 and 1990 for reed canarygrass and in 1990 for tall fescue. Treatments were (i) N rates (125 and 250 lb/acre per year) and (ii) date of initial harvest (four initial spring harvest dates, each taken at weekly intervals). Regrowth was harvested at monthly intervals from each plot. Yield estimates obtained throughout the growing season were used to calculate growth rates using a reiterative pooled estimate procedure. Growth rates of both species peaked in early-mid May, producing 60 to 105 lb dry matter (DM)/acre per day. Patterns of growth rates following this peak varied with year. Growth rates in 1990 were similar for swards initially dominated by either species. Growth rates and dry matter yields were greater for herbage fertilized with 250 lb N/acre than for the lower N rate. Seasonal herbage growth rate patterns were similar at the two N rates, however. The varying growth rates observed over years and within seasons suggest that hay and pasture management must be site-specific

Differences among orchardgrass cultivars in response to hay and rotational grazing management

This study was conducted to compare orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) cultivar performance under contrasting management systems (hay vs. rotational grazing) during the first two production years. The trial consisted of eight orchardgrass cultivars broadcast seeded in a randomized complete-block design, with three replications. The perimeter of each replication was fenced, and the area was divided into two sections. The first section was managed as a simulated hay production system. The second section was managed by simulating a rotational grazing system using crossbred ewes. Dry matter (DM) yield was determined before harvesting or grazing. Tiller density (TD) and leaf area index (LAI) were measured on four cultivars prior to harvesting and grazing. Excellent DM yield and persistence were obtained from all cultivars in both years under hay management but varied considerably under grazing management. Cultivar ranking according to DM yield under hay management was different from ranking based on performance under pasture management. One group of four cultivars had a decrease in yield of 19.9% in the second year of grazing, over the first year, but yield of the remaining group increased by 5.7% (SED = 9.83). Production of hay was similar for both groups. Early-maturing cultivars yielded 7% more DM and had higher crop growth rates (CGR), LAI and TD than late-maturing cultivars. Growth characteristics of orchardgrass cultivars as measured by DM yield, CGR, LAI and TD were modified by management practice. As a result, evaluating orchardgrass varieties under a hay management system was not effective in determining their performance under grazing. Key words:Dactylis glomerata, cultivar evaluation, cultivar development, grazing, yield, yield components

Impact of Grazing Management on Soil Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulfur Distribution.

Little information is available directly comparing soil nutrient distribution under different defoliation managements. During 1990 (116 d) and 1991 (141 d), 'Callie' bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon var. aridus Harlan et de Wet) pastures grazed by Holstein heifers (Bos taurus) were used to determine the effects of two rotational stocking methods and continuous stocking on lateral and vertical distribution of extractable N, P, K, and S. A hay management also was included to compare soil responses under grazing and clipping. Nutrient distribution and concentration in the Ap1 horizon (0- to 15-cm soil depth) did not differ among grazing methods, but N, P, and K accumulated in the third of the pastures closest to shade, water sources, and supplement feeders (lounging areas where cattle tend to congregate or rest). Similar observations were made with K in the Ap2 horizon (15- to 30-cm soil depth). Nutrient concentrations were lower or tended to be lower in the Ap1 horizon of the hay management than in grazed pastures because of nutrient removal in harvested herbage. Across defoliation managements, greater extractable N, P, and K concentrations were observed in the Ap1 horizon in 1991 than in 1990. For N and K, this was attributed to fertilizer inputs in all managements and partially to supplemental feed inputs in grazed pastures. Increases in extractable P appeared to be associated primarily with flooding of the experimental site in late 1991. This study suggests that grazing method of well-managed pastures may have little effect on short-term (2 yr) soil nutrient distribution, especially when grazing occurs during months when temperatures are high.

Component yields and quality of binary mixtures of lucerne and perennial, Italian or short rotation hybrid ryegrass

AbstractStudies were conducted to characterize sward dynamics of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and perennial, Italian or short rotation hybrid rye‐grass (Lolium perenne L. and L. multiflorum Lam.) binary mixtures under hay management. Lucerne/timothy (Phleum pratense L.) mixtures were included as controls. The study was conducted on two farms in central Pennsylvania, USA on Hagerstown silt loams (fine, mixed, mesic hapludalf). Total dry matter yield, grass yield and yield of digestible dry matter were higher for tetraploid perennial and tetraploid Italian ryegrass mixtures than for timothy mixtures. Seasonal production differed for the three kinds of ryegrass. Italian ryegrass dry matter yields were higher in cuts 2 and 3 than perennial ryegrass yields. Grass yields represented 34%, 24% and 12% of total yields of the Italian, perennial or short rotation, and timothy mixtures, respectively. However, herbage in vitro dry matter digestibility of Italian was lower than that of perennial ryegrass.The tetraploid perennial ryegrasses Grimalda and Reveille had high‐ranking N concentrations more frequently than other cultivars, while Bar‐vestra and Reveille tetraploid perennials and Bison short rotation ryegrass had high‐ranking dry matter digestibility values more frequently than the other cultivars. Perennial ryegrass cultivars and Lipo tetraploid Italian ryegrass persisted well for 4 years and produced higher yields with a lower weed content than timothy mixtures. It is concluded that perennial ryegrasses and Lipo Italian ryegrass should be recommended over timothy, as companion grasses with lucerne.

Management of talent

Decisions about people in corporations are often taken on the most superficial basis — in contrast to other fields of managerial decision-making. Not least for demographic reasons, encouraging talent in corporations has become vital in the 1990s. With reference to the experience of clients of Hay Management Consultants, Tjerk Hooghiemstra presents a framework for the successful management of talent which includes formulae developed by Hay for competency profiling and assessing leadership styles and work climate in the immediate environment. In the end, behavioural and personal qualities appear to be essential.

Legume Compatibility of Reed Canarygrass Clones Related to Agronomic and Other Morphological Traits

Legume compatibility, the ability of a forage grass genotype to persist in a legume mixture without losing the legume stand, is needed in genetic materials intended for use in perennial grass‐legume mixtures, but limited information exists about appropriate selection criteria for forage grass compatibility with legumes. Data on nine agronomic and morphological traits of 14 reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) clones grown alone were used to explain their compatibility with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) in binary mixtures subjected to a hay management. A second objective was to choose traits to use as components of a selection index for legume compatibility. Data on the nine traits of the 14 clones grown alone were summarized by principal component analysis. The nine first principal components were then reorganized into three uncorrelated factors, each of which described a different combination of principal components. Clones with high Factor I scores exhibited some combination of high dry‐matter yield (DMY), high tiller weight, early maturity, and height. Clones with high Factor 2 scores exhibited some combination of high DMY, high tiller density, high leaf area per ground area, and low rhizomatous spreading ability. Clones with high Factor 3 scores exhibited some combination of high specific leaf weight, low leaf area per ground area, and erectness of leaves. Factors 1 and 2 were equally important in describing the variability among the 14 clones, and Factor 3 was about 30% less important. Factors 1 and 2 often explained variability for reed canarygrass DMY and legume concentration in alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil mixtures, but Factor 3 was never significant (P > 0.10). Selection on a spaced‐plant basis for higher DMY, early maturity, increased height, higher tiller density, and lower rhizomatous spreading ability should improve the legume compatibility of reed canarygrass in legume‐dominated stands managed for hay production.

Downsizing: A structured approach for lasting gains

National Productivity ReviewVolume 6, Issue 3 p. 257-265 Article Downsizing: A structured approach for lasting gains† Kevin W. Tourangeau, Kevin W. Tourangeau Kevin W. Tourangeau is a vice-president of Hay Management Consultants. Located in Chicago, he has national responsibility for heading up Hay's practice in the area of corporate reorganizations, of which downsizing is a major component. He has also provided executive training in productivity improvement and written several books, including Strategy Management: How to Plan, Execute and Control Strategic Plans for Your Business (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1981)Search for more papers by this author Kevin W. Tourangeau, Kevin W. Tourangeau Kevin W. Tourangeau is a vice-president of Hay Management Consultants. Located in Chicago, he has national responsibility for heading up Hay's practice in the area of corporate reorganizations, of which downsizing is a major component. He has also provided executive training in productivity improvement and written several books, including Strategy Management: How to Plan, Execute and Control Strategic Plans for Your Business (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1981)Search for more papers by this author First published: Summer 1987 https://doi.org/10.1002/npr.4040060308Citations: 7 † If properly implemented, downsizing can achieve basic structural improvements in terms of both organization design and work flow. AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume6, Issue3Summer 1987Pages 257-265 RelatedInformation

Floral Induction and Forage Yield and Quality of Sparse‐Flowering Orchardgrass Synthetics1

The purpose of this research was to ascertain the genetic control of reproductive tiller production in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and to determine whether sparse panicle production affects.forage yield and quality. We postulated that sparse‐flowering synthetic would retain forage quality longer than normal cultivars as reproductive tillers mature in late spring and early summer. In the greenhouse, up to 12 weeks of cool, short days were required before some orchardgrass plants would flower under long‐day conditions. The response of progeny from three crosses to floral induction treatments suggested that a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors controls the onset and rate of reproductive tiller production. Reciprocal differences were not observed. Syn 2 generation of synthetics, that produced relatively few flowering tillers when grown in the northeastern USA, flowered and produced satisfactory seed yields at Prosser, Wash.In the field under a hay management cutting system, the most sparse‐flowering synthetic had slightly lower first harvest forage yield in June. than the check cultivars, possibly because dry matter was produced rapidly by the flowering culms of the cultivars. The absence of significant differences among entries for in vitro dry matter disappearance or lignin concentration suggests that the synthetics and cultivars were similar in forage quality. Thus, the experimental strains exhibited no apparent improvement in forage production or quality.

A comparison of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), hybrid ryegrass (Lolium perenne × L. multiflorum) and timothy (Phleum pratense) under different systems of management

AbstractAn Italian ryegrass (cv. RvP), a tetraploid hybrid ryegrass (Sabrina), and an early heading timothy (Scots), were compared under 3‐cut silage plus aftermath, 5‐cut early bite‐hay‐aftermath and 6‐cut simulated grazing managements over 2 harvest years 1974–75. Annual nitrogen applications totalled 375 kg ha−1 N for the silage and grazing systems and 325 kg ha−1 for the early bite‐hay‐aftermath treatment.In 1974, the first harvest year, RvP and Sabrina outyielded Scots timothy. In the dry summer of 1975 the drought tolerance and persistency of Sabrina was superior to RvP, but both grasses gave low yields (approx. 10·0 ha−1 DM under the conservation managements) and showed a marked fall in production compared with the first year, by RvP of 35% and by Sabrina of 25%. Scots timothy in the second year equalled the ryegrass in total DM yield under the hay management system. Over the 2 years RvP and Sabrina gave similar yields, which were 10% better than Scots timothy, under all managements.RvP and Sabrina are equally suitable for silage production, but second and third silage cuts of RvP require shorter regrowth periods than Sabrina for good quality herbage. Sabrina will also provide leafier grazing than RvP.

The will to work

At a time when the earning power and authority of management is being undermined by political and economic forces, executive job motivation is more vital than ever , says William Younger, managing director of Hay Management Consultants. For, as Younger argues, the country's economic revival depends heavily on the manager's will to work.

A PRELIMINARY TRIAL ON THE SPRING GRAZING OF LUCERNE

In a trial at Wairakei Research Station, the effect of three spring grazing managements on subsequent summer and early autumn hay production of lucerne was assessed relative to hay management over the entire period. Overall the two rotational grazing treatments where the lucerne was grazed at an immature stage of growth (grazed at 12 to 15 cm, and at 25 to 30 cm) reduced subsequent production in two hay cuts by 20% and IS%, respectively. A rapid rotation of 4 days at a stocking rate of 30 hoggets/ha where the stocking rate was in harmony with the lucerne growth had an unexpectedly small effect on subsequent lucerne production. The intermittent grazing treatments allowed greater weed ingress than the rapid rotational or hayed treatments. Spring production was reduced, compared with hay production, by 58% by the two intermittent grazing treatments and while no permanent harm was done to the lucerne stands these systems cannot be recommended because of tht: large losses. Where it is necessary to graze the early spring growth of lucerne, the rapid rotational system at a light rate appears to be a suitable method but this should be changed to rotational grazing of mature lucerne as soon as possible, because of the assumed lower production under the former system.

Yield of Sudangrass Varieties as Affected by Time and Frequency of Cutting1

SynopsisFour Sudangrass varieties produced much less dry matter when harvested under the pasture system than when harvested under the hay system. Cutting date had no effect on the rank of the varieties in herbage production under hay management. Disease susceptible varieties tend to produce relatively less dry matter than disease resistant varieties, at the hay rather than the pasture system of management, and at the late rather than the early cutting dates within the hay system of management.