Stocker Cattle Research Articles

Performance of stocker cattle grazing 2 sorghum-sudangrass hybrids under various stocking rates

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Summer annual forages are a practical roughage source for stocker cattle operations because of their high yield potential. A 2-yr study was conducted to compare the performance of steers grazing 2 different varieties of sorghum-sudangrass hybrids at different stocking rates. Brown midrib (BMR) and photoperiod-sensitive (PS) sorghum-sudangrass hybrids were selected based on differences in nutritional value and yield. Twelve experimental pastures (6 per variety) were established and grazed by steers (231 ± 4 kg) for 84 d each year at stocking rates ranging from 2.33 to 4.10 animal units per hectare per 84 d (3.6 to 6.4 steers/ha). Initial (0 d), intermediate (28 and 56 d), and final (84 d) cattle BW was used to calculate ADG and gain per hectare. Forage samples were also collected at 28-d intervals to assess quality and quantity of standing forage. Regression analysis was used to compare cattle production on BMR and PS forage varieties. A curvilinear model with stocking rate and forage variety best fit the data, accounting for 73 and 72% of the variation in ADG and gain per hectare, respectively. At light to moderate stocking rates, ADG and gain per hectare were greater for the BMR; whereas the PS maintained BW gain at greater stocking rates. Our results indicate that cattle grazing these sorghum-sudangrass forages were capable of gaining over 1 kg/steer per day and up to 437 kg/ha over an 84-d grazing season, but response was dependent on forage variety and stocking rate of experimental pastures.

Production and Economics of Grazing Rye–Annual Ryegrass and Tall Fescue Systems

Use of cool‐season perennial grasses may decrease annual establishment cost and improve returns to stocker cattle producers. The objective of this 5‐yr field study was to compare the performance of two stocker cattle grazing forage systems: cool‐season annual (rye [Secale cereale L.]–annual ryegrass [Lolium multiflorum Lam.]) vs. cool‐season perennial tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort; formerly Festuca arundinacea Schreb., ‘Texoma’], with a nontoxic endophyte (MaxQ II). Paddocks of four replicates consisted of a cereal rye and annual ryegrass mixture that was planted annually in early September 2005 through 2009, whereas tall fescue was planted once in late September 2005. Steers (273 ± 55 kg initial body weight) were weighed every 28 d of each grazing season, and stocking rates were adjusted with put‐and‐take steers based on forage mass. In each 28‐d grazing period, forage mass, forage nutritive value, and stocker average daily gain (ADG) and total gain (TG) were measured. Animals performed well in both systems with ADG of 1.05 and 0.93 kg d−1, and TG of 491 and 349 kg ha−1 for rye–annual ryegrass and tall fescue, respectively. The 5‐yr average annual production cost was less for the tall fescue system ($336 ha−1) than for the rye–annual ryegrass system ($455 ha−1). The assumed amortization of the tall fescue was especially influential on net return; with a 5‐yr amortization, net return was greater for the rye–annual ryegrass ($279 ha−1) than for the tall fescue ($217 ha−1) system, but with 12‐yr amortization, the net return of these two systems was identical.

Genetic components of grey cattle in Estonia as revealed by microsatellite analysis using two Bayesian clustering methods

BackgroundIt was recently postulated that a few individual grey cattle still found in Estonia might be a relict of the old native cattle stock. Genotypes at 17 microsatellite loci from a total of 243 cattle from North European breeds and 11 grey cattle in Estonia were used in an attempt to clarify the genetic composition of the grey cattle.FindingsWe characterize the genetic components of 11 examples of the grey cattle in Estonia at the population and individual levels. Our results show that the grey cattle in Estonia are most genetically similar to the Holstein-Friesian breed and secondarily to the Estonian Red cattle.ConclusionsBoth Bayesian approaches gave similar results in terms of the identification of numbers of clusters and the estimation of proportions of genetic components. This study suggested that the Estonian grey cattle included in the analysis are a genetic composite resulting from cross-breeding of European dairy breeds.

Supplementing dried distillers grains with solubles to heavy yearling stocker cattle grazing native tallgrass pastures during late summer and fall improves animal performance and carcass characteristics

Introduction Grazing stocker cattle on low-quality forages is a common practice in Kansas; however, animal performance typically is modest. Due to the increasing availability of ethanol co-products, producers may be able to use dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) as a protein source to help increase body weight of stocker cattle grazing native tallgrass pastures during the late summer and fall. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of feeding DDGS to heavy stocker cattle during late summer and fall and to document its effects on animal performance and subsequent carcass characteristics.

Increasing days on feed for heavy short-fed yearling stocker cattle improves carcass characteristics

With increasing feed costs, producers may be able to utilize forage resources to help cattle gain weight before entering a high-concentrate finishing phase. In theory, heavy stocker cattle need less time on feed before slaughter compared to lighter weight cattle; however, research determining the impact of a short feeding system on product quality is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of a shortened, high-concentrate feeding period on carcass characteristics and meat quality traits of heavy yearling stocker cattle.

The role of starlings in the spread of Salmonella within concentrated animal feeding operations

Summary 1. Characterizing and mitigating the disease risks associated with wildlife use of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) can reduce the spread of micro‐organisms throughout the environment while increasing agricultural productivity. To better understand the disease risks associated with bird use of CAFOs, we assessed the capacity of European starlings Sturnus vulgaris to spread Salmonella enterica to cattle, their feed and water. 2. We sampled starlings, cattle feed, cattle water and cattle faeces from 10 CAFOs in Texas, USA. Samples were screened for Salmonella enterica to investigate: (i) the prevalence of S. enterica in starlings using CAFOs, (ii) whether there was a relationship between cattle infections and starling numbers, and (iii) if S. enterica contamination of cattle feed and water was related to numbers of starlings observed on CAFOs. 3. We used generalized linear mixed logistic regression models to assess the importance of starlings, cattle stocking, facility management and environmental variables in the transmission of S. enterica to cattle, feed troughs and water troughs in CAFOs. 4. Starling gastrointestinal tract samples tested positive for S. enterica (2·5% prevalence; 95% CI = 0·3%, 8·6%) and starlings were retained as model covariates in the best supported logistic regression models for S. enterica contamination within cattle feed, water and faeces. 5. Salmonella enterica contamination of both cattle feed troughs and water troughs is significantly related to numbers of starlings. Contamination in cattle feed increased as more starlings entered feed troughs. Contamination in water troughs increased asymptotically as numbers of starlings on CAFOs increased. Starling variables in the cattle faecal shedding model were not significant. 6. Synthesis and applications. The numbers of European starlings better explained S. enterica contamination of cattle feed and water than other variables including cattle stocking, facility management and environmental variables. This suggests that starlings are a source of S. enterica contamination in CAFOs. Thus, starling management tools such as population control, habitat management, exclusionary devises and bird repellents may be used to reduce the amplification and spread of disease within livestock production systems.

A falsa dicotomia entre a preservação da vegetação natural e a produção agropecuária

Este artigo mostra através da análise de dados censitários sobre uso da terra no Brasil que a possível dicotomia entre a preservação da vegetação natural e a produção de alimentos na realidade não existe. Demonstramos que o Brasil já tem uma área desprovida de vegetação natural suficientemente grande para acomodar a expansão da produção agrícola. Demonstramos também que a maior expansão se dá nas áreas ocupadas pelas chamadas culturas de exportação - soja e cana-de-açúcar - e não propriamente nas áreas ocupadas por arroz, feijão e mandioca, que são consumidos de forma direta pelo mercado nacional. Pelo contrário, a área colhida de arroz e feijão tem inclusive decrescido nas últimas décadas, enquanto a área colhida de mandioca encontra-se praticamente constante há quatro décadas. Os maiores entraves para a produção de alimentos no Brasil não se devem a restrições supostamente impostas pelo Código Florestal, mas, sim, à enorme desigualdade na distribuição de terras, a restrição de crédito agrícola ao agricultor que produz alimentos de consumo direto, a falta de assistência técnica que o ajude a aumentar a sua produtividade, a falta de investimentos em infraestrutura para armazenamento e escoamento da produção agrícola, a restrições de financiamento e priorização do desenvolvimento e tecnologia que permita um aumento expressivo na lotação de nossas pastagens,

Productivity, utilization, and nutritive quality of dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) as influenced by stocking density and rest period under continuous or rotational stocking

Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) is well adapted to the Black Belt physiographic region of the southeastern United States, and information on its productivity and nutritive quality as influenced by grazing management is needed. In a 2-yr grazing experiment, replicate 0.40-ha paddocks in established dallisgrass pasture were continuously stocked, or replicate 0.40-ha paddocks were subdivided into two 0.20-ha (RS2), three 0.13-ha (RS3), or four 0.10-ha (RS4) cells and rotationally stocked with yearling beef steers. Individual cells within the RS2, RS3, and RS4 treatments were stocked for 7 d followed by 7, 14, or 21 d of rest, respectively. In 2007, 3 Angus × Simmental crossbred steers (initial BW, 354 ± 6 kg) were assigned randomly to each paddock on July 16; in 2008, 3 Angus × Simmental crossbred steers (initial BW, 310 ± 6 kg) were assigned randomly to each paddock on July 14. In 2007, there was no effect (P = 0.25) of stocking treatment on ADG. Steers grazing RS4, RS2, and continuously stocked paddocks had 106 (P = 0.01), 86 (P = 0.03), and 83 (P = 0.03) kg greater total BW gain per ha, respectively, than steers grazing RS3 paddocks. In 2008, there were no differences among treatments in ADG (P = 0.43) or total BW gain per ha (P = 0.90). Correlation and regression analyses revealed positive associations between steer performance and forage concentration of CP, areal mass (kg/ha) of forage DM, and areal mass of forage CP. Results indicate that productivity and quality of dallisgrass for stocker cattle production were comparable between continuous and rotational-stocking methods.

Crude Protein and Nitrate Concentrations of Fall Forage for Stocker Cattle: Wheat vs. Perennial Cool‐Season Grasses

ABSTRACTWinter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) pastures are a primary source of cool‐season forage used by stocker cattle (Bos taurus L.) in the southern Great Plains. Replacing some wheat pasture with perennial cool‐season grasses (PCSGs) could reduce uncertainties of sufficient fall forage and annual tillage operations. Wheat forage is capable of producing stocker weight gains &gt;1.4 kg d−1, but wheat can accumulate nitrate that poses a health risk to stockers. Levels of crude protein (CP) and nitrate in fall forage clipped 4 yr (2002–2005), from replicated pastures of winter wheat and two PCSG pastures established in 2001 (‘Jose’ tall wheatgrass [Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Z.‐W. Liu &amp; R.‐C. Wang], ‘Manska’ intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth &amp; D.R. Dewey], and one PCSG pasture established in 2002 [‘Lincoln’ smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss)], were compared. Forage levels of CP in PCSGs were &gt;148 g kg−1 dry wt., but were 21 to 37% less than that of wheat (244 ± 3 g kg−1). Mean nitrate‐N levels of wheat were 400, 1400, 4600, and 840 mg kg−1 in 2002 through 2005, respectively. Among the PCSGs, nitrate‐N did not exceed 660 mg kg−1 The CP levels of PCSGs were often substantially less than that of wheat, but were sufficient for growth of stocker calves. Nitrate risks that sometimes occurred with wheat would make PCSGs a safer choice for pasture.

Montado management effects on the abundance and conservation of reptiles in Alentejo, Southern Portugal

This study was carried out in the Iberian-Mediterranean region of Alentejo (Southern Portugal) to discover which ‘montado’ management practices significantly affected reptile variables (abundance, richness). Field surveys on 30 sampling plots allowed us to identify 370 individuals distributed among 12 terrestrial reptile species (six lizards, one amphisbaenid and five colubrid snakes). The lizard Psammodromus algirus was the dominant species (n = 297 individuals). The highest species richness was comprised of five species, whilst two or three species were recorded in two-thirds of the sampling plots. Principal component analysis over management variables accounted for 71.8% of the total variance and subsequently helped to reveal four agrosilvopastoral types. Among them, the highest reptile abundance largely overlapped the cork oak montado, while higher cattle stocking rates were estimated (trampling index) to occur in the holm oak areas, affecting significantly the reptiles. Regression models also showed that both reptile abundance and richness were significantly related to montado areas, where the shrub layer is well preserved and cattle are either absent or present at low stocking rates. Adequate management of montado, preserving the shrub patchwork, is crucial for the conservation of reptiles. Livestock stocking rates should also be maintained at a sustainable level of 0.2–0.4 cattle/ha.

Economic Favorability of Feeding Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles and Round-Bale Silage to Stocker Cattle

It is common for stocker operators to buy calves in the spring and sell them as feeder cattle in the fall. Economic favorability of various stocker systems based on animal response is largely untested. A systems grazing study was conducted to compare net returns of 2 different forage management practices with a control. A spring group and a fall group of steers were stocked in each of 3 treatments for 2 yr. All 3 treatments [control, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and silage] were rotationally stocked with equivalent stocking density and number of paddocks. The control treatment was rotationally stocked only, with no additional feed or forage management. The DDGS treatment was the same as the control treatment except that DDGS was fed to steers based on forage nutritive value. The silage treatment had excess spring-produced forage removed, stored, and fed back to steers as roundbale silage. Both the DDGS and silage treatments had positive returns above the control for both the spring and fall groups. The spring group returned US $0.18 and $0.08 per steer/d above the control group for the silage and DDGS treatments, respectively. The fall silage group returned US $0.28 per steer/d above the control group, whereas the DDGS group returned US $0.49 per steer/d above the control. In each case, and based on a range of costs associated with the silage and DDGS treatments, it is economically beneficial to increase management above rotationally stocking only of stocker cattle from spring to fall.

Integrated Grazing and Prescribed Fire Restoration Strategies in a Mesquite Savanna: III. Ranch-Scale Cow–Calf Production Responses

Beef cattle production from rangelands in the Southern Great Plains has decreased in concert with herbaceous forage production declines in response to woody plant encroachment by honey mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) over the past 120 yr. Combinations of livestock overstocking and fire suppression are considered to be primary drivers of these changes. This experiment evaluated cow–calf production responses over a 7-yr (1995–2001) period to ranch-scale (1 294–2 130 ha) integrated restoration strategies involving prescribed fire and grazing management . Restoration strategies tested in this year-round grazing ecosystem were 4-pasture, 1-herd rotation with fire (25% of pasture acreage burned each year; 4:1F); an 8-pasture, 1-herd rotation, with fire (8:1F); and a 4-pasture, 1-herd, with fire and aerial application of 0.28 kg · ha −1 clopyralid + 0.28 kg · ha −1 triclopyr herbicide (4:1F / H). Restoration strategies were compared to a continuous grazing strategy with no mesquite treatment. All cattle stocking rates were moderate (7.5–15 ha · animal unit −1 · year −1 ) and all fires were applied during late winter. Beef cattle (cow–calf) production variables measured included conception rate, weaned calf percentage, weaning weight , weight of calf per exposed cow, weight of calf per hectare, and supplement fed per cow. We observed significant differences in beef production among strategies primarily during the first 2 yr where the continuous grazing strategy exhibited better overall livestock production than the integrated restoration strategies. Differences in livestock production among strategies were minimal over the last 5 yr of the study. These livestock production results suggest livestock and management adapted to restoration strategies after the first 2 yr. Results point to the need to cautiously transition into integrated grazing and fire restoration strategies when cattle and management are changed and intensified from prior historical protocols. La producción de ganado de carne en los agostaderos de las grandes planicies del sur ha disminuido al igual que la producción de herbáceas forrajeras por el incremento de las plantas leñosas como mezquite ( Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) en los últimos 120 años. La combinación del sobre pastoreo y la supresión del fuego se consideran las causas principales de estos cambios. Este experimento evaluó la respuesta de la producción vaca-becerro durante un periodo de 7 años (1995-2001) a la escala de un rancho (1294 a 2 130 ha) usando las estrategias integradas de fuego pre-escrito y manejo del pastoreo. Las estrategias de restauración utilizadas en este ecosistema pastoreado continuamente fueron 4 potreros/ 1 hato con rotación y uso de fuego (quemamos el 25% del área cada año; 4:1Q); y 8 potreros/ 1 hato con rotación y uso del fuego (8:1Q); y 4 potreros, 1 hato con quemas y aplicación aérea de 0.28 kg ha −1 de clopyralid + de 0.28 kg ha −1 de triclopyr (4:1Q/H). Las estrategias de restauración se compararon con una estrategia de pastoreo continuo sin tratamiento de mezquite. Toda la carga animal fue moderada (7.5 a 11 ha/AUA) y todas las quemas se hicieron en la parte final del invierno. Las variables de producción de ganado que se midieron fueron, índice de concepción, porcentaje de becerros destetados, peso al destete, peso del becerro por vaca expuesta, peso del becerro por hectárea y suplemento utilizado por vaca. Se observaron diferencias significativas en la producción de carne entre estrategias; principalmente durante los dos primeros años donde la estrategia de pastoreo contínuo presenta en general mejor producción de ganado que las estrategias integradas de restauración. Las diferencias en la producción ganadera entre estrategias fueron mínimas durante los últimos 5 años del estudio. Estos resultados de la producción de ganado sugieren que el ganado y manejo se adaptaron a las estrategias de restauración después de los 2 primeros años. Los resultados señalan la necesidad de una transición con cautela en la integración de la restauración utilizando las estrategias del fuego y pastoreo cuando se cambia el ganado y el manejo comparando con protocolos anteriores.

Market Power and the Cattle Cycle

AbstractThe relationship between the dynamic cattle cycle and the potential for market power in cattle purchases has rarely been studied. This paper provides a conceptual framework showing how the cattle cycle and buyer market power are related. Not only does a larger cattle stock lead to a lower fed cattle price, but the cattle stock's negative effect on price is magnified by the degree of buyer market power in cattle procurement. Empirical findings support the posited theoretical relationships and help explain why previous researchers reached different conclusions regarding the extent of market power in the industry.

Pass-through in United States beef cattle prices: a test of Ricardian rent theory

Feeder cattle are fattened to become fed live cattle 6 months later, and the feeder cattle stock is fixed in the short-run. Efficiency in competitive markets suggests feeder cattle prices should fully reflect feed prices and information on future fed cattle prices. Employing a long time series (1979–2004) of feeder cattle futures, live cattle futures, and local corn prices, we test whether complete pass-through occurs. For fed cattle futures prices, we find about 93% of complete pass-through to present feeder cattle prices. The corresponding negative effect of a corn price increase is about 87% of complete pass-through. In contrast with imperfectly competitive agricultural land rental markets, the results support the hypothesis of Ricardian rent extraction by the scarce asset owner in feeder cattle markets.

Control of Horn Flies (Haematobia irritans) and Gastrointestinal Nematodes and Its Relation with Growth Performance in Stocker Cattle

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> The objective of this study was to assess the effects of horn fly and gastrointestinal (GI) nematode control on the performance of stocker cattle grazing Bermudagrass in Louisiana. A total of 168 (56 per trial) weaned calves were available for 3 trials. Stocker cattle were stratified by sex and BW and randomly assigned to 2 replicate treatment groups. The treatments were 1) no horn fly or GI nematode control; 2) horn fly control administrated with insecticidal ear tags, sprays, and pour-ons; 3) GI nematode control administrated every 28 d with fenbendazole; and 4) both horn fly and GI nematode control. Lengths of the trials were 84, 98, and 112 d for trials 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and trials were initiated in early to mid-May of each year. Horn fly and fecal egg counts were conducted periodically. Stocker cattle treated for horn flies had lower (P<0.05) fly counts than control cattle for each trial; however, counts for treated stocker cattle ranged from 42 to 62 flies per side. Stocker cattle treated with fenbendazole had lower (P<0.01) fecal egg counts than controls 14 d posttreatment in all 3 trials. In trials 1 and 2, stocker cattle treated for both horn flies and GI nematodes had 0.14 and 0.23kg greater ADG (P<0.06), respectively, compared with untreated stocker cattle. Under the conditions of this study, even with a lack of effective horn fly control, improved growth rates were achieved for stocker cattle when treated for both external and internal parasites.

Factors Affecting Adoption of Recommended Management Practices in Stocker Cattle Production

Binary logit regression models were used to estimate factors affecting adoption of recommended management practices. Variables analyzed include aspects of farm structure, human capital, farm objectives, and production system employed by the producer. Results reveal that operation size and dependency upon income from the stocker operation, in particular, influence the adoption of recommended practices. Older producers and those pursuing a year-round production strategy were found to lag in adoption.

Tillage Requirements of Sweet Corn, Field Pea, and Watermelon Following Stocker Cattle Grazing

Winter annual grazing combined with vegetable production can potentially improve the sustainability of farming operations, particularly in the Southeast. However, winter grazing creates excessive soil compaction, which can adversely affect yields of subsequent summer crops. We initiated a study to determine the optimal tillage system following winter grazing for production of sweet corn (Zea mays, L.), Southern field pea (Vigna unguiculata L.), and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) on a Wynnville fine sandy loam, in north-central Alabama of the southeastern U.S. from 2001 to 2003. Each fall, all plots were planted to ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) and stocked with 6.7 cattle ha−1. In the spring, three surface tillage treatments (chisel/disk/level, disk/level, no surface tillage) and three deep tillage treatments (no deep tillage, in-row subsoiling, paratill) were arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design with four replications. Sweet corn ear weights responded to a combination of surface and deep tillage in 2002 and 2003. In 2001, the average response to surface tillage was 105% greater than no-surface tillage, compared with only a 14% increase with deep tillage over no-deep tillage in 2001. Southern field pea grown after winter annual grazing yielded 22% greater 2 of 3 years following surface tillage with disking; inclusion of chisel plowing with the disking showed no benefit. Watermelon yields following winter annual grazing were 39% and 58% greater in 2001 and 2002 with deep tillage alone, specifically in-row subsoiling, without any surface tillage. The tillage system for vegetable growers who choose to complement their operations with winter-annual grazing varies with the vegetable grown. In general, sweet corn responded best to a combination of surface and deep tillage, Southern field pea required only disking, and watermelon responded to in-row deep tillage with no additional surface tillage.

Comparison of medicinal feed additives on health and growth performance of beef calves grazing native grass pasture

Optimizing growth rate is an important contributor to overall profitability for stocker cattle grazing native Flint Hills pasture. Disease challenges from pinkeye and foot rot have traditionally been problems that compromise health and productivity of stocker cattle in this grazing region. Use of medicinal feed additives as a part of a supplementation program may prevent health problems and improve overall productivity during a spring/summer grazing season.

Dried distillers grains supplemented at different frequencies to stocker heifers grazing late-season Flint Hills native pastures

Wetter-than-normal summer grazing seasons can produce excessive forage beyond what the typical Flint Hills double-stock harvest rate can remove. These late-summer native grasses do not contain adequate protein to sustain economical gains for stocker cattle, but producers can extend the grazing season by using a protein-based supplement to generate economically feasible rates of gain. Use of dried distillers grains as a supplementation program can help promote overall productivity during the fall grazing season. However, the drawback is the potential high labor input for supplement delivery. Delivering supplements at reduced frequencies per week may be able to sustain daily gains of stocker cattle while reducing labor costs associated with supplement delivery.

Tillage Requirements for Integrating Winter‐Annual Grazing in Peanut Production: Plant Water Status and Productivity

The use of crop rotation systems involving winter‐annual grazing can help peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) producers increase profitability, although winter‐annual grazing could result in excessive soil compaction, which can severely limit yields. We conducted a 3‐yr field study on a Dothan loamy sand in southeastern Alabama to develop a conservation tillage system for integrating peanut with winter‐annual grazing of stocker cattle under dryland conditions. Winter‐annual forages and tillage systems were evaluated in a strip‐plot design, where winter forages were oat (Avena sativa L.) and annual ryegrass (Lolium mutiflorum L.). Tillage systems included moldboard and chisel plowing, and combinations of noninversion deep tillage (none, in‐row subsoil, or paratill) with/without disking. We evaluated soil water content, peanut leaf stomatal conductance, plant density, peanut yield, peanut net return, and total system annual net return. Peanut following oat increased soil water extraction (15%), stands (12%), and yields (21%) compared with peanut following ryegrass. Strict no‐till resulted in the lowest yields (2.29 Mg ha−1, 42% less than the mean) and noninversion deep tillage (especially in‐row subsoil) was required to maximize water use and yields with conservation tillage. Net return from annual grazing ($185 ha−1, USD) represented 40% of the total return for the best treatment (no‐tillage with in‐row subsoil following oat = $462 ha−1). Integrating winter‐annual grazing in this region using noninversion deep tillage following oat in a conservation tillage system can benefit peanut growers, allowing extra income without sacrificing peanut yields.