Green-Up

Green-up happens early in the southern plains bringing diversity in the available food for your herd that may not catch your attention. Many become selectable during fleeting successions, while other plants seem to dominate the landscape and by now; look like ‘emerald waves of gain’ [sorry] for those operations blessed with strong cool-season habitats. Another thing that explodes this time of year is parasites. Don’t stress out too much, just keep an eye out and react if need be to the onset of parasite loads. Personally I watch the front end or ‘hump’ for signs of waning body scores as a way to get out in front of a bad worm-year. There are many plants common to the south that also emerges this time of year that has antithetical qualities.  Learning about them may be to your benefit in managing herd health.