COLUMBIA, Mo. — Rising fertilizer prices are forcing Missouri cattle producers to take a closer look at the cost of adding nitrogen to stockpiled tall fescue.
Stockpiled fescue gives Missouri producers an opportunity to extend grazing into the winter and reduce harvested feed costs. University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Carson Roberts said decisions made in August can determine how much forage will be available later in the year.
Applying nitrogen during mid-to-late August has traditionally increased fall fescue production. However, nitrogen prices have climbed more than 40% during the past six months amid supply disruptions connected to the conflict involving Iran.
MU Extension research conducted over three years found that applying 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre increased tall fescue yields by an average of approximately 35%. The actual return depended heavily on rainfall.
During dry years, each pound of nitrogen produced about 8 additional pounds of forage. Under favorable moisture conditions, the response increased to between 20 and 25 pounds of forage per pound of nitrogen.
Roberts recommends comparing fertilizer costs directly with the delivered price of hay.
Producers can divide 2,000 pounds by the expected forage response for each pound of nitrogen. That number is then multiplied by the current price of nitrogen per pound.
At a nitrogen price of 80 cents per pound, an expected response of 8 pounds of forage would place the fertilizer cost at $200 per ton of added forage. A response of 20 pounds would lower the cost to $80 per ton.
Average-quality fescue hay is selling near $85 per ton in many markets. If the calculated cost of producing additional forage exceeds the local delivered hay price, buying hay may be the more economical choice.
Purchased hay also brings nutrients onto the farm. One ton of typical fescue hay contains approximately 32 pounds of nitrogen, 12 pounds of phosphorus and 18 pounds of potassium along with micronutrients.
Much of that fertility can return to the soil when cattle are fed across the pasture. Roberts advises moving the feeding location with every bale to prevent cattle from repeatedly gathering in one area.
Concentrating too much hay in one location can cause mud, soil compaction and excessive nutrient buildup. Producers should limit feeding to approximately 2 tons of hay per acre in any single area.
Regular soil testing remains important whether producers apply commercial fertilizer or depend partly on nutrients supplied through hay. Proper soil pH and nutrient balance help make those nutrients available to growing plants.
MU Extension recommends testing pasture soil at least once every three years.
Producers considering fall nitrogen should use expected forage response, current fertilizer prices and local hay costs to make the decision. Nitrogen applications should be completed by late August when conditions support additional growth.
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