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Red Dirt Agronomy PodcastAuthor: Brian Arnall Ph.D., Dave Deken, Josh Lofton Ph.D.
The Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast is your source for in-depth discussions on agronomy explicitly tailored for the unique challenges and opportunities in Oklahoma and the Southern Plains. Hosted by a team of university experts, this podcast dives into soil health, crop production, pest management, and innovative farming practices, all with a regional focus. Whether you're a seasoned agronomist, a dedicated farmer, or simply passionate about agriculture in the Red Dirt region, this podcast offers practical advice, expert insights, and the latest research to help you thrive in your field. Tune in and stay connected to the heart of agronomy in the Southern Great Plains. Language: en Genres: Education, How To, Natural Sciences, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Bring Pastures Back Fast: Recovery That Lasts - RDA 511
Episode 511
Wednesday, 25 March, 2026
High cattle prices can make it tempting to push pasture ground harder than ever, but what happens when the grass gives out before the market does? In this episode, Dave Deken, Dr. Brian Arnall, and Dr. Josh Lofton visit with OSU Extension Forage Specialist Brian Pugh about pasture recovery, grazing pressure, and the management decisions producers need to make now to protect long-term forage production. They break down the difference between native and introduced systems, why rest matters, and how too many cows with too few inputs can quietly drive a pasture into decline. Their conversation also digs into what recovery really looks like. Introduced forages like bermudagrass can rebound quickly with rest, nutrients, and weed control, while native range may take much longer and demands more careful timing. Along the way, the group discusses soil testing, stocking rates, drought carryover, old world bluestem in western Oklahoma, TEFF as an annual option, and why more producers should start thinking about pasture management the same way they think about crop management. Top 10 takeaways Pasture recovery starts with management, not luck. Rest, fertility, and weed control are the backbone of rebuilding forage systems. Many producers are still stocked for a cheap-input era that no longer exists. High cattle numbers with reduced inputs is a recipe for forage decline. Native grasses need a different rest schedule than introduced forages. Pugh recommends resting native grasses after July 10, while bermudagrass benefits from a few weeks of rest before frost. Introduced forages can rebound surprisingly fast. Damaged bermudagrass can recover in a single season when pressure is reduced and nutrients and weed control are addressed. Native range recovery is slower and requires more patience. Native plants may remain alive below ground even when above-ground growth looks poor. Pasture should be managed more like a crop. Soil tests, nutrient plans, and intentional competition control are just as important in forage systems as they are in row crops. Economics drive bad grazing decisions as much as biology does. Strong cattle markets can encourage overstocking, especially when crop returns are weak. Emotions make herd reduction hard. Cow-calf operations are not easy to scale down quickly because of years of investment in genetics and herd building. Regional forage fit matters. Bermudagrass may work well in some areas, while old world bluestem, native mixes, or carefully managed annuals make more sense farther west. Recovery costs money. Producers often wait until the financial picture worsens before rebuilding pasture, but the inputs needed for recovery do not disappear. Detailed Timestamped Rundown 00:03–01:02 Dave opens the episode and frames the main topic: forage systems, pasture recovery, cattle prices, input costs, and long-term pasture health. He previews discussion on worn-out pastures, resting native grasses, introduced forage recovery, and regional differences across Oklahoma.01:02–01:40 Dave points listeners to the Red Dirt Agronomy website, then introduces the usual crew: Brian Arnall and Josh Lofton.01:40–02:45 The recorded interview begins from the Central Oklahoma Cattle Conference in Stillwater on February 13, 2026. Brian Pugh is introduced as OSU’s state forage extension specialist.02:45–04:20 The group recaps the conference session. Early expectations were that producers would mostly ask weed questions, especially around bermudagrass, but the bigger theme became forage system management under current economics.04:20–05:09 Brian Pugh explains that many producers are still managing herds and forage stands like inputs are cheap, even though fertilizer and other costs are far higher now. His point: too many mouths to feed and too few inputs is putting pressure on forage systems.05:09–06:32 Brian Arnall says one forgotten practice is pasture rest, especially in native systems. He argues many producers are grazing too late into the season, especially at the very time native grasses need to recover and recharge below ground reserves.06:13–06:32 Pugh gives a practical native pasture benchmark: after July 10 is when they recommend rest for natives. For bermudagrass, he says a three- to four-week rest before frost, often in October, helps stand health.06:32–08:15 The team discusses how drought, rising fertilizer prices, and the need for forage have led to widespread decline in native pasture condition. Pugh gives an example of carrying too many cows on a declining native system and slowly slipping from one cow per 10 acres to one cow per 8, then worse, as undesirable plants take over.08:15–10:15 Josh asks why producers quit using rest as part of management. The group suggests cattle numbers, tighter economics, incomplete management information, and the lingering influence of older production mindsets all played a role. They also note cheap fertilizer in the 1980s and 1990s made it easier to support intensive systems.10:15–12:44 Dave asks whether producers should treat pasture more like a crop. Pugh strongly agrees, saying forage management is becoming the next frontier in agronomy. The group discusses soil testing, nutrient application, and improving forage efficiency the same way row-crop producers manage corn or wheat.12:44–15:51 The conversation shifts to how strong cattle prices may be carrying operations while crop prices are weak. Pugh warns that profitable cattle markets can encourage producers to run more cows than their forage system can sustainably support, especially when feed and hay are still affordable.15:51–17:10 Arnall highlights the emotional side of herd decisions. Producers may know they should cut numbers during drought or market shifts, but cow-calf herds are tied to years of genetic selection and personal investment, making those decisions difficult.17:10–20:20 The group answers a question about lime, pH, and native systems. Arnall says old bermudagrass stands often persist at lower pH because they’ve adapted over time, while native stands are more likely to shift species composition as soil conditions change. Pugh notes eastern Oklahoma comparisons can be tricky because much of that land has a long cropping history.20:20–22:24 Dave asks the big practical question: how long does it take to build back pasture? Pugh says introduced forages can recover extremely quickly if they get three things: reduced use, nutrients, and competition control. He shares trial results showing severely damaged bermudagrass reached full ground cover in about 75 days and more than a ton of production per acre in about 120 days.|22:24–23:05 Native systems are different. Pugh says native plants may take much longer, and in patch-burn systems, some plants may not show much above-ground growth the following year even though they remain alive and capable of long-term recovery.23:05–25:33 The discussion turns westward across Oklahoma. Pugh says bermudagrass starts to give way to old world bluestem farther west, calling it the “bermuda of western Oklahoma.” He also discusses lovegrass and notes that intensive management can maintain acceptable quality in some stands.25:33–27:28 Josh asks about orchardgrass and TEFF. Pugh says orchardgrass may have more potential than people once thought, especially if persistence issues are tied to disease or humidity rather than drought alone. He describes TEFF as a high-quality annual option that can fit producers willing to manage it carefully.27:28–30:32 For western Oklahoma, Pugh says native forages often make more sense under dryland conditions, though introduced species still have a place. He estimates native establishment in far western areas may take a couple of years, especially with short- and mid-grass species.29:43–31:23 Pugh explains the economics of perennial versus annual forage systems. Perennials usually win on establishment cost, while TEFF can justify annual planting through quality, tonnage, and hay-market value. He notes TEFF is frost-intolerant, planted around early May, and typically harvested two to three times by late summer.31:23–32:57 The episode closes by returning to the big theme: yes, pastures can come back, but recovery takes investment. Arnall emphasizes the hard truth that producers often want to rebuild only after markets weaken, which is exactly when spending money on fertilizer and herbicide is hardest.33:05–end Dave closes the show, thanks Brian Pugh, and directs listeners to the website for guest information and resources. RedDirtAgronomy.com
