Dairy Farmers Can't Depend on Pastures in July, 1954

Extension Farm-News, July 1954 issue

Tar Heel dairymen are reminded that now is the time to supplement short pastures with silage or hay.

George Hyatt Jr., in charge of Extension dairying, says milk production in North Carolina has fallen “very rapidly” during recent hot, dry weather. In fact, said Hyatt, the situation is critical. A few weeks ago, there was a surplus of milk being produced in the state. At the present there is a shortage.

A lack of feed is the principal reason for the drop in milk production, said Hyatt, even though hot weather and flies usually take the blame. “When the weather gets hot, pastures dry up rapidly. Cows graze less hours because of the heat and flies, so they end up short of feed.”