What are barber’s pole worms? In 1803, a naturalist by the name of Karl Rudolphi penned the scientific name for the parasitic barber’s pole worm, Haemonchus contortus.

Even a few parasites in a high-producing dairy cow have the potential to reduce herd performance. Parasite-free animals convert feed more efficiently, have fewer disease problems, enter the milking string sooner, produce more milk and have fewer reproductive difficulties.

When the growing season has come and gone, livestock managers across the country look at what’s available to extend the grazing season. Whether it’s corn stubble, sorghum-sudan grass, stockpiled fescue, forage soybeans or small grain companion crops, those heading out to graze alternative forages should review the history of manure applications on the crop.