Special attention should be paid to the cutting height when harvesting switchgrass or other native warm-season grasses for forage or biomass (Figure 1).

Stronger than expected April placements pushed the May 1 feedlot inventories to 102 percent of year-ago levels. April placements were 111 percent of last year, above the average trade guess though not outside the range of expectations. April marketings were 102.7 percent of last year, also above expectations and a continuation of strong feedlot marketings.

As I discuss the use of native grasses in forage programs, I often encounter folks who’ve heard native grasses aren’t a practical option because they are “too difficult to manage.” Native grasses like big bluestem, indiangrass and switchgrass are what we refer to as “tall-growing” and, like any tall grass, are more sensitive to overgrazing.

The class pet is a classic schoolroom novelty that never gets old. But why stick to something that has to fit within the small parameters of a cage or aquarium? With modern technology, the right resources and a little creative innovation, there’s no saying that a dairy cow can’t be the next class project.