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Bahia Bucket Trials Benefit Beef & Forage Producers in Arkansas

Extension Education

Shaney Hill
Hampton

Abstract

BAHIA BUCKET TRIALS BENEFIT BEEF AND FORAGE PRODUCERS IN ARKANSAS

 

 

S. Hill,  J.O.C. Kubesch,  K. J. Simon1

 

 

Bahiagrass is a prominent warm-season perennial forage in southwestern Arkansas. It has a reputation for being a low-input alternative to bermudagrass. Most bahiagrass acreage in Arkansas is considered “Pensacola”. Variety trials in other states have led to interest in using improved varieties, such as “Tifton-9” and “TifQuik”. Previous specialists have questioned whether the yield advantages seen in improved varieties will translate under common producer practices. This demonstration project sought to evaluate three varieties of bahiagrass under best management practices and common producer practices. Buckets of field soil were sown to one of the three varieties in May 2024 and then grown out with rainfall. A one-time watering event occurred in August 2024 to offset excessively dry media during a fall drought. Stands were monitored for canopy height, emergence, and success weekly. The trial was a blind study; agents did not know which bucket was assigned to which variety. Agents reported weekly to the forage specialist, and regularly discussed trial logistics, weather, and weed concerns. Fifteen counties across the Ouachita district were involved initially, however only eight reported regularly. Stands were harvested in July and October. The average dry matter yield for the season was 3000 lbs/acre. The trial suggested that bahiagrass plantings in Arkansas can be ready for harvest ~60 days after planting and produce two modest harvests. Agents were able to transport buckets to meetings for education and outreach. A field trial will follow in spring 2025.

1Calhoun County Staff Chair, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, Hampton, AR (shill@uada.edu); Forage Specialist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, Little Rock, AR (jkubesch@uada.edu); Forages Instructor, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, Little Rock, AR (ksimon@uada.edu).

 

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Shaney Hill, Jonathan Kubesch, Kenny Simon
  1. Hill, S. County Extension Agent - Agriculture, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 71744
  2. Kubesch, J. Assistant Professor - Forages, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72204
  3. Simon, K. Instructor - Animal Science, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72204