Pasture & Forage Consulting for Columbus Producers

Lowndes County's clay-based soils and humid climate create excellent forage potential when properly managed. Tri-State Livestock LLC. provides practical pasture consulting for Columbus-area cattle operations-increasing carrying capacity, extending grazing seasons, and reducing hay dependence through site-specific, research-backed recommendations.

Common Management Challenges

Endophyte Fescue: Tall fescue dominates many Columbus pastures. While persistent and productive, endophyte-infected stands cause toxicosis limiting summer gains. Management strategies: controlled grazing height, clover dilution, warm-season grass integration.
Summer Forage Gap: Fescue goes dormant June-August. Bahiagrass, bermudagrass, or annual warm-season forages fill production gaps.
Soil pH Issues: Lowndes County soils naturally acidic. Low pH prevents clover establishment and reduces fertilizer efficiency.

Consulting Approach

1. Field walk: Current stand evaluation, drainage assessment
2. Soil test review and fertility interpretation
3. Goal setting: Increased stocking rate, extended grazing, hay reduction
4. Written recommendations with priority timeline
5. Follow-up support through implementation

Rotational Grazing Systems

Simple 3-5 paddock rotations dramatically improve forage utilization. We design economical systems maximizing existing infrastructure-minimal investment required to test management-intensive grazing. Columbus-area producers typically see 25-40% carrying capacity increases with proper rotation.

Columbus Consulting Pricing

$140-$180 initial consultation depending on property size (typically covers up to 120 acres). Includes on-site evaluation, soil interpretation, written management plan, and 60-day follow-up support.

Implementation Services

• Professional soil sampling
• Custom lime/fertilizer spreading
• Forage quality analysis