Range Cattle REC

'Callide' Rhodesgrass

J. Vendramini, A.R. Blount, and J.C.B. Dubeux

SS-AGR-59 describes this robust, warm-season perennial grass native from Africa, useful in southern Florida for fall and winter grazing — establishment, management of established stands, and pests. Includes references.

¿Vio un puma?

Diane J. Episcopio, Elizabeth F. Pienaar y Martin B. Main

Los pumas a veces se pueden confundir con gatos monteses, perros y coyotes. En este documento se proporcionan datos e imágenes que pueden ayudar a cualquier persona a identificar a un puma.

2011 South Florida Beef Forage Survey Results

Sonja Crawford, Christa Kirby, Tycee Prevatt, Brent Sellers, Maria Silveira, Bridget Stice, Joao Vendramini, and Lindsey Wiggins

UF/IFAS Extension faculty and state specialists involved in the UF/IFAS South Florida Beef-Forage Program (SFBFP), in conjunction with the UF/IFAS Program Evaluation and Organizational Development unit, created a survey in 1982 that is used to evaluate ranch management practices. The survey is updated and distributed every five years to ranchers in 14 south Florida counties. Written by Sonja Crawford, Christa Kirby, Tycee Prevatt, Brent Sellers, Maria Silveira, Bridget Stice, Joao Vendramini, and Lindsey Wiggins, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, reviewed January 2023.

2016 South Florida Beef Forage Survey Results

Laura Bennett, Jonael Bosques, Sarah Bostick, Lauren Butler, Sonja Crawford, Taylor Davis, Christa Kirby, Colleen Larson, Philipe Moriel, Chris Prevatt, Brent Sellers, Maria Silveira, Aaron Stam, Bridget Stice, Joao Vendramini, and Lindsey Wiggins

This publication discusses a survey used to evaluate ranch management practices to determine benchmarks in cattle production and pasture management. Written by Laura Bennett, Jonael Bosques, Sarah Bostick, Lauren Butler, Sonja Crawford, Taylor Davis, Christa Kirby, Colleen Larson, Philipe Moriel, Chris Prevatt, Brent Sellers, Maria Silveira, Aaron Stam, Bridget Stice, Joao Vendramini, and Lindsey Wiggins, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, July 2021.

2022 South Florida Beef Forage Survey Results

Hannah Baker, Laura Bennett, Lauren Butler, Sonja Crawford, Lindsey Crum, Christa Kirby, Colleen Larson, Philipe Moriel, Kalan Royal, Brent Sellers, Maria Silveira, Bridget Stice, and João Vendramini

The UF/IFAS South Florida Beef Forage Program (SFBFP) in conjunction with the UF/IFAS Program Evaluation and Organizational Development unit created a survey in 1982 to evaluate ranch management practices and determine benchmarks in cattle production and pasture management. The survey is updated and distributed every five years to ranchers in 17 south Florida counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Pasco, Polk, St. Lucie, and Sarasota. This data serves Florida ranchers, their allied industries, and governmental and nongovernmental agencies making or advocating for policy that affects ranchers. Written by Hannah Baker, Laura Bennett, Lauren Butler, Sonja Crawford, Lindsey Crum, Christa Kirby, Colleen Larson, Philipe Moriel, Kalan Royal, Brent Sellers, Maria Silveira, Bridget Stice, and João Vendramini, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, August 2025.

Additional Nutritional Considerations for Preconditioning Beef Calves

Philipe Moriel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

Alyceclover—Summer Annual Legume

J. Vendramini, A. R. Blount, and J. Dubeux Jr

Analyzing the Price Gap between Steers and Bulls in Florida: The Effect of Price Slides on the Value of Additional Pounds

Hannah Baker

Castration of bull calves on cow-calf operations usually improves profitability. On average over the last six years, Florida prices for steer calves have been 5% higher than prices for bull calves. In 2023, a year of record-high prices, steer prices averaged 6% higher, with the average discount for bulls at roughly $64 per head. Buyers pay more for steer calves because they are docile, and because steer carcasses are more valuable. Cattle producers are therefore encouraged to castrate bull calves. Bulls may weigh more than steers at the time of weaning, bringing what seems like a higher price, but there is a price slide for entering the heavier weight class. Determining the value of those additional pounds, and whether it is enough to make up for the discount is key. Using prices from 2023 (with prices projected to remain favorable for at least the next year), this publication allows producers to determine what a bull calf would need to weigh to receive the same price as a steer calf.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Water Resources Forecasting

Golmar Golmohammadi, Seyed Mostafa Biazar, Rohith Reddy Nedhunuri, and Nikolaos Tziolas

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has permeated every aspect of our lives. Water resource management is becoming increasingly important due to the impacts of climate change and human activities. This publication provides examples of how AI can potentially improve the forecasting of water resource variables at both the field and regional levels. The main goal is to introduce new AI techniques for forecasting key environmental factors (climate, soil, water) related to water resources in Florida. The results demonstrate how deep learning models performed consistently well and established their superiority in capturing the temporal dynamics of river discharge and groundwater in the region. The results also show a dramatic groundwater level drawdown in certain areas, which could jeopardize the ability to meet water demands for agricultural purposes. The increase in river discharge and high groundwater levels might be related to flooding in those areas.

Biology and Control of Indian Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana): A Weed to Watch in Florida Pastures and Natural Areas

Brent Sellers

This publication discusses the identification, habitat, ecology, spread, and control of Indian jujube. Written by Brent Sellers, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised October 2021.

Biology and Management of Whitehead Broom in Pastures

Brent Sellers, Lauren Butler, and James McWhorter

Body Condition Scores Before and After Calving Modulate Pregnancy Success of Beef Cows in Florida

Philipe Moriel, Vinicius Izquierdo, and Joao Vendramini

This publication was developed to help beef cattle producers understand the impacts of cow body condition score (BCS) before and after calving on cow and calf productive performance in Florida. Written by Philipe Moriel, Vinicius Izquierdo, and Joao Vendramini, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, February 2025.

Bracken Fern Control in Pastures

B. Sellers, J. Ferrell, and T. Wilson

This publication discusses chemical control of bracken fern in pastures. Written by B. Sellers, J. Ferrell, and T. Wilson, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised August 2021.

Common Toxic Plants for Florida Horse Owners

Alyssa Schortinghouse and Brent Sellers

This publication is intended to provide horse owners with critical information about common toxic plants encountered in Florida. Written by Alyssa Schortinghouse and Brent Sellers, and published by the UF/IFAS Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, January 2023.

Cómo prevenir encuentros entre niños y serpientes

Steve A. Johnson y Martin B. Main

La forma más efectiva de proteger a los niños de la mordedura de serpientes es simplemente evitar que interactúen con ellas. En este documento se recomiendan medidas que pueden tomar las escuelas para prevenir el ingreso de serpientes a la propiedad escolar. Además se ofrecen algunas ideas para desarrollar programas educativos sobre estos reptiles y para entrenar a los niños sobre qué hacer si se encuentran con una serpiente en su escuela o en otro lugar.  Se incluye un programa educativo breve que los maestros pueden utilizar con los estudiantes. 

Creeping Indigo, A Poisonous Plant of Concern in Florida Pastures

Robert MacKay, Ed Jennings, Brent Sellers, Jason Ferrell, and Amanda House

Cressleaf Groundsel (Butterweed) Identification and Management in Pastures

B. A. Sellers, Pratap Devkota, and J. A. Ferrell

Desalination Systems and Their Environmental Impacts

Golmar Golmohammadi, Seyed Mostafa Biazar, and Maxwell Naah

Developed technologies for the desalination of seawater and brackish groundwater supplies have been demonstrated to be technically feasible, economically viable, and reliable; meanwhile, emerging technologies are still in the pilot or small-scale stages. The total installed capacity of desalination plants in the United States has expanded from around 302 million gallons per day (MGD) in 2009 to about 479 MGD in 2022. Florida leads the nation in desalination capacity, having more than 130 desalination plants. Environmental issues related to desalination are a significant factor in designing and implementing desalination technologies. Their projects require an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study to determine how the project can affect the air, land, and marine environments by considering the impact on source water, impact from concentration, issues with desalinated water products, and impact from gas emissions. The EIA also proposes measures to mitigate environmental impacts.

El Azulejo de Garganta Canela

Hannah Fox, Bethany Wight, and E. Hance Ellington; Traducido por Alejandra Areingdale, Juan Manuel Campos Krauer, Armando Ubeda, y Miguel Acevedo

¡Aprende más sobre los azulejos de garganta canela de Florida! La serie de hojas informativas sobre la vida silvestre de Florida se creó para brindar al público una introducción rápida y precisa a la vida silvestre de Florida, tanto nativa como invasiva. Esperamos que estos documentos inspiren a las personas a investigar la vida silvestre en sus propias comunidades y a comprender la asombrosa biodiversidad de la vida silvestre en el estado de Florida.

Florida Carpon Desmodium

J. Vendramini and A. E. Kretschmer, Jr.

Florida carpon desmodium is among the few perennial summer-growing, grazing-tolerant, herbaceous pasture legumes available to Florida cattle producers.

Forage Planting and Establishment Methods on Prepared Seedbed

M. O. Wallau and J. Vendramini

This publication provides practical information on forage planting on prepared seedbeds to producers or anyone interested in establishing pastures.

Hoja informativa de la vida silvestre de Florida: el puma de Florida

Kelly Koriakin y Raoul K. Boughton. Traducido por Rebeca Prieto, Alejandra Areingdale y Miguel Acevedo

Esta es una hoja informativa de la vida silvestre en Florida, dedicada al puma (pantera) de la Florida. Este material busca informar sobre las características de este felino, la historia de su presencia en el estado, su distribución actual, biología y comportamiento. El objetivo es informar para que el público sepa identificar a los pumas, resguardar su hábitat y también contribuir con la investigación y el manejo de esta especie.

Hoja informativa sobre la vida silvestre de Florida: armadillo de nueve bandas

Simon Fitzwilliam y Raoul K. Boughton. Traducido por Rebeca Prieto, Alejandra Areingdale y Miguel Acevedo

Esta es una hoja informativa sobre la vida silvestre de Florida dedicada al armadillo de nueve bandas. Esta ficha busca informar sobre las características de este animal, la historia de su presencia en el estado, su distribución actual, biología y comportamiento. El objetivo es informar al público en general sobre esta especie.

Hoja informativa sobre la vida silvestre de Florida: serpiente índigo oriental

Tyler Buckley, Raoul K. Boughton, Peyton Niebanck y E. Hance Ellington Traducido por: Miguel A. Arrasco, Alejandra Areingdale y Armando Ubeda

Esta es una hoja informativa sobre la vida silvestre de Florida dedicada al serpiente índigo oriental. Esta ficha busca informar sobre las características de este animal, la historia de su presencia en el estado, su distribución actual, biología y comportamiento. El objetivo es informar al público en general sobre esta especie.

Impact of Grazing Methods on Forage and Cattle Production

Joao Vendramini and Lynn Sollenberger

SS-AGR-133, a 5-page fact sheet by Joao Vendramini and Lynn Sollenberger, describes the advantages and disadvantages of rotational grazing vs. continuous grazing. Includes figures and references.

Invasor de Florida: El Lagarto Overo

Steve A. Johnson y Monica McGarrity Traducido por Alejandra Areingdale, Miguel Acevedo, Juan Campos Krauer y Armando Ubeda

Esta publicación resume el conocimiento general sobre el tegu Argentino blanco y negro (Salvator merianae) en Florida. Es parte de una serie de publicaciones similares sobre reptiles establecidos en el estado. Este documento está dirigido a una audiencia general.

Lidiando con iguanas en el paisaje del sur de Florida

William H. Kern, Jr. Traducido por Juan M. Campos Krauer, Alejandra Areingdale y Laura Sánchez

Debido a la prominencia de Florida en el comercio de mascotas exóticas, las iguanas importadas como mascotas se han escapado o han sido liberadas, y ahora están establecidas en el sur de Florida. Esto ha creado problemas únicos para los propietarios de viviendas y negocios de Florida. El clima subtropical del sur y centro de Florida permite que estos grandes lagartos herbívoros (que comen plantas) sobrevivan, se reproduzcan y se conviertan en parte del medio ambiente de Florida. Este documento es la Hoja Informativa ENY-714, una serie del Departamento de Entomología y Nematología, Servicio de Extensión Cooperativa de Florida, Instituto de Ciencias Alimentarias y Agrícolas, Universidad de Florida. Fecha de publicación: agosto de 2004.

Lidiando con las serpientes en áreas Residenciales de Florida: Cómo identificar serpientes comunes

Steve A. Johnson y Monica E. McGarrity y traducido por Alejandra Areingdale y Miguel Acevedo

El propósito de este documento es ayudar a las personas a identificar las serpientes que se encuentran comúnmente en las áreas residenciales de Florida. Este documento está dirigido a una audiencia general.

Los colibríes de Florida

Joe Schaefer y Craig N. Huegel, y traducido por Alejandra Areingdale, Miguel Acevedo y Armando Ubeda.

En el pasado, el plumaje de los colibríes se usaba para adornar los trajes ceremoniales de los nativos americanos. Incluso hoy en día, algunos creen que el plumaje brillante del colibrí tiene poderes místicos. Sin embargo, la mayoría de nosotros simplemente disfrutamos solo de observar a estas aves maravillosas en la naturaleza.

Los reptiles introducidos en Florida: la iguana verde (Iguana iguana)

Paige Borcyk, Elizabeth Fortner, Natalie M. Claunch y Steve A. Johnson y traducido por Alejandra Areingdale y Miguel Acevedo

Esta publicación resume el conocimiento general sobre la iguana verde (Iguana iguana) en Florida. Es parte de una serie de publicaciones similares sobre reptiles establecidos en el estado. La biología y los impactos de algunas de estas especies son bien conocidos, mientras que otros están poco estudiados. Esta serie fue producida por estudiantes universitarios en el curso Ecología de Anfibios y Reptiles Invasores, en el otoño de 2020 en la Universidad de Florida. La serie fue diseñada para orientar a los propietarios de viviendas y otros residentes y visitantes curiosos sobre la diversidad de la vida silvestre de Florida. Nuestro objetivo es crear conciencia sobre los numerosos reptiles invasores introducidos en el estado, así como motivar a las personas a tomar medidas para reducir su propagación en Florida.

Management of Spittlebugs in Pasture

Joao Vendramini, Jose C. Dubeux, and Eileen A. Buss

The twolined spittlebug causes considerable damage to 'Floralta' limpograss pastures in south Florida during the summer season. Both adults and immatures or nymphs damage grasses by inserting their needle-like mouthparts and sucking plant juices. The adults also inject toxic saliva into leaf tissue while feeding, which causes streaking on the leaves. Tips of infested grass turn yellow, followed by browning and curling. Heavily infested pasture turns brown, becomes unproductive and may die back in large patches.

Managing Bahiagrass in Bermudagrass, Stargrass, and Limpograss Pastures

Brent Sellers

Micronutrients Considerations for Warm-Season Forage Grass Systems in Florida

Jane C. Griffin, Joao Vendramini, Diane Rowland, and Maria L. Silveira

Mile-A-Minute (Mikania micrantha): A New Weed in South Florida

Brent Sellers and Stephen Enloe

Mulato II (Brachiaria sp.)

J. Vendramini, B. Sellers, L. E. Sollenberger, and M. Silveira

Nutrition at Early Stages of Life Determines the Future Growth and Reproductive Performance of Beef Calves

Philipe Moriel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

Nutrition at Early Stages of Life Determines the Future Growth and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Calves

Philipe Moriel and Fernanda Batistel

This fact sheet summarizes some of the research conducted in calf nutrition and nutrition’s impact on the growth and reproductive performance of dairy calves. Written by Philipe Moriel and Fernanda Batistel, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, revised November 2021.

Pasture’s Role in Climate Change Mitigation

Maria Silveira, Rosvel Bracho, Curtis Dell, and Abmael Cardoso

This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences provides information about the role of native and cultivated pastures in climate change mitigation and the opportunities and challenges for improving carbon sequestration in agroecosystems. Climate change mitigation in the context of this publication refers to actions that reduce the rate of climate change. This information should be of interest to stakeholders, students, scientists, and environmental agencies interested in enhancing ecosystems services provided by grazing lands. Written by Maria Silveira, Rosvel Bracho, Curtis Dell, and Abmael Cardoso.

Pintoi Peanut: A Seed-propagated Perennial Peanut Forage Option for Florida

Joao M. D. Sanchez, Joao Vendramini, Maria L. Silveira, Jose C. B. Dubeux Jr., Lynn E. Sollenberger, and Philipe Moriel

Because of its adaptability to Florida’s environmental conditions and ability to produce viable seeds, pintoi peanut represents an interesting forage alternative for cow-calf producers in the state. This 5-page document provides current information on pintoi peanut for forage and livestock producers in Florida.

Precalving Nutrition of Beef Females in Florida

Philipe Moriel and Joao Vendramini

This publication was developed for beef cattle producers to modify the supplementation strategy during the precalving period to improve calf performance after birth. Written by Philipe Moriel and Joao Vendramini, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, April 2023.

Saw Palmetto Control: Individual Plant and Broadcast Application

Brandon Fast, Jason Ferrell, and Brent Sellers

Secuestro y Distribución de Carbono Orgánico del Suelo Bajo Diferentes Sistemas de Manejo de Pasturas

Alejandra María Jimenez Madrid, José Trinidad Reyes Sandoval, y Maria L. Silveira

Single-Nozzle Backpack or ATV Sprayer Calibration

B. A. Sellers, J. A. Ferrell, G. E. MacDonald, and Dennis C. Odero

Many growers have isolated patches of weeds that should be controlled to prevent their spread. In this case, spot spraying with a herbicide would be the most economically feasible approach. Some herbicide labels allow for spot-treatments. However, the recommended amount is often given in % volume of herbicide per volume of water, or a certain amount of herbicide per 1,000 square feet.

Smutgrass Control in Perennial Grass Pastures

Brent Sellers, Neha Rana, José Luiz C. S. Dias, and Pratap Devkota

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Management. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Soil and Plant Tissue Testing

Maria L. Silveira

Targeting ADG of Developing Replacement Heifers Using Age and Body Weight

John Arthington and Philipe Moriel

This publication was prepared to assist beef cattle producers and livestock agents in determining the target ADG and management system to develop replacement beef heifers in Florida. Written by John Arthington and Philipe Moriel, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, revised October 2021.

The Economics of Raising Replacement Heifers: Estimating Direct Costs Using the Replacement Heifer Calculator

Hannah Baker

Each year, cattle producers must decide what to do with new calves. There are two options for the females: sell them as weaned heifers or keep them to raise as replacements to build the herd. There are benefits to both. Raising replacement heifers can be costly, so selling calves can seem like the most economical option if the producer is considering only short-term revenues. However, the lowered biosecurity risks (because outside cattle are not introduced to the herd) as well as the opportunity to build and enhance herd genetics can make raising heifers as replacements the more economical choice long term. The decision must be made again each year based on the cattle market and short- and long-term goals of the operation. To help producers decide, this publications describes and explains the Replacement Heifer Calculator, a free cost estimation tool cattle producers may use to aid in achieving their herd goals.

Utilization of Biosolids in Forage Production Systems in Florida

Maria L. Silveira, George A. O'Connor, and Joao M. B. Vendramini

This publication provides basic information about land application of biosolids to pastures and hayfields in Florida. The information contained in this document should be of interest to stakeholders, biosolids managers, students, and scientists interested in topics related to biosolids management practices and the potential benefits and risks associated with biosolids land application.

Weed Management during Pasture Establishment

Brent Sellers, Joao Vendramini, and Marcelo Wallau

This publication details techniques for chemical weed control prior to and during pasture establishment and is intended for county Extension faculty as well as owners and managers of grazing lands. Written by Brent Sellers, Pratap Devkota, Joao Vendramini, and Marcelo Wallau, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised August 2021.

Weed Management in Limpograss

Brent Sellers, Pratap Devkota, and Jason A. Ferrell

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Weed Management in Pastures and Rangeland—2025

Brent Sellers

This publication provides practical pasture and rangeland weed management information. Written by Brent Sellers and Pratap Devkota, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised January 2022.

Wildlife of Florida Factsheet: Eastern Indigo Snake

Tyler Buckley, Raoul K. Boughton, Peyton Niebanck, and E. Hance Ellington

Learn more about Eastern Indigo Snakes! The Wildlife of Florida Factsheet series was created to provide the public with a quick accurate introduction to Florida’s wildlife, including both native and invasive. We hope these factsheets inspire people to investigate wildlife in their own backyard and communities and understand the amazing biodiversity of wildlife in the state of Florida.

Wildlife of Florida Factsheet: Nine-banded Armadillo

Simon Fitzwilliam and Raoul K. Boughton

Learn more about nine-banded armadillos! The Wildlife of Florida Factsheet series was created to provide the public with a quick accurate introduction to Florida’s wildlife, including both native and invasive. We hope these fact sheets inspire people to investigate wildlife in their own backyard and communities and understand the amazing biodiversity of wildlife in the state of Florida.

Wildlife of Florida Factsheet: Virginia Opossum

Simon Fitzwilliam and Raoul K. Boughton