170009_CORRESPONDENCE_20171231

NORTH CAROLINA
ROY COOPER EnWronmental Quality
Gow"ar
MICHAEL S. REGAN
seemmy
LINDA CULPEPPER
in rerun Dfrww
August 27, 2018
Mr. V. Mac Baldwin
Mrs. Peggy Baldwin
Baldwin Family Farms, LLC
5341 Highway 86 South
Yanceyville, NC 27379
SUBJECT: July 25, 2018 Follow-up Inspection
Certificate of Coverage No. AWD170009
Caswell County
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin:
Thank you for meeting with representatives from the Division of Water Resources Winston-
Salem Regional Office (DWR-WSRO) as we conducted a follow-up visit at Baldwin Family Farms.
The follow-up was in response to a DWR-WSRO March 2018 complaint investigation which
documented that more that 700 cattle were being maintained on what North Carolina General
Statute 143-2015.10B and 143-215.10C define as a feedlot. Failure of the animal operation to
apply for coverage under a Cattle Waste Management System General Permit resulted in the
issuance of a Notice of Violation .(NOV).
Site Observations
The cattle pastures are much improved since March 2018 and are currently 90-95%vegetated
with either crab grass or a novel type fescue. We also documented that the pressure on the
pastures has been reduced due to the acquisition of additional acreage and the relocation of
several hundred cattle to satellite pastures. Per your Natural Resource Conservation Service
(NRCS) conservation plan, it is our understanding that Baldwin Family Farms, LLC is in the
process of converting from summer/winter annual vegetation to a type of year-round novel
fescue.
While it was noted that cattle had access to surface water in some of the pastures, you stated
:_EQ2�
_0
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300 � Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

Baldwin Family Farms, LLC
August 27, 2018
Page 2
that you were also working with the Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC) to install fencing and
cattle drinkers so that all cattle are eventually excluded from surface waters. Additionally, the
planned work on the travel lane should also assist with maintaining adequate buffers.
Required Response
The poultry waste records regarding the dates and amounts of poultry litter removed was
complete and well organized. However, as discussed, State regulations require that a waste
utilization plan be developed for any dry litter poultry operation with 30,000 or more birds. The
waste plan (as opposed to the soil test) specifies the maximum plant available nitrogen (PAN)
rate allowed per field, per acre, based upon the soil type. Please obtain the required waste
plan and forward a copy to the DWR-WSRO.
Your effort to establish permanent vegetation in the grazing fields is greatly appreciated. Our
DWR Central Office noted that there was remarkable improvement to get grass growing from
March to July — and more than what one might expect from just the weather warming up. We
noted that a great deal of rehabilitation work had been done on some of the heavy traffic
areas. The denuded area near one of the feeding stations could still improve; but it is located
away from any surface waters, and thus not a current water quality concern.
Before making a final decision as to the need for an animal waste management permit, the
Division would like to do a follow-up inspection in February 2019 to assess the conditions at
that time. If the pastures are stable/improved, then Baldwin Family Farms, LLC would meet the
definition of a pasture operation rather than a feedlot.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this correspondence, please contact Melissa
Rosebrock or me at [phone] or by email at [e-mail] or
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
At, "' �' - � �/' �'?
Sherri V. Knight, P. E.
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ — WSRO
cc: NCDEQ DWR-Animal Waste Feeding Operations
Caswell County Soil and Water Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Service via email
Orange County Soil Natural Resource Conservation Service via email — attention Brent Bogue
WSRO File Copy

0 Division of Water Resources
❑ Division of Soil and Water Conservation
Other Agency
Facility Number:
170009 Facility Status:
Active Permit: AWD170009
[] Denied Access
Inppection Type:
Compliance Inspection
Inactive Or Closed Date:
Reason for Visit:
Follow-up
County: Caswell Region:
Winston-Salem
Date of Visit:`
07/25/2018 Entry Time: 10:00 am
Exit Time: 1:30 pm Incident #
Farm Name:
Baldwin Beef
Owner Email:
Owner:
Vmac Baldwin
Phone:
336-694-1620
Mailing Address: 5341 NC 86
Physical Address: 5341 NC 86
Facility Status: ❑
Yanceyville NC 27379
Yanceyville NC 27379
Compliant Not Compliant Integrator:
Location of Farm: Latitude: Longitude:
Question Areas:
Dischrge S Stream Impacts Waste Application Other Issues
Certified Operator: Operator Certification Number:
Secondary OIC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Name Title Phone
24 hour contact name
Vmac Baldwin Phone
On -site representative
Vmac Baldwin Phone
Primary Inspector:
Melissa Rosebrock Phone:
Inspector Signature:
Date:
Secondary Inspector(s):
Rebecca D Chandler
Sherri V Knight
Inspection Summary:
page: 1

•
Permit: AWD170009 Owner - Facility : Vmac Baldwin Facility Number: 170009
Inspection Date: 07/25/18 Inppection Type: Compliance Inspection Reason for Visit: Follow-up
3. Cattle in some of the pastures still have access to surface waters. Mr. Baldwin is working towards cattle exclusion in all the
pastures and has already installed cattle drinkers in some pastures.
10. & 14. While Mr. Baldwin does not have a Certified Animal Waste Management Plan (CAWMP), he does have a Conservation
Plan with NRCS in which he is currently non -compliant due to the failure to have all pastures converted from winter annual
(rye)Isummer annual (crabgrass) to fescue. His conservation plan also requires that cattle be excluded from surface waters. Mr,
Baldwin has begun establishing a novel type fescue and installing fencing, cattle drinkers, and a travel lane -He has fours years
left on his five year extension to complete these requirements. Per Mr. Baldwin, he is awaiting EQIP funding for the drinkers at the
Main farm.
15. Pastures are MUCH improved from the last visit in March 2018. Mr. Baldwin has moved some of the cattle from the "main"
farm to six satellite pastures (five in Caswell Co., one in VA.), thus reducing the pressure on the vegetation. Approximately 150
brood cows are grazed at the main farm which now includes about 800 acres. The main farm has 2 miles of creek fron per Mr.
Baldwin and he is working with the Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC) regarding easements. Cattle are currently grazed on rye
cover over the winter and then on crabgrass in the summer. There are also concrete bunk lines in each pasture that are scraped
of manure every 3-4 years. In addition to pasture, cattle are also fed a mix of fruit, cotton gin material, and sweet potatoes.
32. The poultry waste records regarding the dates and amounts of poultry litter removed were complete and welt organized.
However, State regulations require that a waste utilization plan be developed for any dry litter poultry operation with 30,000 or more
birds. The waste plan (as opposed to the soil test) specifies the plant available nitrogen (PAN) rate allowed per field, per acre,
based upon the soil type. Please obtain the required waste plan and forward a copy to the DWR-WSRO.
34. DWR-WSRO will need to follow-up on the condition of the winter pasture in February/March 2019.
page: 2

Permit: AWD170009 Owner - Facility : Vmac Baldwin Facility Number: 170009
Inspection Date: 07/25/18 Inppection Type: Compliance Inspection Reason for Visit: Follow-up
Regulated Operations
Cattle
Design Capacity Current promotions
❑ Cattle -Beef Feeder 700
Total Design Capacity: 700
Total SSLW: 560,000
page: 3

Permit: AWD170009 Owner -Facility: Vmac Baldwin Facility Number: 170009
Inspection Date: 07/25/18 Inpsection Type: Compliance Inspection Reason for Visit: Follow-up
Discharges & Stream Impacts
1. Is any discharge observed from any part of the operation?
Discharge originated at:
Structure
Application Field
Other
a. Was conveyance man-made?
b. Did discharge reach Waters of the State? (if yes, notify DWQ)
c. What is the estimated volume that reached waters of the State (gallons)?
d. Does discharge bypass the waste management system? (if yes, notify DWQ)
2. Is there evidence of a past discharge from any part of the operation?
3. Were there any observable adverse impacts or potential adverse impacts to Waters of the
State other than from a discharge?
Waste Application
10. Are there any required buffers, setbacks, or compliance alternatives that need
maintenance or improvement?
11. Is there evidence of incorrect application?
If yes, check the appropriate box below,
Excessive Ponding?
Hydraulic Overload?
Frozen Ground?
Heavy metals (Cu, Zn, etc)?
PAN?
Is PAN > 10%110 lbs.?
Total Phosphorus?
Failure to incorporate manurelsludge into bare soil?
Outside of acceptable crop window?
Evidence of wind drift?
Application outside of application area?
Crop Type 1
Crop Type 2
Crop Type 3
Crop Type 4
Crop Type 5
Crop Type 6
Soil Type 1
Soil Type 2
Soil Type 3
Soil Type 4
Soil Type 5
Yes No Na Ne
❑•■❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No Na Ne
■❑❑❑
❑ ❑ M ❑
11
El
El
Fescue (Pasture)
Crab Grass
Winter Annual
page: 4

• •
Permit: AW0170009 owner -Facility: Vmac Baldwin Facility Number:
170009
Inspection Date: 07/25/18 Inpsection Type: Compliance Inspection Reason for Visit:
Follow-up
Waste Application
Yes
No Na_Ng
Soil Type 6
14. Do the receiving crops differ from those designated in the Certified Animal Waste
❑ ❑
❑
Management Plan(CAWMP)?
15. Does the receiving crop and/or land application site need improvement?
❑
❑
❑
16. Did the facility fail to secure andlor operate per the irrigation design or wettable acre
❑
❑ M
❑
determination?
17. Does the facility lack adequate acreage for land application?
❑
❑ ❑
18, Is there a lack of properly operating waste application equipment?
[]
❑
❑
Otherlssues
Yes
No Na No
28. Did the facility fail to properly dispose of dead animals within 24 hours and/or document
❑
0 ❑
❑
and report mortality rates that exceed normal rates?
29. At the time of the inspection did the facility pose an odor or air quality concern? If yes,
❑
0 ❑
❑
contact a regional Air Quality representative immediately.
30, Did the facility fail to notify regional DWQ of emergency situations as required by Permit?
❑
❑ 0
❑
(i.e., discharge, freeboard problems, over -application)
31. Do subsurface tile drains exist at the facility?
❑
❑ ❑
0
If yes, check the appropriate box below.
Application Field
❑
Lagoon 1 Storage Pond
❑
Other
❑
If Other, please specify
32. Were any additional problems noted which cause non-compliance of the Permit or
❑
❑
❑
CAWMP?
33. Did the Reviewer/Inspector fail to discuss reviewlinspection with on -site representative?
❑
M ❑
❑
34. Does the facility require a follow-up visit by same agency?
M
❑ ❑
❑
page: 5

1 Z� FAM_rLY
_
Office: [phone] Cell: (336) 344-Beef
Farm: [phone] Fax: [phone]
(P
CHAROLAIS BEEF
USDA INSPECTED ALL NATURAL EXTRA LEAN
5341 HIGHWAY 86 SOUTH • YANCEYVILLE, NC 27P?9jepartment of
Environmental Quality
Received
JUN 2 7 2018
Winston-Salem
a
June 25, 2018 Regional Office
To: Sherri V. Knight
Melissa Rosebrock
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ—WSRO
Re: May 31, 2018 Letter to Baldwin Family Farms, LLC
This is to confirm my recent telephone conversation with Melissa. And, that we choose the alternative
stated in your 5/31/18 letter to re- establish and maintain year -around vegetation as much as possible.
To help facilitate this, cattle have been moved to grass on other farms and trap sizes are being reduced.
We are working very closely with the Caswell County NRCS and Soil and Water.
As stated before, we are a cow/calf and grassfed beef grazing operation. We believe that this is a
win/win improvement and we look forward to your visit on 7/25/18.
Th k You and Our Best,
4, bc—.-
V. Mac Peggy and Craig)
7
The Quality Goes In Before The Label Goes On."

a
Water Resources
Environmental Quality
CERTIFIED MAIL # 7013 1710 00021922 1883
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
May 31, 2018
Mr. Vmac Baldwin
Baldwin Family Farm Lands, LLC
5341 NC 86
Yanceyville, NC 27379
SUBJECT: Winston-Salem Regional Office Reply to Violation Response
NOV-2018-OP-0004
Certificate of Coverage #AWD170009
Incident Number: 201800477
Caswell County
Dear Mr. Baldwin:
ROY COOPER
Governor
MCHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Interim Director
The Division of Water Resources Winston-Salem Regional Office (DWR-WSRO) has reviewed
Baldwin Family Farms, LLC response to the Division's Notice of Violation dated April 6, 2018
(NOV-2018-OP-0004). The violation was issued in response to the Division's March 14, 2018
complaint investigation which determined that your 700-cattle operation must obtain a Cattle
Waste Management System General Permit per North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) 143-
215.10B and 143-215.10C.
The DWR-WSRO sincerely appreciates the steps that you have already taken to control
sediment and animal waste runoff and to protect water quality. Your description of the "five-
year -plan" to establish permanent vegetation in various pasture units should continue to
benefit the surface waters on your property.
Your response letter describes your plans to include "a sacrifice lot with a bunk line feeder and
water box" in each of the pasture units to be used as a "holding pen when cattle need to be
held to protect short grass if rotation is not possible. The lot will also serve as a catch pen
whenever cattle need to be trapped and relocated." While your plan appears to be a good way
to further encourage pasture downslope of the sacrifice lot, the sacrifice lots still meet the
definition of a feedlot per NCGS143-215.10B.(5): "...a lot or building or combination of lots and
buildings intended for the confined feeding, breeding, raising, or holding of animals and either
specifically designed as a confinement area in which animal waste may accumulate, or where
<-" Nothing Compares:_
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality
450 W. Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]

` Baldwin Beef � •
% May 31, 2018
Page 2
the concentration of animals is such that an established vegetative cover cannot be
maintained. A building or lot is not a feedlot unless animals are confined for 45 or more days,
which may or may not be consecutive in a 12-month period." Per conversations with staff, we
note that animals are fed, held, or raised in the sacrifice lots at least 45-days per year,
especially during the winter months.
As stated in the April 6, 2018 Notice, any agricultural farming activity involving 100 or more
confined cattle is considered an "animal operation" requiring application for coverage under a
Cattle Waste Management System General Permit (NCGS 143-215.10E and 143-215.10C). The
April 6, 2018 Notice directed Baldwin Farm Lands, LLC to apply for the permit within 60 days.
r�
To ensure ample opportunity to submit the mandatory permit application package, Baldwin
Family Farm Lands, LLC has sixty (60) days from receipt of this letter to submit the "State
Application for New or Expanding Animal Waste operations" and all supporting documentation.
The application is to be completed using information from a Certified Animal Waste
Management Plan (CAWMP). The NRCS/Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) field office
staff can assist you in developing a CAWMP to be submitted along with your application for the
permit.
Once the application has been completed and signed, the original and two copies of the
application must be returned (along with three copies of the entire CAWMP) to:
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Animal Feeding Operations Program
1636 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1636
Since pastures are not considered feedlots according to NC statutes, you may, as an alternative
to obtaining a permit, permanently re-establish vegetation in all the feedlots, including the
sacrifice lots and pastures. Note that permanent vegetation must be maintained year-round to
be considered "true pasture." Should you choose not to immediately re -vegetate be aware that
operation of your facility in its current state, without coverage under a valid general permit,
constitutes a violation of NCGS 143-215.1 and could result in assessment of civil penalties of up
to $25,000 per day.
-�- Per your April 30, 2018 response letter, stockpiled poultry litter is to be applied "later this
year." Prior to application, please submit a copy of your waste utilization plan (WUP) and all
records regarding the application of poultry litter for 2018. Records include:
o Soil test and waste analysis results
o Date and estimated volume of litter removed and/or given to a third party
o Land application records —to whom, when, where, and how much
If you need assistance completing the required animal waste records, please contact your
technical specialist with NRCS or SWCD.

Baldwin Beef � •
May 31, 2018
Page 3
As described above, the cattle permit application must be submitted within sixty (60) days. If
you have questions regarding this correspondence, please contact Melissa Rosebrock or me at
[phone] or by email at [e-mail] or [e-mail].
Sincerely,
Sherri V. Knight, P. E.
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ— WSRO
cc: NCDEQ DWR-Animal Feeding Operations Program
Caswell County Soil and Water Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Service via email
WSRO File Copy
■ Complete Items 1, 2, and 3.
■ Print your name and address on the reverse
so that we can return the card to you.
■ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece,
or on the front if space permits. .
1. Article Addressed to:
Mr. Vmac Baldwin
I Baldwin Family Farm Lands, LLC i
5341;NC 86 l
Yanceyville, NC 27379
II I IIIIII IIII III I I! I I II I II 1111111I1 I ll I I I I 1111
9590 9403 0921 5223 9933 83
!. Article Number aT ansfar.frnm a ndr- town_ _ . _
' 7013 1710 0002 1922. 1883
�, PS Form 3811, July 2015 PSN 7530-02-000-9053
�014'—bj�^GC1JtJ I
A;.0lanaiure
I•.- I Agent
X % "'' 19)tk1 0`v ❑ Addressee
B. Recelved by (Printed Name) C. Data of Delivery
D. Is delivery address different from Item 17 ❑ Yes
If YES, enter delivery address below: ❑ No
3. Service type
❑ Priori Mall EwossO
Cl Adult Signature
❑ Registered Mall'
❑ Adult Signature Restricted Dellvery
❑ Cardfled Mall®
❑ Registered Mail Restricted i
Delivery
❑ Certitled Mail Restricted Delivery
❑ Bet for
❑ COW on Delivery
ercherRullee
-"--" an Delivery Restricted Delivery
❑ Signature ConflmWbnTe
j Mail
❑ Signature Confirmation
Mau Reatticted Down
Restricted Dellvery
Domestic Return Recel� ptV

• NC Department
Environmental Quality
Received
MAY Q 2 2018
Subject: Notice of Violation: Nov-2918-OP-0004 Winston-Salem
Incident Number 201800477 Regional Office
Ms. Sherri V. Knight
Ms. Melissa Rosebrock
This is in response to your letter dated April 61h. We were out of town when the letter arrived by
Certified Mail. A farm employee signed the receipt but forgot to give us the letter until April 26`h
Please allow me to share some background, so you will better understand our efforts to be good Soil,
Water, and Grassland managers.
BACKGROUND
Even though we are called Baldwin Family Farms, LLC we are really Ranchers and produce our income
by birthing and grazing Charolais Cattle. We produce "Conception to Consumer" beef which means we
will have all breeding classes of cattle on the farm -----from new born calves to finish cattle, all on grass.
All our cleared land is in grass and is managed for grazing. We also produce hatching eggs which gives us
the plant food to grow the grass.
Peggy and I purchased the original 331ac tract on 6/25/81. Two additional joining tracts have been
purchased over the years for the current approximately 550 ac, called the Home farm. Our son Craig is
the Farm Manager. He and his family have a 36 ac farm and home that joins the Home farm. We have
two Grandsons that work on the farm (Stephen and Patrick), and finally, we have four Great Grand
Children, several of which are already claiming ownership of the farm.
We have been concerned about Erosion and Water Quality since the first day we bought the Home
farm. The farm has over a half -mile of road frontage on Hwy 86. The runoff from the road ditches on
both sides of Hwy 86 did run across the farm, cutting huge gullies. In the mid 80's, after several efforts
to solve the problem, we built three retention ponds to capture and control the runoff. The largest
retention pond at the corner of Hwy 86 and Topnot Road has an 12 inch discharge outlet that drops 10
feet into a pipe running about 500 feet underground to a fenced vegetated filter channel that empties
into a 7 ac pond in the center of the farm. The 7 ac pond also captures the surface runoff and sediment
from the front half of the farm. The Retention ponds were all constructed at farm expense. All ponds are
• fenced out from cattle.
In fall of 2016 we purchase a 743 tract called the Hopkins farm about 20 minutes from the Home farm.
The farm was a tobacco farm with 500 ac of open land. We are in the process of improving soil health

0 •
and fertility. Pasture establishment is ongoing and is currently planted in Ryegrass and Crimson Clover.
We have installed 300 ac of fencing and the remainder will be completed in the next few weeks. We
grazed 150 bred heifers there in 2017. The winter grazing also failed on this farm due to the drought
last fall.
I have been active in several local, state and national organizations that deal with cattle, grazing and
grassland management. I am a Past President of the North Carolina Forage and Grassland Council and a
past Director of the American Forage and Grassland Council. I am an active member of the Caswell
County Cattlemen's Association and Director in the NC State Cattlemen's Association. I am an Advisory
Board member for Caswell Cooperative Extension. And, I am a County Board Director of the North
Carolina Farm Bureau and actively serving on the NCFB Beef Advisory Committee.
I have given this background so you will know our heart and efforts to be good Cattle, Soil, Water and
Grassland managers. I will be 84 my next birthday. To be classified a Feedlot would be devastating to
me personally and catastrophic to our farm's future.
RESPONSE TO April 6tn LETTER:
1. In August, 2017, we signed documents to place our Home farm into a perpetual Conversation
Easementlunder the Stewardship of Piedmont Land Conservatory. Our land will be protected
from developed and will always remain a grazing farm.
2. As part of the above action, we have an agreement with Soil and Water and NRCS to
strategically convert the 550ac Home farm from the current system of annual Ryegrass and
Crabgrass to a perennial Novel Fescue. Dr. Matt Poore at NC State University and Dr. John v
Andrea at Clemson University have both endorsed Novel Fescue as an excellent perennial grassy
for beef production. Novel Fescue will not put an off -flavor in beef in beef like common Ky31
Fescue. This conversion to Novel Fescue began last fall with the seeding of approximately 50 ac.
We are scheduled to install another approximately 100ac in the fall of 2018. Newly converted
1 land will be out of grazing use for about one year to allow full root development. The 550ac
Home farm will be strategically converted over 5 years.
3. We have anew grazing plan designed by NRCS (Steve Woodruff) that will divide the farm into
r
additional grazing cells.'We currently have 4 wells for cattle and 24 automatic water boxes in
separate pastures. The plan is to further divide the farm into grazing cells to improve grass ;
management. Additional wells may be needed. New water lines laid and existing lines extended.
'New -fencing will be installed creating additional grazing cells. All ponds and creeks are already
fenced out except for two points along ToprYot'Road that will be fenced out. We have
committed to implement this plan as NRCS funds become available.
4. As part of the new grazing plan, each pasture unit will have a Sacrifice lot with a bunk line feeder
and water box. The Sacrifice lot will be a holding pen when cattle need to be held to protect

• 0
short grass if rotation is not possible. The lot will also serve as a catch pen whenever cattle need
to be trapped and relocated.
5. On March 14, 2018, when Ms. Rosebrock visited our Home farm on Hwy 86, she saw the worst
winter grazing and feeding conditions we have ever experienced. In the fall of 2017, we planted
Ryegrass and Crimson on over 1000 ac (Home farm and Hopkins farm). We have Invoices to
show $33,235.00 of seed purchased to do 1300ac. The additional land was not planted due to
drought.
In fall of 2017, it did not rain on our land from late August until Thanksgiving. When it did rain, it
was too late and too cold for seed to germinate. Cattle were moved from the Hopkins farm and
other farms to the Home farm for feeding stored feed. Portions of the farm that would
normally be in grazing grass were totally denuded while holding cattle close and feeding stored
feed. Also, most of the winter was rainey and snowy which turned good grass sod to mud.
Currently with warming temperatures, the Ryegrass and Clover has germinated and is growing
fast. Substantial cattle numbers have already been moved out to grass on the Hopkins farm and
other farms. We have an Invoice dated 2/16/18 for $3600 for Crabgrass seed that was
purchased and has already been seeded to quickly restore the denuded land to grass cover.
With normal rains, I anticipate all will be back in grass cover in 60 days.
The project agreement with NRCS is to plant the entire 550ac Home farm to perennial Novel
Fescue. Since Fescue is a deep rooted perennial, there will be no future weather caused
germination failure like happened in 2017.
6. Regarding our Poultry Breeder Houses, the last cleanout was in December 2017 and due to
inclement weather the litter was stored and composted in the Hanger (an old Airplane Hanger
on the farm). The 2018 Nutrient Management plan, along with litter and soil test, will be
developed and forwarded when spreading is done later this year.
In summary, we are ranchers who are committed to growing high quality pasture -raised beef. We are
willing to continue investing in practices that sustain and improve our soil, water and cattle.
Respectively Submitted,
V.11 I7
V. Mac aldwin (cell 336-344-2333)
April 30, 2018.

Rosebrock, Melissa 0 0
From: Culpepper, Linda
Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2018 3:43 PM
To: Rosebrock, Melissa
Subject: Re: Baldwin Beef NOV - Caswell County
Thank you very much, Melissa.
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 12, 2018, at 3:21 PM, Rosebrock, Melissa <[e-mail]> wrote:
Linda,
Per your request, here's the bullet points regarding NOV-2018-OP-0004:
➢ WSRO responded to complaint re: "too many" cattle.
➢ 700 beef cattle on 500 acres owned by Vmac Baldwin. Several denuded paddocks. No waste
pond or lagoon.
➢ Facility meets definition of "feedlot" NCG5143-215.10B. Mr. Baldwin DOES NOT want to be
classified as a feedlot since he markets beef as "grass fed," especially to Whole Foods.
➢ NOV for operating without an animal waste permit, requiring submittal of response (30 days)
and permit application (60 days).
➢ Not in compliance with his conservation plan with NRCS due to lack of perennial crop pasture.
➢ Baldwin says it will take 5 years to switch from annual to perennial crop and to establish true
pasture.
➢ Is working with Piedmont Land Conservancy to sell stream easements.
➢ Also has 8 poultry houses (on the same land) requiring a waste utilization plan. NOV requests
copy of poultry WUP.
➢ Is on a roundtable with Ag Comissioner Troxler.
➢ Has contacted NC Farm Bureau (Keith Larick) who contacted me for background info today.
Please let me know if you have further questions or need additional information. A copy of the NOV is
attached.
Thanks for your assistance,
Melissa
Melissa Rosebrock
Environmental Senior Specialist
NC Division of Water Resources
NC Department of Environmental Quality
336-776-9699 office
336-813-7084 mobile'
[e-mail]
Winston-Salem Regional Office
450 W. Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300
Winston-Salem, NC 27105

Email correspondence to and fro*s address is subject to the North Carolin0blic Records Law and may be
disclosed to third parties.
<Signed NOV and Attachments.pdf>

Caswell County, NC We bCIS Parce Is - N_NAM E: BALDWI N FAM I LY FARM LAN D , LLC
W
April 3, 2018 1.13,717
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City Ufnks — Hydrology AE FIRM Panel ■ CRITICAL. 0. &175 0.35 0.7km
® Countyl� Parads AEFW PROTECTED

Water Resources
Environmental Quality
CERTIFIED MAIL # 7017 1450 0001 1945 1172
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
April 6, 2018
Mr. Vmac Baldwin
Baldwin Family Farm Lands, LLC
5341 NC 86
Yanceyville, NC 27379
SUBJECT: Notice of Violation: NOV-2018-OP-0004
Certificate of Coverage #AWD170009
Incident dumber: 201800477
Caswell County
Dear Mr. Baldwin:
ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Interim Director
On March 14, 2018, representatives with the State's Division of Water Resource Winston-Salem
Regional Office (DWR-WSRO) responded to a complaint alleging "too many cattle" and the run-
off of sediment and manure into surface waters from property located at and near 5341 NC
Hwy 86 in Caswell County. Our investigation is summarized below.
Violations
Approximately 700 cattle were observed being maintained on roughly 500 acres of denuded
feedlot and/or sparse pasture. North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) define "feedlot" as:
"...a lot or building or combination of lots and buildings intended for the confined feeding,
breeding, raising, or holding of animals and either specifically designed as a confinement area
in which animal waste may accumulate, or where the concentration of animals is such that an
established vegetative cover cannot be maintained."
Per NCGS 143-215:10B and 143-215.10C, any agricultural farming activity involving 100 or more
confined cattle is considered an "animal operation" requiring application for coverage under a
Cattle Waste Management System General Permit. Upon receipt of this letter, your farm has
sixty (60) days to submit the attached "State Application for New or Expanding Animal Waste
Operations" and all supporting documentation, The application is to be completed using
information from a Certified Animal Waste Management Plan (CAWMP). Once the application
has been completed and signed, the original and two copies of the application must be
returned (along with three copies of the entire CAWMP) to:
---'�Nothing Compares =_..-
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality
450 W. Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Baldwin Beef - NOV
April 6, 2018
Page 2
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Animal Feeding Operations Program
1636 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1636
Since "true" pastures are not considered feedlots according to NCGS, you may, as an
alternative, expedite the installation of conservation practices that will permanently re-
establish vegetation in the feedlots and pastures. If you wish to pursue this option, we strongly
urge your continued cooperation with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and
the Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC). Note that permanent vegetation must be maintained
year-round to be considered "true pasture."
Should you choose not to immediately re -vegetate the feedlots, the NRCS/Soil and Water
Conservation District (SWCD) field office staff can also assist you in developing a CAWMP to be
submitted along with your application for the permit. Please be aware that operation of your
facility in its current state, without coverage under a valid general permit, constitutes a
violation of NCGS 143-215.1 and could result in assessment of civil penalties of up to $25,000
per day.
Other Concerns:
Excessive cattle activity has resulted in sparse and denuded pasture fields. Due to the steeply
sloped land, sediment and animal waste is likely to run-off into an unnamed tributary to Reedy
Fork Creek (class C waters of the State). There is, therefore, the potential for future NC Stream
Standard violations (turbidity, dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, etc.) if conditions continue or
deteriorate further. We encourage you to implement your conservation plan for cattle
exclusion, fencing, and vegetated buffers as soon as possible.
Eight poultry houses were also observed on the property. Per NCGS 143-215.10C and
Administrative Code 15A NCAC 02T .1303, dry litter poultry operations are deemed permitted.
This means that while these operations are not required to apply for permits, they must follow
general requirements as outlined in statutes and rules. Attached is a summary of these
requirements for all dry litter operations over 30,000 birds. Please submit a copy of your waste
utilization plan (WUP) and all records regarding the application of poultry litter for 2018.
Records include:
o Soil test and waste analysis results
o Date and estimated volume of litter removed
o Land application records — when, where, and how much
o Records of litter sold or given to a 311 party including the amount of litter removed, the date
litter was removed, and the name, address, and phone number of the manure hauler.
If you need assistance completing the required animal waste records, please contact your
technical specialist with NRCS or SWCD.

Baldwin Beef —NOV
April 6, 2018
Page 3
Written Response
Please respond in writing to our office within thirty (30) days describing, in detail, the actions
you have taken, or propose to take, to address the violation and concerns listed above. Your
response should be sent to my attention at the address listed in the footer on page one. As
noted above, the permit application must be submitted within sixty (60) days. If you have
questions or concerns regarding this Notice, please contact Melissa Rosebrock or me at (336)
776-9800 or by email at [e-mail] or [e-mail].
Sincerely,
Sherri V. Knight, P. E.
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ-- WSRO
Enclosures
cc: NCDEQ DWR-Animal Waste Feeding Operations
Caswell County Soil and Water Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Service via email
WSRO File Copy
■ Complete Items 1, 2, and 3.
■ Print your name and address on the reverse
so that we can return the card to you.
R Attach this card to the back of the mallplece,
or on the front if space permits.
1. Artlnla CrbtraacM fin•
Mr. Vmac Baldwin
Baldwin Family Farm Lands, LLC
5341 NC 86
Yanceyville, NC 27379
7017 1450 0001 1945
Nov— Q01 19--0P-066 y a
A. Signature F
- _ ` _- Agent
X 1 -� U,,x .�Z ❑ Addresses
B. Received by (Printed Name) C. Date of Delivery
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D. Is d g�yyaddress different from Item 1? © Yes
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vrrol`im,,ental Quality `
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❑ Collect on Delivery Restricted Delivery ❑ Signature ConflrmationTM i
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Ps Form 3811, July 2015 PSN 7530-02-000-9053 Domestic Return Receipt

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R-, WA.,R
nano of Wafer Resources
0 Incident Report •
Report Number: 201800477
Incident Type:
Complaint
Category
APS - Animal
Incident Started :
01/29/2018
Country :
Caswell
City.
Farm 9.
017-0009
Responsible Party:
Owner:
Permit
Facility
First Name:
Vmac
Middle Name:
Last Name:
Baldwin
Address:
5341 NC 86
On -Site Contact:
First/Mid/Last Name:
Company Name:
Phone :
Pager/Mobile Phone: !
Reported By:
First/Mid/Last Name:
Company Name:
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone
Page/Mobile Phone: 1
City/State/Zip; Yanceyviile NC 272379
Phone: [phone]
Material Category: Estimated Qty: UOM: Chemical Name Reportable Qty.lbs.
Latitude:
Longtitude
Location of Incident
Address:
CitylStatelZip :
DD:MM:SS Decimal
Position Method : Unknown
360 22' 35" 36.376300 Positlon Accuracy: Nearest Second
-79° 14' 28"-79.241100 Position Datum : Unknown
5341 NC Hwy 86
5341 NC Hwy 86
Yanceyville NC 27379
Reportable Qty.kgs.
Report Created 414118 10:52 am Page: 1

Cause/Observation : •
Complainant alleges that Vmac Baldwin (owner of Baldwin Beef)
graded land for a "satellite" beef operation and it has caused waste
and sediment to Flow onto complainant's property, Complainant also
alleges that the beef operation at the "main" farm located at 5341 NC
Hwy 86 is causing water quality problems and that they 'have too
many cattle,"
Action Taken :
Visited sites on 03/14/2018. To issue NOV for operating a cattle
operation with > 100 animals without obtaining a permit. Left
message for owner on 03/14/2018 and spoke to him on 03/15/2018
He called WSRO again on 03/19/2018.
Incident Questions :
Did the Material reach the surface Water?
Surface Water Name ?
Unknown
Did the Spill result in a Fish Kill? No
If the Spill was from a storage tank indicate type
Containment? Unknown
Cleanup Complete? Unknown
Water Supply Wells within 1500ft : Unknown
Event Type
Incident closed
Requested Additional Information
Report Entered
Referred to Regional Office - Primary Contact
Incident Start
Report Received
Directions : •
Hwy 158 east from Winston-Salem to Yanceyville. South on Hwy 86,
Main farm on left.
Comments:
No WO concems/violations observed at "satellite" pasture to which
complainant referred. The "main" farm is operating without an animal
waste permit as >100 beef cattle (approx. seven groups) were
observed on sacrifice lots. Owner confirms cattle have been on
denuded lots >45 days because he states that he didn't get a good
stand of rye for the winter. Mr. Baldwin staled he is in the process of
putting land into a conservation easement and establishing
permanent vegetation for pasture. Vegetation is a special type of
novel fescue "Bar Optima." Transition will take about five years.
Reedy Fork Creek headwaters begin on the Baldwin property. No
locations upstream of cattle operation for comparison.
Conveyance:
Event Date
2018/03/30 2:34:11
2018101 /29 10:05:00
2018/01/29 9:30:00
2018/01 /29 9:30:00
Estimated Number of fish?
(Above Ground or Under Ground)
Groundwater Impacted : Unknown
Due Date
Comment
Report Created 414118 10:52 am Page : 2

'Standard Agencies Notified : 49
Agency Name Phone First Name M.I. Last Name Contact Date
Other Agencies Notified :
Agency Name Phone First Name M.I. Last Name Contact Date
DWQ Information :
Report Taken By: Report Entered By: Regional Contact:
Sherri V Knight Melissa Rosebrock Melissa Rosebrock
Phone:
DatelTime: 2018/01/29 09:30:OOAM 2018/03/30 02:34:11PM 2018/01/29 10:05:OOAM
Referred Via: Phone
Did DWQ request an additional written report?
If yes, What additional Information Is needed?
email
Report Created 41411 S 10:52 am Page: 3

M Division of Water Resources
❑ Division of Soil
and Water Conservation
❑ Other Agency
Facility Number:
170009
Facility Status:
Active Permit: AWD170009
❑ Denied Access
Inssection Type:
Compliance Inspection
Inactive Or Closed Date:
Reason for VlsIt:
Complaint
County: Caswell Region:
Winston-Salem
Date of Visit:
03/14/2018 Entry Time: 01:00 pm
Exit Time: 2:00 pm Incident #
201800477
Farm Name:
Baldwin Beef
Owner Email:
Owner:
Vmac Baldwin
Phone:
336-694-1620
Mailing Address:
5341 NC 86
Yanceyville NC 27379
Physical Address:
5341 NC 86
Yanceyville NC 27379
Facility Status:
❑ Compliant 0
Not Compliant
Integrator:
Location of Farm:
Latitude: Longitude:
Question Areas:
Dischrge & Stream Impacts
Records and Documents
Waste Col, Stor, & Treat Waste Application
Other Issues
Certified Operator: Operator Certification Number:
Secondary OIC(s):
On -Site Representative(s): Name Title Phone
24 hour contact name Vmac Baldwin Phone :
Primary Inspector: Melissil Roseprock Phone:3310
Inspector Signature: Date:C/M kjam) k2
Secondary Inspector(s):
Rebecca D Chandler
Inspection Summary:
page: 1

Permit: AW0170009 Owner - Facility : Vmac Baldwin Facility Number, 170009
Inspection Date: 03/14/18 Inpsection Type: Compliance Inspection Reason for Visit; Complaint
3. Complainant alleges that Vmac Baldwin (owner of Baldwin Beef) graded land for a "satellite" beef operation and it has caused
waste and sediment to flow into stream on complainant's property. Complainant also alleges that the beef operation at the "main"
farm located at 5341 NC Hwy 86 is causing water quality problems. .
No WQ concemslviolations were observed at the "satellite" pasture next to complainant's property. The "main" farm, however, has
approximately 700 beef cattle (approximately seven groups) on about 400 acres of land, including denuded sacrifice lots. Area is
steeply sloped with sparse vegetation, especially in the draws. Reedy Fork Creek headwaters begin on the Baldwin property. No
locations upstream of cattle operation for comparison. High potential for run-off of sediment and manure into surface waters from
the denuded lots and sparse pastures.
9. Waste around the feeding areas is accumulating and has high probability for run-off into surface waters. Will need to scrape the
waste and land -apply to a suitable receiving crop. Strongly suggest a vegetated buffer and fence around all ravines/draws to help
exclude animals and manure from surface waters.
19. The "main" farm is operating without an animal waste permit. More than 100 beef cattle were observed at the farm on sacrifice
lots. Owner confirms cattle have been on denuded lots >45 days because he didn't get a good stand of rye for the winter. NOV for
operating a cattle operation with >100 animals without obtaining a permit.
29. Cattle and waste odor was unusually strong (as compared to ther operations in WSRO) along gravel road bordering Baldwin
Beef cattle farm.
32. Non-compliance with deemed permit due to >100 cattle on denuded land for more than 45 days.
33. Did not speak with anyone onsite. Left message and spoke with owner on 0311512018. He called WSRO again and spoke with
M.Rosebrock on 0311912018.
34. WSRO will need to follow-up with NOV and site visits to ensure compliance. Mr. Baldwin states that he is trying to establish
vegetation using is a special type of novel fescue seed, "Bar Optima." Transition will reportedly take about five years. Mr. Baldwin
stated he is in the process of putting land into a conservation easement and establishing permanent vegetation for pasture.
page: 2

:7
Permit: AWD170009 Owner - Facility : Vmac Baldwin Facility Number: 170009
Inspection Date: 03/14/18 Inpsection Type: Compliance Inspection Reason for Visit: Complaint
Regulated Operations Design Capacity Current promotions
Cattle
Cattle -Beef Feeder 700 700
Total Design Capacity: 700
Total 55LW: 560,000
page: 3

Permit: AWD170009 Owner - Facility : Vmac Baldwin Facility Number: 170009
Inspection Date: 03/14/18 Inpsection Type: Compliance Inspection Reason for Visit: Complaint
Discharges & Stream Impacts
Yes No Na No
1. Is any discharge observed from any part of the operation?
❑
0 ❑
❑
Discharge originated at:
Structure
❑
Application Field
❑
Other
❑
a. Was conveyance man-made?
❑
❑ ❑
❑
b. Did discharge reach Waters of the State? (if yes, notify DWQ)
❑
❑ ❑
❑
c. What is the estimated volume that reached waters of the State (gallons)?
d. Does discharge bypass the waste management system? (if yes, notify DWQ)
❑
❑ ❑
❑
2. Is there evidence of a past discharge from any part of the operation?
❑
❑
❑
3. Were there any observable adverse impacts or potential adverse impacts to Waters of the
M
❑ ❑
❑
State other than from a discharge?
Waste Collection, Storage & Treatment
Yes No Na No
4. Is storage capacity less than adequate?
❑
❑ 0
❑
If yes, is waste level into structural freeboard?
❑
5. Are there any immediate threats to the integrity of any of the structures observed (Le./ large
❑
❑ �
❑
trees, severe erosion, seepage, etc.)?
8. Are there structures on -site that are not properly addressed and/or managed through a
❑
❑M
❑
waste management or closure plan?
7. Do any of the structures need maintenance or improvement?
❑
[IN
❑
8. Do any of the structures lack adequate markers as required by the permit? (Not applicable
❑
110
❑
to roofed pits, dry stacks and/or wet stacks)
9. Does any part of the waste management system other than the waste structures require
E
❑ ❑
❑
maintenance or improvement?
Waste Application
Yes No Na Me
10. Are there any required buffers, setbacks, or compliance alternatives that need
Cl ❑ Cl
maintenance or improvement?
11. Is there evidence of incorrect application?
❑ ❑ ❑
If yes, check the appropriate box below,
Excessive Ponding?
❑
Hydraulic Overload?
❑
Frozen Ground?
❑
Heavy metals (Cu, Zn, etc)?
❑
PAN?
❑
Is PAN > 10%/10 lbs.?
❑
Total Phosphorus?
❑
Failure to incorporate manure/sludge into bare soil?
❑
Outside of acceptable crop window?
❑
Evidence of wind drift?
❑
Application outside of application area?
❑
page: 4

0 0
Permit: AVVD170009 Owner- Facility : Vmac Baldwin Facility Number: 170009
Inspection Date: 03/14/18 Inssection Type: Compliance Inspection Reason for Visit: Complaint
Waste Application
Yes
No No No
Crop Type 1
Fescue (Pasture)
Crop Type 2
Crop Type 3
Crop Type 4
Crop Type 5
Crop Type 6
Soil Type 1
Soil Type 2
Soil Type 3
Soil Type 4
Soil Type 5
Soil Type 6
14. Do the receiving crops differ from those designated in the Certified Animal Waste
❑
❑ E
❑
Management Plan(CAWMP)?
15. Does the receiving crop and/or land application site need improvement?
❑
❑ ❑
16. Did the facility fail to secure and/or operate per the irrigation design or wettable acre
❑
❑
❑
determination?
17. Does the facility lack adequate acreage for land application?
❑
❑ ❑
18. Is there a lack of properly operating waste application equipment?
❑
❑ ❑
Records and Documents
Yes No Na No
19. Did the facility fail to have Certificate of Coverage and Permit readily available?
❑ ❑ ❑
20. Does the facility fail to have all components of the CAWMP readily available?
❑ ❑ ❑
If yes, check the appropriate box below.
WU P?
❑
Checklists?
❑
Design?
❑
Maps?
❑
Lease Agreements?
❑
Other?
❑
If Other, please specify
21. Does record keeping need improvement?
❑ ❑ ❑
If yes, check the appropriate box below.
Waste Application?
❑
Weekly Freeboard?
❑
Waste Analysis?
❑
Soil analysis?
❑
Waste Transfers?
❑
Weather code?
❑
Rainfall?
❑
Stocking?
❑
page: 5

0 0
Permit: AWD170009 Owner - Facility : Vmac Baldwin Facility Number: 170009
Inspection Date: 03/14/18 Inpsection Type: Compliance Inspection Reason for Visit: Complaint
Records and Documents
Yea
No Na No
Crop yields?
❑
120 Minute inspections?
❑
Monthly and 1" Rainfall Inspections
, ❑
Sludge Survey
❑
22. Did the facility fail to install and maintain a rain gauge?
❑
❑ ❑
23. If selected, did the facility fail to install and maintain a rainbreaker on irrigation equipment
❑
❑ ❑
(NPDES only)?
24. Did the facility fail to calibrate waste application equipment as required by the permit?
❑
❑ ❑ 0
25. Is the facility out of compliance with permit conditions related to sludge? If yes, check the
❑
❑ ❑
appropriate box(es) below:
Failure to complete annual sludge survey
❑
Failure to develop a POA for sludge levels
❑
Non -compliant sludge levels in any lagoon
❑
List structure(s) and date of first survey indicating non-compliance:
26. Did the facility fail to provide documentation of an actively certified operator in charge?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
27. Did the facility fail to secure a phosphorous loss assessment (PLAT) certification?
1111110
Other Issues
Yes
No Na No
28. Did the facility fail to properly dispose of dead animals within 24 hours and/or document
❑
❑ ❑
and report mortality rates that exceed normal rates?
29. At the time of the inspection did the facility pose an odor or air quality concern? If yes,
E
❑ ❑
❑
contact a regional Air Quality representative immediately.
30. Did the facility fail to notify regional DWQ of emergency situations as required by Permit?
❑
Cl Cl
(i.e., discharge, freeboard problems, over -application)
31. Do subsurface tile drains exist at the facility?
❑
❑ ❑
0
If yes, check the appropriate box below.
Application Field
❑
Lagoon 1 Storage Pond
❑
Other
❑
If Other, please specify
32. Were any additional problems noted which cause non-compliance of the Permit or
E
❑ ❑
❑
CAWMP?
33. Did the Reviewer/inspector fail to discuss reviewlinspection with on -site representative?
❑
0 ❑
❑
34. Does the facility require a follow-up visit by same agency?
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TID:
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Calculated:
10.05910015
P_PIN:
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NNAME:
RONALD JAMES NANCE & WIFE
N_NAME2:
EDITH JEANNETTE ROBERTS
N_HOUSE NR:
1018
N'STREET:
BOB GAULDIN RD
N_CITY:
PELHAM
N_STATE:
NC
N_ZIP_FIRS:
27311
AA HOUSE N:
931
AA STREET:
TOMS CREEK
P_STREET T.
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AA CITY:
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P 1ISTRICT:
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P_TOWNSHIP:
0101
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2018
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Shape.STAraa{):
438170.59094238
Attributes atpoint: 1884781, 924259
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ENR DESC: YAN2 YANCEYVILLE 2
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Rosebrock, Melissa • 0
From: Jessica Nance <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2018 10:05 AM
To: Rosebrock, Melissa
Subject: [External] 931 Tom's Creek Trail, Damage
Attachments: 20180120 175142jpg;20180120_175144jpg;20180120_175231jpg;20180120_175211jpg;
20180120_175144jpg
932 Tom's Creek Trail
Yanceyville, NC 27379

Rosebrock, Melissa • 0
From: Jessica Nance <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2018 10:09 AM
To: Rosebrock, Melissa .
Subject: [External] 931 Tom's Creek Trail, Damage
Attachments: 20180120 175208jpg;20180120_175142jpg;20180121 145122jpg;20180121_145056jpg
931 Tom's Creek Trail
Yanceyville, NC 27379

Rosebrock, Melissa • •
From: Jessica Nance <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2018 10:51 AM
To: Rosebrock, Melissa
Subject: [External] 931 Tom's Creek Trail, Damage
Attachments: 20180121_150510jpg;20180121_150452jpg;20180121_150933jpg
931 Tom's Creek Trail
Yanceyville, NC 27379

Rosebrock, Melissa • •
From: Jessica Nance <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, January 29, 201810:47 AM
To: Rosebrock, Melissa
Subject: [External] 931 Tom's Creek Trail, Damage
Attachments: 20180120_175240jpg;20180120_175225jpg;20180121_145328jpg;20180121_145649jpg
931 Tom's Creek Trail
Yanceyville, NC 27379

Rosebrock, Melissa
From: Jessica Nance <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2018 10:27 AM
To: Rosebrock, Melissa
Subject: [External] 931 Tom's Creek Trail, Damage
Attachments: 20180121_150927jpg;20180121_150922jpg;20180121_151108jpg
931 Tom's Creek Trail
Yanceyville, NC 27379

Rosebrock Meliss • a
From: Jessica Nance <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2018 10:23 AM
To: Rosebrock, Melissa
Subject: [External] 931 Tom's Creek Trail, Damage
Attachments: 20180121_150915 jpg; 20180121_150713 jpg
931 Tom's Creek Trail
Yanceyville, NC 27379
r_
1

Rosebrock, Melissa • •
From: Jessica Nance <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, January 29, 201810:20 AM
To: Rosebrock, Melissa
Subject: [External] 931 Tom's Creek Trail, Damage
Attachments: 20180121 150433jpg;20180121_150341jpg;20180121_150018jpg
931 Tom's Creek Trail
Yanceyville, NC 27379
-' e ' " .1 /"'1) --
r

Rosebrock, Melissa •
From: Jessica Nance <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2018 10:16 AM
To: Rosebrock, Melissa
Subject: [External] 931 Tom's Creek Trail, Damage
Attachments: 20180121_145609 jpg; 20180121_145921 jpg; 20180121_145804jpg
932 Tom's Creek Trail
Yanceyville, NC 27379

� � r
Rosebrock, Melissa
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
931 Tom's Creek Trail
Yanceyville, NC 27379
Jessica Nance <[e-mail]>
Monday, January 29; 2018 10.13 AM
Rosebrock, Melissa
[External] 931 Tom's Creek Trail, Damage
20180121_145316jpg;20180121_145258jpg;20180121_145208jpg;20180121 145741jpg

"The Crabgrass Seed Folks"
"Red "Quick-N-Bige"
•
River" Crabgrass Seed - Crabgrass Seed
Other Seeds on Request
•
R.L. & Pat Dalrymple
•
Office Phone: [phone]pnrgdale Road
Home Phone & Fax: [phone] Ardmore, OK 73401-9157
•
Farm Phone: [phone] dandpat&aNeone.net
R.L.'s Cell: 5SM70-0043
•
www.redrivercrabgrass.com
•
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Cover Photo :Elstel Farm and Seeds Stocker Steers Grazing `Quick-N-Big®' Crabgrass
in Mid -May.
i

Crabgrass
weed into
by John Jennings
— turning a
forage
HE mere mention of crabgrass
evokes responses ranging from
clenched teeth and muttered
oaths to smiles and nods of approval.
Crabgrass has a much maligned
history but has gained favor as a
high -quality forage over the past
couple decades.
For years, producers noticed that live-
stock readily grazed this "weedy grass,"
but work from the Noble Research
Institute brought it to the forefront
as a valued forage when the variety
"Red River" was released. This was
the first named variety and was the
forerunner of others since (for example,
Quick-N-Big).
I remember a conversation with R.L.
Dalrymple, a forage agronomist now
retired from the Noble Research Insti-
tute. When he told of the many selec-
tions of crabgrass they tested ranging
from very high yielding to some short,
dense types that would be well suited
for turfgrass. He knew the latter was a
nonstarter, although when my daughter
was young, she used to encourage me
to plant more of that "soft grass" in our
yard because it was not as "stickery"
to her bare feet as the bermudagrass I
tried so hard to grow.
So, where did this grass come from and
where does it fit for livestock operations?
Crabgrass is thought to have originated
in Africa. It was probably first brought to
the U.S: as a contaminant in other seed
but was also imported as a forage for
draft animals. Crabgrass is a warm -sea-
son annual grass, meaning it germinates
in spring, grows through summer, and
dies at fall frost: It is also adapted to
more Northern latitudes than bermu-
dagrass, thus providing a summer forage
option for a wide geographical area.
A prolific reseeder
Several species of crabgrass exist, but
the most common one grown for forage is
large or hairy crabgrass (Digitaria san-
guinalis). Crabgrass has a clump -type
growth habit and spreads by long stolons
or runners that root down at the nodes.
It can grow to over 2-feet tall, is adapted
to a wide range of environments, and
grows best on well -drained soils.
Though crabgrass tolerates drought,
planting on sites that are not excessively
drought -susceptible during summer will
result in the greatest forage production.
It is a prolific reseeder, and being an
annual species, it quickly colonizes dis-
turbed soil. These characteristics made
it a hated weed in cotton and crop
before the advent of selective herb:
but are advantageous for pastures
Don't plant deep
Optimum soil pH for crabgrass
quite wide, ranging from 5.5 to 7.
normally planted in mid- to late
in Southern areas. Planting after
summer is risky due to the undep
ability of late -summer rainfall. S,
a minimum of 2 pounds of pure li
seed (PLS) per acre, but planting
5 pounds of PLS per acre helps en
better stands. Two -year -old seed
been noted to have a higher estab
ment rate than 1-year-old seed.
Crabgrass seed is hairy and doE
not flow well through drill seeder,
is often mixed with a carrier such
JOHN JENNINGS "
The author is a Forage;:.
extension speciciliif:,
with the University of
Arkansas in Litf e, Rode.
6 1 Hay & Forage Grower I February 2018

V
fertilizer, dry sand, or pelletized lime to
improve spreadability. When broadcast
planting, the spreader should be driven
almost track -to -track since the crab -
ass seed will not spread as far as the
`fertilizer or pellet lime.
'i Plant crabgrass into a tilled, well -
firmed seedbed. Seed can be broadcast
;and then covered by a second pass
with a roller or it can be planted with a
drill about 1/4-inch deep. Planting too
deep is a bigger concern than plant-
ing too shallow. Research shows that
light stimulates germination and most
seedlings emerge from within the top
1/2-inch of soil; very few emerge from
more than 3/4-inch deep.
With adequate moisture and tempera-
ture, some crabgrass seed will germinate
within a few days, though the new stand
may continue to thicken over a period
of two months. The typical period from
seedling emergence to "first grazing" is
normally 40 days under good conditions.
Cereal forage companion
Once established, crabgrass
-acan be managed for reseeding to
produce volunteer stands indefi- as a
:nitely. It is very compatible when
grown with small grains such as
wheat or cereal rye. The small
grain provides forage from late
fall into spring, and the volun-
teer crabgrass fills in to provide
forage from summer to early fall. For this
system, seed can be overseeded with fer-
tilizer during winter into the fall -planted
small grain pasture.
4. Cattle grazing the wheat helps tread
the seed into the soil. In subsequent
years, the wheat can be no -tilled into
the short crabgrass stubble in fall, and
harrowing or light tillage around the
time of spring "graze -out" of the wheat
pasture improves crabgrass seed ger-
mination and promotes better volun-
teer stands. Some Arkansas producers
r have had excellent success growing
a wheat -crabgrass combination for
stocker cattle, reporting gains of over 2
pounds per head per day.
Crabgrass responds well to rotational
grazing. Grazing can begin when it
reaches 4 to 6 inches tall. During the
growing season, crabgrass is very palat-
able and is often grazed first by animals
turned into a new pasture; however,
crabgrass becomes very unpalatable after
a killing frost and is usually avoided by
grazing animals. Plan to use grazeable
forage before frost occurs. This manage-
ment approach allows other pastures
such as stockpiled bermudagrass or fes-
cue to accumulate growth, which can be
grazed later in fall to reduce hay feeding
Nitrogen needs
Crabgrass responds well to nitrogen
(N) fertilizer, but it can accumulate
high nitrate levels under high N fer-
tilizer or manure applications. Apply
fertilizer N in split applications of 50
to 60 pounds per acre for each grazing
or hay harvest as needed. Do not apply.
nitrogen after mid -August, since little
"Even with its unfounded reputation
weed, the forage quality of crabgrass
crabgrass hay normally dries more
slowly than bermudagrass.
Crabgrass contamination of bermu-
dagrass hayfields intended for horse
hay is a concern because the slow-
er -drying crabgrass can create "green
spots" in baled hay, raising the chance
for mold or spontaneous heating. The
darker color of crabgrass hay also has
less eye appeal than the green color of
well -cured bermudagrass hay.
Holds forage quality
Dry matter yield of Red River crab-
grass in a five-year Arkansas forage trial
averaged 4.4 tons per acre. Yield can be
erratic, depending on summer rainfall
and can range from 1 to 2 tons per acre to
over 5 tons per acre. Research at the Uni-
versity of Arkansas Southwest Research
and Extension Center near Hope showed
a boost in dry matter from 2,527 pounds
per acre to 6,454 pounds per acre when
cutting interval was extended from 21
days (stem elongation) to 35
days (early heading).
Even with its unfounded
reputation as a weed, the for-
age quality of crabgrass is typ-
ically better than that of most
is typically better than that of most other summer grasses like
bermudagrass, bahiagrass,
pearl millet, or sorghum-su-
dangrass hybrids. Arkansas
studies showed that common
crabgrass quality remained high even as
plants reached maturity.
The crude protein (CP) concentra-
tion of crabgrass declined in a narrow
range from 21 percent in the vegeta-
tive stage in July to 15.9 percent at
the milk stage in late August. Neu-
tral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid
detergent fiber (ADF) content showed
relatively little change over the same
time span. Due to the lower fiber
content, crabgrass forage was digested
44 percent faster in the rumen than
high -quality bermudagrass hay.
Crabgrass is gaining the reputation
as high -quality forage instead of as a
weed. Palatability and forage quality
are excellent. It is useful for providing
high -quality summer pasture or hay
to support good animal performance
for stocker calves, dairy cattle, small
ruminants, and horses. It works well in
mixtures with small grains and some
perennial cool -season grasses. •
other summer grasses."
growth response would be expected.
Cut crabgrass for hay in the boot to
heading stage (normally 18 to 24 inches
high), which should allow at least
two harvests per year. To favor quick
regrowth, cut or graze above a 3-inch
height to leave some green leaf tissue.
Regrowth is supported.by remaining
leaves and not by, stored root and crown
reserves. Grazing or mowing the sward
too short removes the leaf area and
greatly slows regrowth.
If crabgrass hay is cut before it
makes mature seed, leave 6-inch-wide
uncut strips between mower swaths
to produce enough seed for reseeding.
Due to the hairy stems and leaves,
The author wishes to ccknowledge his
University of Arkansas colleagues,
Paul Beck, Dirk Philipp, and Kenny Simon,
for their contributions to this article.
February 2018 1 bayandforage.com 1 7

R.L., Pat & Dillon DalrympleIlk
DALRYM PLE FARMS
"The Craharass Seed Folks"
Warehouse: Warehouse: 1-arm/Of-ice:
24160 East 950 Road 24248 E. 890 Rd. 24275 East 910 Rd.
Weatherford, Ok 73096 'Thomas, Ok 73669 Thomas, Ok 73669
Web: rcdrivercrabgrass.com x email: rlandpat a cableone.net
R.L.'s Phone & Text: 580-670-0043 (Best) • Fax: [phone]
2018 `Dal's Big River@ Crabgrass', `Quick-N-Big@ Crabgrass', `Quick-N-Big Spreader Es
Crabgrass', and `Red River Crabgrass' Seed Price List & I nformation (.we I)e1ow an(t inn Page 2)
Seed Varietv Seed Pricellb. FOB Thomas, OK 73669
`Quick-N-Big@' Crabgrass, Certified Class, Aged Seed $8.00
`Quick-N-Big Spreaderg' Crabgrass, Certified Class, Aged Seed $8.50
DEALERS WELCOME (Dealer Discount Available)
PRICES.SUB.IECT. TO CHANCE • YOU. CAN PICK UP- WE, CAN SHIP
`Quick-N-Big" Crahgrass', `Quick-N-Big Spreader0 Crabgrass% and `Dal's Big` River@' Crabgrass
Are All'Trailcmarkei! Prbprietsry V.irieties'of Dalrymple Fahihs. That Inforib"Ition Is. Provided On''
The Seed Bag And Red Tag On 'rise Bag, And On This Seed List.
`Red River' Crabgrass, Certified Class, Aged Seed* $5.00
`Dal's Big River' Crabgrass; Certified Class, Aged Seed $6.00
New crop seed (2017) is available on special reclucst. Price is the same.
Seed prices are by the net pound. except if the %pure-live=seed (pis) is 70°/� or less,
then that seed is priced by the pis pound.
All seed is bagged in 25 pound net weight poly woven bags. Seed bags can be divided if
needed. If seed can be shipped to a "town" business address. Or a seed dealer, or another
agricultural business, the freight cost will likely be slightly less.
"Aced" seed is seed that is over I year old; or 2'years or more than 2 vears old, after harvest.
"Aced" seed typically has seed dormancy very low, or zero;,and also uniforinity 'of germina-
tion find' speed of' ;erniination at ripper level. "Aged" seed usually germinates quicker, and
more uniform, than "new crop" seed. This isvue for 'Quick-N-Bi-V Crabgrass,`QUick-N-Big
Spreader«' Crabgrass, and 'Red River' Crabgrass. `Dal•'s Big Rivera<' Crabgrass "new crop"
'Red River' crabgrass, and the many Inferior "common" or "native crabgrasses, typically have a
much higher new crop % dormant seed content than `Quick-N-Big{10 ' crabgrass ar `Quick-N-Big
Spreader 0 ' crabgrass.
Page t of 3 (over)

Red river crabgrass can have dormant seed at 50% to over 90% (up to 94% recorded) soon after
harvest. That dormant seed "breaks" (reduces) with time to get near zero or at zero sometime during
the aging process. That is the.purpose of Dalrymple Farms purposely "aging" crabgrass seed.."Aged"
seed. is probably, more .important ;for `Red River' Crabgrass And `Dal's Big River 1z' Crabgrass.
However, "aged" seed of `Quick-N-Big1z' Crabgrass and `Quick-N-Big Spreader,®' Crabgrass is also
helpful.to get earliest most uniform stands. Dalrymple Farms tries to provide aged seed of all varieties
when possible.
All four of these varieties are "high" duality and "high" palatability summer forages. They are
good for all aspects of summer forage, i.e., grazing, haying, green chop, grass silage (wrapped) sum-
mer mixtures, double -cropping with winter forage crops, COVER CROPPING (excellent), winter
stockpile, and numerous soil conservation mixtures. All are relatively disease "free". All can be man-
aged for planned volunteer, thus, simulating a perennial. Since 1988, when `Red River' Crabgrass
was released by the Noble Research Institute (with R.L. Dalrymple as researcher), Dalrymple Farms
Crabgrass varieties have grown to four, with each release some kind of improvement over the prior. In
comparison, there are over 100 varieties of wheat that can be grown in Oklahoma, each with it's own
"improvement".
`Red River' Crabgrass was researched for forage and selected from about 50 typical natural crab-
grass selections for variety development from 1974 to it's release in 1988. It was released from Noble
Research Institute as a public variety. Selections studied were from Delaware, Louisiana, Missouri,
New Mexico, New Zealand, Oklahoma, and Texas. The "Mother Plant" of `Red River' Crabgrass
came from the sand hills,North of the Red River in Love County, Oklahoma. Thus, the name `Red
River' Crabgrass. `Red River' Crabgrass is a bunch grass and runner (stolon) type crabgrass capable of
high production per acre with good moisture and soil fertility. It is a tall type crabgrass capable of free
standing up tot to 3 feet tall. It is also a relatively lush grass (high moisture) with a relatively small
stem and will often lean over (weep) or lodge as it nears 2 %z to 3 feet tall due to the somewhat weak
smallish stems and water weight. It should be grazed or harvested before this happens. `Red River'
Crabgrass is the world's first known developed and named crabgrass variety. It is a certified seed vari-
ety via the procedures of the Oklahoma Crop Improvement Association. It is not a Trademarked (TM)
or Plant Variety Protection (PVP) variety.
`Quick-N-Bigg' Crabgrass is the first variety developed after `Red River' Crabgrass. The "Mother
Seed" came from an associate. He did not know exactly from where it originated. `Quick-N-Big®'
Crabgrass is a much different type than the runner type `Red River' Crabgrass. It grows very erect and
similar to spring growing wheat, rye, etc. It stools (tillers) profusely, making upwards to 100 basal
stems from a I seed plant, and making Lip to over 400 total stems per plant. It makes very few runner
type stems. `Quick-N-Big@' Crabgrass typically produces much faster initial growth and much more
early production than `Red River' Crabgrass. It can grow to "knee high" (24 inches) by the same time
`Red River' Crabgrass is ankle high (6 inches). That early growth can be 1,000 lbs./acre dry forage
to near 2,000 lbs.lacre more than `Red River' Crabgrass. That is very important to most stockmen.
`Quick-N-Big©' Crabgrass is a very tall type sometimes capable of reaching up to 56-58 inches tall at
seed harvest stage. 'It 'can be very productive but, it should be grazed or hayed much earlier, at about 12
to 24 inches for grazing and 24 to 36 inches for haying when regrowth is wanted. And, always at a 3
to 6 inch stubble leaving a lot of leave, for good survival and regrowth. The last use of summer can be
taken down to I to 3 inches to complete the season's use. `Quick-N-Big©' Crabgrass is a Trademarked
Proprietary variety of Dalrymple Farms.
Page 2 of 3 (over)

:00
Note: Some agricultural folks do not appreciate Trademarked (TM) or Plant Variety Protected (PVP)
Varieties, but remember this -- TM or PVP and Certified Class seed is the best way for a producer to
be assured the product is the correct one.)
`Quick-N-BigO Spreader"Cr'Aki ass is essentially an extecision of `Quick' N-Big®' Uabgrass. It was
decided to try'to advance the `Quick-N=Big®' Crab'grass'ailother step'. After much study, it was decided
that it would,be.desirable to have a `Quick-N-Big©' Crabgrass with.some decumbent (squatting) sterns
around the crown. This enhances spreading, and should make the'variety more resistant to too short
haying, mowing, and being "stomped" into the dirt. Thus, the `Quick-N-Big Spreader®' Crabgrass
was developed out of the original seed that made `Quick-N-BigO' Crabgrass. It has been measured
as tall as 51 inches thus a very productive grass. In Dalrymple Farms research plots, both `Quick-N-
Big©' Crabgrass and `Quick-N-Big Spreader' Crabgrass produced the same total height growth for
the summer. `Quick-N-Big Spreader©' is essentially a `Quick-N-Big©' Crabgrass with short runners
for quicker soil cover and more protection from short grazing, short mowing, and too much tread
damage, etc. around the crown. It's a
`Dal's Big River@O ` Crabgrass is the most recent variety development at Dalrymple Farms. Remember,
`Red River' Crabgrass was "released" from Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, Oklahoma as a public
variety in 1988 (30 years ago). We at Dalrymple Farms have been very strict, almost religious, about
seed field sanitation, variety purity, and protection. Dalrymple Farms `Red River' was/is as `Red
River' as can predictably be. But, there was consideration that some other `Red River' Crabgrass in the
nation seed trade might not be true to the Noble Foundation release. So, Dalrymple Farms "repurified"
a super pure farm source of `Red River' Crabgrass, and it has been released to the public in 2018 as
`Dal's Big River®' Crabgrass. It is approved for Certified Seed via the Oklahoma Crop Improvement
Association, Stillwater, Oklahoma procedures! `Dal's Big River®' Crabgrass is essentially a purist
form of the pure original `Red River' Crabgrass as can be. Is is a Trademark Proprietary variety of
Dalrymple Farms.
Page 3 of 3

Elstel Farm & Seeds
" The Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R L. & Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm: 24275 East 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
E-Mails : [e-mail] Web: red rivercrabgrass.com
R L.'s Cell Phone: [phone] ( Often Best Number)
FACT SHEET 1994-97: `Quick-N-Big®' and `Red River' Crabgrass Planting and
Establishment Procedures,
Crabarass is the common name for a large group of warm season, reseeding, high quality, annual grasses. They occur
naturally, as several species of Digitaria with innumerable ecotypes (variations), throughout the United States. Oklahoma
has 6 different species.
`Quick-N-BieVand `Red River' Crabgrass Variety are researched and properly released varieties of crabgrass of the
scientific names Digitaria aegyptica and D. eiliaris. These are the only known developed varieties of crabgrass in the
world. Red River crabgrass was the first such release, in 1988. Quick-N Big® Crabgrass was first available in 2006.
These varieties are discussed in more detail in other Elstel Farm and Seeds Fact Sheets.
These crabgrass's can produce 5 to 6 tons per acre of dry weight forage under upper level management. Yields of 1.5 to
3 tons per acre are more usual. These grass's have excellent palatability, good protein content relative to nitrogen inputs,
and relatively high digestibility. They are essentially a non -toxic forage.
The major reasons to plant Quick N-BigO and Red River crabgrass are for high summer forage quality, easy
double cropping, summer forage mixtures, soil conservation, turf, and environmental management. They are
excellent grazing and make top quality, leafy, fine stem bay.
A major use of both varieties is as a planned volunteer warm season grass in a double cropping program withh wheat,
rye, triticale, ryegrass, oats, bromegrass, other cool season annual grasses, and cool season legumes. The production
system is very variable depending on the location and goals of the producer. Both varieties can also serve as a mixture
in bermudagrass, sudangrass, alfalfa, lespedeza, perennial grass plantings and numerous other forages.
Quick-N Eig® and Red River crabgrass are also used as a single crop forage and in that mode they have a green season
similar to Bermudagrass, if well managed. Single crop crabgrass will usually be ready to graze 4 to 6 weeks before double
cropped crabgrass and fall grazing (stockpile) can be anocated into midwinter or later. Single crop yields more than
double crop by about double on average.
The adgel tion zones of Quick-N-Big® and Red River crabgrass are the 23 to 25 states of the most southeast
third of the U. S. and other more northern areas and western areas under irrigation. This is basically from Nebraska and
points to the south and east coasts_ These grasses grow best on soils with the word "sandy" in the texture description. They
also grow well on the loam and silt loam soils. These varieties grow best on soils of good surface drainage. They do not
grow well on wetlands, saline or alkaline soils, or tight clay soils.
Planting 'ek-N-Bi and Red River Crab"ass: Planting can be very variable, but still successful. Seeding rates
can range from 1 to 5 lbs. of pure live seed (pis) per acre depending on the goals. Usual pasture and hay meadow rates
are 3 lbs pls/acre. Rates of up to 5 lbs. plslacre should be used where superb stands are the goal, and quick
development and early production is desired. This is during times as needed for hay, dairy pasture, horse runs, top
quality stocker cattle pasture, and quick conservation cover. One to 2 lb. PLS/acre and other low seeding rates, will be
thin and develop slow with more weedy problems. Seed must be placed in a depth range of on the soil surface up to no
more than '/2 inch deep. Research shows about 50% of crabgrass seedlings emerge from '/2 inch soil depth and less in
perfect conditions, rather than deeper soil depths, A variable placement is preferred to reduce risk of unsatisfactory stands.
1 of 2

Never plant when the seed will be over % inch deep after the last field operation and after the neat pounding rain.
Seed of both of these varieties is usually best planted on a very good fine, firm, freshly finished seedbed during early
spring to mid summer. This is April to June in Oklahoma, but later plantings to early August have succeeded. For
planting at a germination time , plant when the deciduous trees make a leaf and thereafter. Monitor the soil
temperature. Plant after bare soil temperature in the upper l to 2 inches is consistently over 650F to 70OF at midday.
These guidelines are for plantings near early germination times and later.
These varieties are also successfully broadcast seeded or no -till drill planted into wheat and other cool season
annual grasses and legumes during February to May, or properly planted after grain or hay harvest in the dry stubble.
Tread the seed in with grazing livestock, but do not mud it in, or tread it out after it comes up. This method works well to
establish new stands, but expect early growth to be slower and more spotty than on a good seedbed. These overseedings
are generally best in grazeout, next best in cool season grass taken for grain, and least best in cases where cool
season annual grasses are hayed Guidelines as to soil temperature, etc., of the above paragraph are ignored early parts
in these methods. The major reasons to use this planting procedure is to control erosion on erosion prone areas and to limit
time and expense at planting time. Patience to get full cover and useful production is often necessary in this type of
planting.
Quick N Big® crabgrass seed flows very well. Red River Crabgrass seed does not flow well by itself due to a rough
textured husk around the seed and some "peach fuzz" on the husks. Planting is often done by mixing the seed with a dry
fertilizer the land needs. Then plant the seed through a drill box with fluted seed feeds, or any fertilizer spreader and be
sure to check the spread on the seed to get swath overlap. Most rotary(spinner) commercial spreaders only throw seed
in about a 15 to 20 feet swath or about % as far as the fertilizer. Airflow fertilizer spreaders perform excellently to
spread these mixtures. Some operators use dry sawdust, cracked grain, dry sand, etc., to provide bulk, weight and
flowability. Grass seed planters with a good agitator in the hopper bottom can plant the pure seed of both varieties.
However , it is easy to over -plant this Ray. Be sure the planter is property set It takes 5 to 6 crabgrass seeds to equal 1
ryegrass (not rye) seed, or 25 to equal 1 wheat seed in size. Quid N-Big® crabgrass seed is slicker than Red River
crabgrass seed, and it can be planted from a small seed planter easier than. Red River crabgrass seed -
Production
Reminders and Cautions: Most manmade stand failures, though few, are due to:Too loose and open a seedbed at
planting, No Packing (rolling) before and/or after planting, Too deep seed covering, Too early planting which allows
other grasses and weeds to get ahead,and Livestock stomping out young stands. Never tread on crabgrass as it emerges.
When these crabgrasses are managed for volunteer, light proper tillage in the "off season" is needed for best results:
Till after rye (and other winter pastures if possible) and before crabgrass emergence. if spring tillage is not feasible, do
the tillage before rye, etc., planting in the fall.
Post emergence fertilizing and spraying must be done after Quick N Bigg and Red River crabgrass is tillering (stooling)
or is up to 2 to 4 inches tall. Too soon can cause stand damage. Never use liquid nitrogen on young crabgrass,
Never top dress or spray weeds at too young a stage, especially on wet soil, and never put broiler litter on just
before planting or volunteer emergence or when crabgrass plants are too small_ Refer to Production above.
Also visit our web site www.redriverrraberass.com , and the Noble Foundation Web site: www noble.ora On the
Noble site, click on : "Agriculture Programs", "Publications', "Agriculture Publications", search for titles with the
word "crabgrass" and click on for more information about crabgrass forage. (013113)
2of2

Elstel Farm & Seed_ s
The Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R L. & Pat Dalrymple
Office :2640 Springdale Road Farm: 24275 E 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas. OK 73669
Phones & Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
E-Mail: [e-mail] Web: red rivercrabgrass. corn
R.L.'s Cell Phone: [phone] (Usually Best Number )
FACT SHEET 1998: `Quick N-Big®' and 'Red River' Crabgrass and Annual
Winter Crop Doublecropping
`4uiek-N Bie0'(ONB) and 'Red River' Crabmrass IRRI are selections of particularly productive crabgrass.
Refer to other Fact Sheets from Elstel Farm and Seeds for more information on these varieties. The purpose of this
information is to briefly discuss crabgrass and annual winter crop doublecropping. The wittier crop can be wheat,
cereal rye, oats, barley, triticalA annual ryegrass, annual bromegrass, and annual cool season legumes , etc.. All of
these are just for examples and there can be many more.
The following are six major reasons to use QNB and RR crabgrass in forage production schemes:
➢ They are among the highest quality and palatablity of the summer grasses, both for grazing and for hay.
➢ They are very easy to manipulate in planned volunteer crabgrass and winter annual grass doublecrop
syndromes. Thus, they mimic perennials.
➢ They are an excellent component in many warm season forage mixtures.
➢ They are excellent soil conservation grasses, having good aerial and soil cover, and root mass.
➢ They can be a moderate quality, easy to grow turf grass.
➢ They are excellent grasses for use in animal waste (mamuc/effluent) disposal systems.
All of the above being true within the acceptable growing regions and with adequate cultural practices.
It is the intent of this fact sheet to particularly summarize the management of QNB and RR crabgrass and Winter
Annual Grass (Winter pasture or winter crop) Doublecropping (WPDC). The doublecrop approach more completely
utilizes the resources of solar energy, moisture, soil fertility, labor, time, and space.
Variations in QNB and RR Crabgrass and Winner Pasture Double -Crop: Without a doubt, a common use of these
crabgrass forages is in a WPDC syndrome. But, there are nanny other uses, too. Research shows that a doublecrop
of crabgrass and rye yields about 60% more than either crop as a single crop. There are marry variations of this
approach. The QNB and RR crabgrass are most often used for grazing, but they also make excellent quality hay,
chopped forage , and silage. The cool season annual grass component is most often grazed or, in the case of grain
crops, taken for grain. But, it too, can be used for chopped forage, silage , and hay or straw feeds. The crabgrass and
WPDC can provide three basic seasons of green feed: Fall -Winter phase, Spring phase and Summer phase. Both
components can be further integrated by adding legumes such as annual lespedeza or southern eowpea for summer and
hairy vetch, red clover, crimson clover, etc for winter. The legume list is much more involved. The grazier has much
flexibility to pick and choose the combination that best fill the niches of need in their own climate and forage flow.
The Adaptation Reid on of QNB and RR crabgrass extends from N. E. Colorado and into Nebraska, then east and
south to the coasts. A form of QNB and RR crabgrass WPDC fits in that entire region on proper soil types and with
Proper management input It is possible the northern adaptation areas may extend farther north For example we have
1oft

feedback of QNB doing well in South Dakota_ However, the major use area is Kansas and states south and east to the
coasts. Crabgrass and WPDC can be used in the more and west under irrigation. in the Southern Plains and
throughout the S. E. US, the crabgrass and WPDC may be very fully employed yearlong. In the northern
areas, fall phase winter pasture may be avoided due to lower fall production and soft soils in winter which
cause severe trampling damage to the winter crop, but spring grazing or other small grains forage use and
crabgrass forage use can usually proceed as usual_
Stockpiled crabgrass can also be carried through fall and into winter use_ The syndrome fits best on sandy, loam, silt
loam soils and least on silt, clay and clay loam soils.
Cultural Management involves tillage, no tillage or a combination of tillage and no -tillage, planting or volunteer
management, soil fertilization, etc. Outlined below are a few of the more common approaches to management of the
crabgrass WPDC production.
We are assuming here that volunteer crabgrass is already in place and that rotational grazing of all forage is the usual
Where small grains (wheat, cereal rye, etc.) are used, the usual practice is to minimum till or conventional till for small
grains planting, plant by drilling (or broadcasting), fertilize preplant or immediately postplam for fall and fertilize in
late winter for spring phase. If QNB or RR crabgrass are not emerged at the end of small grains use (usual for cereal
rye pasture) proper minimal spring tillage is an easy option and it will increase crabgrass production over no spring
season tillage. The crabgrass is either fertilized preemergence or after proper imtiai growth is achieved. This basic
approach is usual for the S. Plains, the mid -west and the S. E. US. 'there are many variations. 'Tillage for volunteer
QNB and RRCG should be shallow but thorough on the surface whether done in the fall or in the spring,.
Seed set for volunteer must be managed for during the grazing or mechanical harvests.
Where annual ryegrass, winter legumes, or late utilization of small grains is the case; the usual practice is very similar
to above with two major exceptions. One is that annual ryegrass is sometimes managed for volunteer, too. This alters
the tillage and fall planting techniques. The other is that the lateness of use of these crops in the spring conflicts
with spring minimum tillage for volunteer crabgrass production. Crabgrass is up by the end of winter forage use
in this case. If no -tillage is the choice in spring, then fall triage is more important and should be done if that is
an option. Some ryegram producers in the more humid S. E. US are aware of the positive tillage response for
crabgrass and they will do a minimum tillage at late winter forage end, thus destroying an early crabgrass stand and
then manage for a second stand when ram comes.
There is the choice of total no -tillage for winter crops into crabgrass (with or without legumes). Chemicals or
intensive grazing of crabgrass may be substituted for tillage. The no -tillage works, but differently. The winter crop
produces later and less yield than under tillage but it still produces well. For crabgrass to produce well, the tillage or
renovation for it must be done. This tillage mppresses plant succession to maintain more pure crabgrass.
Production of stocker cattle beef/acre in the well run crabgrass WPDC is usually 500 to 900 pounds beef/acre in the
South Plains and over 1000 and up to 2000 pounds/acre in the S. E. US. These are real producer yields. This range
depends on area, soil, nutrient management, cattle size, etc-
Fertility Management is very important. On phosphorus deficient soils, banded mtrogen-phosphorus fertilizer with
the winter crop seed is very important for early winter crop production and total production. All the years'
phosphorus and potassium needs can be applied during the wirier crop phase. Lune can be applied anytime, but it is
best applied before a tillage operation. Nitrogen (N) should be applied at usually recommended rates early in the
growing season for each phase, but NOT during the 1 leaf to 4 leaf crabgrass seedling stage. To do so may thin or
kill that seedling stand Total N for fall phase winter pasture may range 50 to 100 Where. Total N for spring phase
winter pasture can range from 50 to 100 lbs I acre. Total N for the crabgrass phase can range f roni about 50 to over
1501bslacre. The ranges depend on climatic area and production goals. A "good ruffle of thumb" is to apply at least
1 pound of actual N per growing day for each phase, and this being for an upper level managed crop. For the
maximum yield, the producer may use up to 2 pounds of actual N per growing day.
Also visit our web sire: www.redrivercrabgOss.con , and the Noble Foundatiioan Web site: www.noble org. On
the Noble site, click on: "Agriculture Programs", "Publications", "Agriculture Publications", then search for titles
with the word " Crabgrass,,, and click an for more inform um about Crabgrass forage
2 of 2 013113

Elstel Farm & Seeds
" The Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R- L. & Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm: 24275 East 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones and Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
F—Mails: rland_pat@,cableone.net Web : redrivercrabgrass.com
R. L. `s Cell Phone: [phone] (Often Best Number)
FACT SHEET 1999 : Managing `Quick-N-Big®' and `Red River' Crabgrass For
Volunteer Stands
All crabgrass is an annual, including `Quick-N Big®' (QNB) and `Red River'(RR) crabgrass (CG) varieties. Crabgrass
never lives through winter to re -grow by the roots. Stands must be regenerated from seed each spring to -summer season.
That seed may be planted each season, or supplied via planned -management for volunteer. One of the desirable traits of
crabgrass is that it can be managed for volunteer to limit repeated planting expenses, time, and labor. By managing for
volunteer, the plant mimics a perennial forage. This management information outlines the basic methods to accomplish
that for the Quick-N-Big® and Red River Crabgrass varieties. The basic procedures are the same for both varieties.
Crabgrass is basically indeterminate in growth It makes vegetative growth, seed heads, and ripe seed simultaneously all
summer , and not all at once like a wheat grain crop, for example. Any stem can produce a seed head and threshable seed if
allowed to grow long enough. Each stem is, in general , a different age and that, in part, allows much opportunity to
manage for seed maturity and seed drop for volunteer during mid to late summer. In Central Oklahoma this may occur as
early as mid -to late June for Quick-N Big® Crabgrassc and July for Red River Crabgrass and continue to the cooling days of
October during a good, long growing season. This allows for multiple opportunities to manage for seed -drop during
grazing and haying to create the seed bank for volunteer stand management.
Proper tillage (renovation ; causes a positive response for pure stand Crabgrass managed for volunteer stands..
Proper shallow tillage, done with discs and other equipment, increases earliness of stands and early forage volume,
increases vigor of summer growth, adds more total forage production, and increases year to year stated longevity. Seed drop
and tillage, properly thoughout and done , are a great benefit in managing for excellent volunteer stands. Crabgrass can also
be a base for numerous no -till forage situations , but that is a different story. For these crabgrasses to be successful at upper
level, they must be renovated at least once a year during fall to spring. One tractor trip is all that it takes, but more is OK.
Heavy winter livestock treading ( pugging) is also helpful. Excellent moisture in spring and summer in no -till cases helps.
Crab ass is usuali rown for asture ha and it conservation cover in some manner. It may be a single crop or
double cropped with winter pasture, used in numerous mixtures, etc. These cases usually allow a time in fall and/or spring
to till for volunteer QNB and RR Crabgrass management. In all forage cases there is almost always a time to do the
renovation. Almost all forage situations come down to using the forage crop as: 1) Grazing, or 2) Hay. Management
guidelines for creating a seed drop for a seed -bank on and in the soil will be outlined from these perspectives as follows.
In Central Oklahoma L early-deveioned Quick N-B!gg Crabgrass pasture starts coming to seed heads as early as
mid -late June, and later. Quick-N-Big Crabgrass of the same age as Red River Crabgrass comes to head about two to
three weeks before Red River, more or less. In a grazing case, seed heads continue to form all summer to fall. Remember,
any single stem that develops can make a seedhead, and that seed head can shatter ripe seed if left long enough. These
grasses are unique in that they are still of relatively high quality when some of the heads come to enough maturity. The
whole of the pasture is still green when some seeds are ripe and shatterable.
A rotational style ofgrIgng is recommended as the recovery period can be managed to allow adequate seed heads and
seed drop for the volunteer management.
With continuous grazin at a stocking rate to allow a little surplus forage by mid-term, the crabgrass will set seed heads and
drop ripe seed around manure pats and urine spots, and in the "humps" of forage not grazed short, and sometimes even
closer to the ground odwrwise. Be certain to check across the pasture to be sty there is adequate seed heads 2* seed
drop everywhere. A good guide is to have some shatterable seed about every man. -step of the way. Just grab some in the
hand and hand thresh it to determine if it is ready and enough.
1 of 2 "�

With rotational gCaax_g, the grazier can control ;recovery periods to allow some mature seed to develop across each paddock
•
during some time of summer. It is prefered to start this on some paddocks as early as seed heads began to form. Then -as
grazing rotations proceed, continue the process on additional paddocks until the seed drop has occurred on all paddocks .
Residue (stubblE) height at end of each grazing period should be 3 to 6 inches. Recovery periods of about 4 to 6 weeks
are usually sufficient for seed head and seed development during good growing conditions when the stubble is not uniform
•
throughout At the end of summer, the forage can be taken as short as possible as there is no need to "save the root" system.
•
In both grazing style cases above, if seed will readily thresh out in your hand about every step along the way, that is
•
enough seed to perpetuate volunteer stands Tear off some heads in the hand and thresh them as if rolling marbles
IA
in the hand. If there is about teaspoonful of seed, or more , to each such spacing, that is indication that the seed
drop is, or will be , good enough for the volunteer stand management. A little more seed is OK But, a full crop of
•
seed drop is too much and can create too thick a volunteer stand and necessitate thinning of the volunteer stand.
.
These threshed seeds may be greenish, grey -greenish, to tan or brown in color. If seed mature very well, cattle
consume them (and they will ) then much seed passes viable in the manure and that contributes to distribution and
•
volunteer stands It is unusual to graze these grasses too short so that they will not drop any seed, but it can be done.
•
Manadag for vohrntegr stands in havWg situations is a bit different. It is possible to cut the first hay crop early for very
lush high duality hay with few or no heads. If this is done, be sure to manage for seed drop in the next re -growths. These
grasses can be very high quality if curt at first growth and "early" when they are very high g6ality, about knee high , and
well managed, and with few or no seed Leads. This can usually be done with first growth, but second and later growths come
to head yeav koon as the stems elongate to harvest height.
•
Second and future M:Lrowths come to seed heads relative) y quickly. Short seems in the boos stage {stems with heads
inside the stern ) can come to seed heads in two to three weeks. The choice then is to harvest higher quality hay with fewer
seed heads , or wait and delay harvest to allow enough mature seed to shatter during the process of harvesting.
•
If no will Mldily thresh in your band every step of the way, that is usually enough seed to perpetuate volunteer stands the
next season. See prior paragraph in grazing comments about that technique. As the hay is mowed, raked, and baled, the
seed will be shattered with every operation to make the seed -bank for future volunteer stands. It is incredibly easy to do.
Another excellent techniaue is to leave seed -strips every 1 to 2 swaths. These strips mature much seed before the next
•
cutting or grazing. When the next harvest is made, leave the strips in a different pattern. Combining this idea with the above
is good. These strips need to be only 6 to 12 inches wide. it looks strange, but it is effective. This seed is scattered by
every action of livestock , equipment operation, and weather. These strips left in one harvest can be harvested with the next
•
use, and strips left in following harvest, set in a different direction.
•
Some additional comments as follows may be helpful. Some people think crabgrass cannot be grazed so short that it
cannot make seed to volunteer. Wrong! It has happened, but it is unusual. With these more productive and tall varieties
of Quick-N Bigg and Red River Crabgrass, it may be more possible or likely.
•
Research shows that over 10% of crabgrass seed can remain viable (germinable ) after two years buried in moist soil.
That seed can contribute to a volunteer stand, but it must come to near to the surface with shallow tillage to function.
•
When tillage is done to manage crabgrass, do it shallow to prevent burying all seed to deep. And, never till too late in
•
the spring season to destroy a new stand. Each shallow tillage brings some seed to or near to the surface, and at the same
time buries other seed for storage and aging and later use in the system. This fits well in a tilled pastum system.
Fifty percent or more of the stand comes from seed on the surface to so deeper than '/z inch in top quality sandy soil. It is
good to renovate thoroughly but shallow at only up to about 3 inches. It is not always needed to renovate deeply.
•
When Quick-N-Big and Red River ciabgrasses are used in a mixture with permanent forages, such as bermudagrass, etc.,
then the renovations can be done very shallow and essentially on the surface of the soil with chain harrows, shallow and
light straight running tandem disks, or any tool to do a surface style renovation. Replicated research with surface tillage on
our farm in Midland bermudagrass shows Red River crabgrass to increase 100% in stand density, and increase in
crabgrass yield of over 80% compared to no tillage treatment That is substantial and well worth the one tractor trip to get
it done. These types of tillage use only $0.50 to $1.00 acre of fuel per acre in our case. Our old tractor is paid for.
Finally , there are some graziers who graze only for quality as a priority, and they do not actively manage for seed drop,
but simply plant a little seed each spring to be sure they get good stands each season.
•
2 of 2 (0111313)

Elstel Farm & Seeds
" The Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R L. & Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm: 24275 E. 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
E-Mail : [e-mail] Web: redrivercrabgrass.c6m
R L.'s Cell Phone (Often Best Number )
Fact Sheet 2000 : Using Nurse Crops And Companion Forages To
Establish `Quick N-Big@' and `Red River'
Crabgrass Stands
Introduction: Crabgrass has been used for a forage, planned or accidental, since the mud-1800's ( about
1860 ) when it was planted by seed imported by the U. S. Government for farm animal forage. We are not
aware of any planned plantings on farms in our lifetime until 1976 when native crabgrass seed of a good
forage type harvested by Noble Foundation personnel was planted to establish pastures. Elmer Dalrymple,
and likely many other early farmers utilized volunteer natural crabgrass stands an grazing and hay crop at
least during the 19440's and maybe before. Crabgrass as planned and planted forage has increased since the
1970's. During the mid-1970's to present naturalized (native) ecotypes were used to some degree. After
1991, proven `Red River' Crabgrass (RRCG) variety seed was available and could be planted. Then in
2006 , `Quick-N Bio' crabgrass ( QNBCG ) became available and could be planted This fact sheet
pertains to both QNBCG and RRCG crabgrass types.
A vast amount of crabgrass seed plantings has been done in some manner to initially establish a pure stand on
clean prepared lands. These types of plantings have had a relatively high rate of success. However, there
are two inherent weaknesses of these types of plantings: 1) Crabgrass establishes fast for a pasture grass, but
somewhat slow compared to some of the more domesticated crops such as sudangrass, and 2) lands that are
prone to wind and water erosion are left bare or somewhat bare for a longer time than agronomically wise.
Why Consider A Nurse Crop or Companion Forage? We shall consider nurse crops and companion
forages as one. Nurse crops are used, and considered for use, for the same reasons as the weaknesses listed
above. A thin, but effective, nurse crop can emerge and produce a good grazing cycle or bay cutting prior to
and as the crabgrass crop is emerging , getting established and coming into a properly utilizable stand.
Therefore, the producer can obtain some earlier forge from the planting that sets up the crabgrass field and
future planned volunteer management of the crabgrass , and control erosion at the same time.
Crabgrass produces very well on soils that are prone to wind erosion (the sandy soils ). Therefore there is
some erosion hazard when planting on bare, prepared seefteds on these soils. In addition, most tillable soils
also have water erosion potential. Planting a nurse crop capable of very quick germination and early
growth can effectively control wind erosion and assist in water erosion. But, as a nurse crop, it sbouid be
relatively thin and have short timespan influence as compared to full season influence.
Some Succesmftl Nurse Crops From the standpoint of erosion control, we also consider prior crop residues
as "nurse crops". These residues could include winter annual crops, such as wheat, etc., but also summer
crop residues from the prior season. Stubble of either crop is an effective nurse crop.
Green forage nurse crops successfully used, more or less in order of use include: palatable sudangrasses,
millets, hybrid sudangrasses, southern cowpeas, hay or grain type soybeans, mungbeans, and corn. There
could be other examples .
1 of 2

Advantage & Disadvantage of Specdre Nurse Crops
➢ The "sudangrass&' are available as pure type like the prussic acid safe Piper sudangrass and a vast array
of hybrids. Both have been successful as nurse crops, but we prefer Piper sudangrass for this purpose
because it does the job, is very low in prussic acrid poisoning risk has moderate height and production
level, is very palatable with readily grazed Wand stems and relatively low cost to use.
➢ Millets are available primarily as pearl millet and German (foxtail) millet. We favor millet for a
crabgrass nurse crop. It does the job, has low toxicity problems, is short, can be grazed, and makes only
one major growth ---which can be taken for hay or grazed Production will not be as good as Piper
sudangrass. Pearl millet performs much like sudangrass and it can be used the same way. The stems are
relatively unpalatable and if the first growth is grazed, livestock often will not use it well later.
➢ Hybrid sudangrass can be used , but they grow very tall and are sometimes too competitive and livestock
do not graze the stems totally well.
➢ All of the legumes , southern cowpeas, soybeans, and mungbeans , can work as a nurse crop. They do
not emerge as quick and stop wind erosion as does Piper sudangrass and other tall grasses. The legume
nurse crops may be better suited where the first growth is taken for hay. Only cowpeas makes some re-
growth after serious grazing.
➢ Corn is an excellent nurse crop to_arrest wind erosion and can be grazed early or hayed to utilize the first
growth serving as a nurse crop.
Plangne Crabgrass and Nurse Crops The purpose of the nurse crops is to form some cover ahead of
crabgrass, but to be relatively noncompetitive by mid to late season. It should be a thin stand to allow
crabgrass to establish and produce well. Generally nurse crop seeds are mixed with the crabgrass seed and
planted at the same time. Some soil coverage of seed is needed for best success of the nurse crop. In some
cases, crabgrass can be planted and the nurse crop no -till drilled over the crabgrass planting. Plant shallow.
Or, the nurse crop can be planted and the crabgrass seed over sown on the planting.
Seeding rates of nurse crops should be low compared to usual pure stand rates. Crabgrass seeding rates
should be 3 pounds to 6 pounds per acre pure live seed, more or less. Suggested nurse crop seeding rates are:
Piper sudangrasses — 51bs./ac, foxtail millet — 3 lbs./ac, pearl millet — 4 lbs./ac, hybrid sudangrasses — 7
Ibs./ac, southern cowpeas — 10 lbs./ac, soybeans — 10 lbs./ac, mungbeans — S lbs./ac, and corn —12 lbs./ac.
Other usual good planting practices and early production management practices should be used.
Utilization of the Crabgrass and Nurse Crop There is no question but that the nurse crop is a bit of a weed
to the crabgrass - - that is a necessary evil. The mixture stand can be grazed or hayed. If a palatable nurse
crop is used., grazing normally works well. If a relatively unpalatable nurse crop is used (such as pearl
millet), the nurse crop may not be grazed as well as desired and the understory crabgrass will be severely
overgrazed. Young crabgrass is the most palatable in any of these combinations, and it will be overgrazed to
some degree during the first grazing. What generally happens is the crabgrass is overgrazed, the nurse crop is
grazed well, and the crabgrass recovers and begins to take over in succeeding regrowth. Depending on the
nurse crop - - it may not recover or it will recover somewhat. Rotational grazing should always be used - -
graze it off and let it recover to a good stage. The first grazing should be done when the nurse crop is
properly ready and the crabgrass is emerged and well rooted. That is the normal case.
From the crabgrass point of view —the best way to use the first growth of the nurse crop is by baying. The
crabgrass will not be overly abused with this technique, it will have a leaf remaining , and recovery is usually
relatively rapid under & cuvainstances. Hay yields will be low because the nurse crop is thin , Harvest
when the nurse crop is ready —ignore the crabgrass rmderstory. Cart the crop to leave a 3 to 6 inch stubbble ,
depending on the height of the nurse crop.
Normally, after the initial use of the nurse a -op , the area can be managed as a QNBCG or RRCG area, more
or less ignoring the remnants of the nurse crap.
Also visit our web site www.n&Lveraab�com , and visit the Noble Foundation web site :
www.noble.m . On the Noble site ,click on " Agricullare Pragrams" , " Publications" , " AgrtCulture
Publications" , search for titles with the word "crabgrass" and click on for more information about crabgrass
forage.
2 of 2

Elstel Farm & Seeds
,, "w Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R. L. & Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm: 24275 E. 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes : 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
E-Mail : rlandpat[�cableone.net Web: redrivercrabgrass.com
R L.'s Cell Phone: [phone] ( Often Best Number)
Fact Sheet 2001 : `Quick-N-Big®' and `Red River' Crabgrass and
Legume Mixtures
Introduction: `Quick N-Big®' ( QNBCG ) and `Red River' crabgrass (RRCG ) varieties are high
quality, very palatable, warm season grasses. Crabgrass is a reseeding annual under the proper cultural
and grazing practices. It is used as a pure stand, in numerous winter -summer double cropping syndromes
and in mixtures. h1haures may be grass mixtures of either annual or perennial glasses with or without
legumes. In this case the focus on the legumes.
Reasons for a Crabgrass & Legume Mixture, The usual reasons for using legumes in grass mixtures
are to add length of green growing season, add forage quality at times when crabgrass is not there or at
the end of the crabgrass season, and to provide some soil nitrogen source from the legume.
The cool season legumes in double crop or mixtures with these crabgrass's can add upwards to 6 to 10
weeks of early spring grazing. The warm season legumes do not add much or any green season, but act
primarily as a summer mixture as does the early summer season of cool season legumes. Warm season
legumes such as alfalfa will grow later in the fall than crabgrass. Late season crabgrass and alfalfa
growth can be stockpiled and grazed in early to mid -wiener.
Most leafy legumes are premium quality and may add some quality over crabgrass. But, remember leafy
crabgrass is 75% or more digestible and often equal or more palatable than legumes. They make very
good companions.
A very good stand of legumes can provide 50 to over 100 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre. Roughly
80%, more or less, of the nitrogen is in the above ground growth. To get best benefit from that growth,
the grazing must be done rotationally and by keeping the livestock on the paddocks to recycle the
nitrogen in the manure and urine. Hay effectively removes most of the nitrogen from the field and
reduces nitrogen supply to the grass remaining. However, the hay can be superb at near 201/o crude
protein. Information by Chamblee and Mueller of North Carolina State University, averaged over
all areas, showed a bermudagrass-native crabgrass mix fertilized at 120 pounds per acre nitrogen
to yield 5457 pounds per acre, When cool season annual legumes were added, without nitrogen, the
yield was 5329 pounds per acre for the mix and when the bermudagrass, crabgrass and legwnes
mixture was fertilized with 120 pounds per -acre nitrogen the yield was 8354 pounds per acre.
Usually a complimentary grass or legume in a forage mixture adds production. Well managed high
quality forage can convert to beef at about 10 pounds of grass to one pound of beef gain. So. potenbaily
these three treatments could produce about 530 to 835 pounds of stocker cattle gain per acne.
Planting Crabgrass & Legume Mixtures: There are many acceptable options to establishing QNBCG
and RRCG stands. Then legumes can be added to those stands. Prior Fact Sheets discuss planting and
establishment procedures_
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A cool season grass (annual or perennial) and legume mix can also be overseeded with crabgrass. Or, a
cool season grass and legume mix may be managed for volunteer crabgrass in the mixture.. if no cool
season grass is involved the legume can be fall seeded and crabgrass overseeded into that stand during
spring. If the cool season legume and crabgrass are both spring planted, that can be done as a seed
mixture during spring.
When summer legumes and crabgrass are grown together, they can be seeded as a mixture. Or, either one
can be added to the other as in interseeding into an existing stand_ That is more usual in existing alfalfa
stands when these crabgrass's are added to a thinfing alfalfa stand. Crabgrass and warm season legume
mixtures may also include other summer grasses such as Piper sudangrass, German millet, pearl millet,
browntop millet, or bmumdagrass, etc.
Seeding rates should be about half the usual good seeding rates for full mixture stands. Check on that for
a particular mix. For a QNBCG and RRCG and legume mixture, use one to two pounds pure live seed
per acre. That usually gets an acceptable stand of crabgrass for this use and leaves space for the legume.
Fertilization of Grass & Legume Mixtures: Any time a legume is used, phosphorus, potassium and
lime should be supplied for the legume according to soil test results_ That amount will be adequate or
surplus for grasses. Research and experience show that about 30 to 50 pounds actual nitrogen can be
used on these mixtures is the drier regions of about 35 inches rainfall or less without serious harm to the
legume stand. The rates can go to 50 to 75 pounds per acre actual nitrogen in more humid areas above
the 35 in rainfall belt. In all cases the forage mixture should be properly rotationally grazed or hayed to
favor the sustainability of the legume stand and production. Some producers may choose not to use any
nitrogen fertilizer and have the legume supply what it can. That is acceptable, but may reduce overall
forage yields compared to what is possible.
Ligift of SucceWW Mixtures•
➢ Cool season annual or perennial grasses, legumes and crabgrass : These legumes could be crimson
clover, arrowleaf clover, red clover, other clovers , Austrian winter peas, or hairy vetch. In cool
season perennial grass mixtures, the legume could also be white clover or other perennial legumes.
➢ Any cool season legume and crabgrass: The combination could be any clover, hairy vetch and
Austrian winter pea and crabgrass. Cereal rye I ,wheat ,oats , and barely and vetch I and crabgrass
make a good 3-way forage mixture.
➢ Alfalfa and crabgrass. Thinning alfalfa and these crabgrass's make a really nice mix.
➢ Annual lespedeza and crabgrass
➢ Southern cowpea and crabgrass. These mixtures tend to be better for hay than grazing.
➢ Soybean (bay or grain type) and crabgrass. Same as above.
➢ Mungbean and crabgrass. Same as above.
Other Infoamation: This subject is ratifier extensive and all things cannot be covered herein Feel free
to contact us for more input.
Please review our farm web page at rednvercrabgrass.eom There may be some ideas there.
We also suggest you visit the Noble Foundation web page for more crabgrass information in general and
to read much other forage and livestock information on the web. The address is: www,noble.org.
2 of 2
: 013113

Elstel Farm and Seeds
"The Crabgrass Seed Folks "
R.L. and Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm : 24275 East 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
E-Mail : rlandpat(?Qa,cableone.net Web: redrivercrabgrass.corn
R. L. ` s Cell Phone: [phone] ( Often Best Number )
Fact Sheet 2002 : Tillage or Renovation for `Quick-N-Sig®' and
`Red River' Crabgrass Benefits
Introduction: The "Quick-N-Big® ` and `Red River' crabgrass varieties of crabgrass are used
for grazing and hay forage, soil conservation, and other uses in a very wide range of
circumstances. There are many needed management inputs, just like any other crop, for the
stand and production to be successful and upper level These inputs include: proper planting or
volunteer management, adequate fertilization and/or legume input, good grazing and haying
practices, weed control by grazing, haying, mowing, or herbicides, good mixture and double
cropping procedures, soil tillage/renovation, and other things. This fact sheet deals with the
tillage/renovation aspect for volunteer management at a good level. While this information is
primarily relevant to managing for volunteer stands and production, the basics apply to new
plantings, too.
Research and Demonstration Results: We have seen numerous times in our fields, and other
producer fields, the benefits to off-season (fall to spring) tillage for crabgrass forage. We are in
favor of minimized tillage to limit input expenses, but we know adequate tillage can greatly help
these forages. When I researched and used crabgrass while at the Noble Foundation, we recorded
many tillage responses. Some of them are summarized as follows. Noble foundation is given
credit for this work.
A major negative response to crabgrass stand and total production was from tillage done after
crabgrass germination started, stands emerged, or stands were producing. There are some
exceptions, but generally, for crabgrass's sake, do not till after germination starts.
Usual field responses were that crabgrass production following proper tillage was better than
short-term no tillage by 15% to over 50%. Disked areas produced up to 260% of non -disked
areas.
In one case, an area disked in early spring produced 6480 lbs/acre compared to 3120 lbs/acre in
the non -disked area. But. both treatment were disked in the fall. Both areas received 55 lbs /acre
actual nitrogen during summer. An area tilled just after seedling emergence had near zero
production because it did not re-establish due to delayed rains.
Average total production in lbs/acre from a two-year trial from volunteer stands illustrated that in
some years no -tillage failed to produce June or July forage, whereas disk tilled areas
1 of 4

regularly produced dune and later forage at a much higher level overall. At the 60 lbs/acre
nitrogen rate, fall and spring disldng produced 3550 lbs(acre while no -tillage produced 2900
lbsf acre. The tilled area made 22% more grass in total. In these trials, tilled areas produced up
to 260% of no -tilled areas. No4ill areas never produced more than tilled areas. The soil was a
medium quality fine sandy loam soil.
In general, the more thorough the surface tillage before germination and the better the soil is re -
firmed, the better the stand (planted or volunteer) and early production. The deeper the tillage,
and the looser the final renovation, the later the forage is available, but the greater the total
production if stands develop well. Even moldboard plowing and re -finning showed good results
in total, but early season yields were non-existent. The same is true with deep disking or
chiseling. These tests show the importance of the input, but we know there are successful no -
tillage stands, too.
Tillage versus No -Tillage: Tillage operations are best, but the crabgrasses are used successfully
in tillage and no -tillage syndromes. The absence of tillage, does not always dictate failure of
crabgrass, but tillage helps greatly to increase production. No till cases tend to be primarily
where the grass is used in mixtures with bermudagrass, bahiagrass, Old World bluestems, fescue,
orchardgrass, bromegrass, and other perennials. During warm seasons of good moisture and
other acceptable management, the crabgrass can function very well and be useful forage in these
mixtures. Even in these cases, light and thorough soil surface tillage in the off season produces a
better stand and good production . Livestock treading , and the more the better , in these cases is
a help and a form of surface tillage.
There are cases when a grazier chooses to minimize equipment input in a winter pasture -
crabgrass double crop, and tillage is skipped for a season or more. Volunteer crabgrass may
produce in these cases, but it is later and at lower production levels than where adequate tillage is
done. If this type of double crop is no -till year after year, the crabgrass usually lessens each
year and is very erratic, other vegetation invades, and ultimately there is little crabgrass
pasture left.
The 2001 dry summer season in Oklahoma produced many examples of the great differences
possible. There were many cases where lightly tilled (disked or sweep plowed) and re -firmed soil
at winter pasture end produced excellent crabgrass pasture and no -tilled areas had very poor to
zero pasture. Adequate tillage is good when it can be done where the soil., terrain, and equipment
are acceptable.
Timing of Tilla e: Essentially, all tillage for crabgrass should be done during the off-season.
In Oklahoma, this is generally sometime during September to early April. Tillage for crabgrass
should usually never be done after crabgrass seedlings emerge. To do so causes the stand to
be damaged and it may have to re-emerge following more rain. That rain may be too late that
year.
In pure crabgrass areas where double cropping or mixtures are not a part of the forage
program, tillage is best done just before active germination. This date is usually gust before,
at, or shortly after the date of the last spring killing freeze or as deciduous trees bud.
Un cases where crabgrass is grown in perennial grass mixtures, the helpful soil surface tillage can
be done anytime during fall to spring when the perennial forage residue is short. The closer
2 of 4

to spring that the tillage is done, generally the better. Sometimes, this type of tillage is done on a
paddock by paddock basis, as these areas are properly grazed or hayed and available for t e'
treatment. Tillage in these areas will need to be light to moderate so perennial stands persist.
Generally 30% to 50"/o of the soil surface should be renovated , either scratched heavy with
a drag tooth harrow, or lightly tilled on the surface with a straight set light disc.
In the cases where crabgrass is used as a double crop with winter annual forages, the fall tillage
usually done for winter pasture, hay or grain helps the crabgrass the next summer. But, spring
tillage alone or additional tillage at winter's end is even more helpful.
In the case of cereal (grain) rye, and crabgrass double crop, the rye quits early enough in spring to
do the spring tillage for crabgrass without destroying an early crabgrass stand Fall and spring
tillage is possible with rye_ Take the rye out extra early. An alternative is to no -till rye in early
fall in short crabgrass stubble and he sure to do the tillage in the spring. That has worked well
with good fertilization.
When crabgrass is double cropped with wheat, oats, barley, triticale, annual ryegrass, annual
bromegrass, and many winter legumes, the volunteer crabgrass stand is often present in late April
to May or early June before the winter forage use is complete. My view is not to destroy a
crabgrass stand, even under no -till in spring, but to fertilize and manage it. So, in this case, the
fall tillage at planting is usually the best.
In these cases, in the areas of the southeast United States where early summer rains are more
likely, some producers go ahead and do the spring tillage late and go for a more productive
second stand. I do not like to do that in Oklahoma, as there is a great risk of not getting rain until
Too late or until fall , and not getting a second stared in time_
Moisture is Important: Adequate soil moisture, from good rainfall or irrigation, amounts and
distribution helps to make either tillage or no -tillage production better. Good moisture can make
a no -tillage case successful, but that same situation under tillage is greatly better. Without good
moisture no -tillage is more likely to be poor. Rain or irrigation is always needed after spring
tillage for crabgrass germination, stand development, and production.
Tillage Tools: Tools to till soil for crabgrass are wide and varied and regionally different . Listed
as follows, in order of light to more intense tillage, are common tools used for this purpose: drag
spiketooth harrow, chain or flex harrow, aerator, mulch -treader, sweep plow, field cultivator,
chisel plow with sweep points, shallow chisel plow with chisel points, tandem disk, offset disk,
and moldboard plow. There are others such as the combination disk -cultivator -roller type tools
like the "Do -All" brand and others. Many of these tools can be run shallow to deep. We
primarily use a disk, but also the field cultivator and chisel plows and mulch -treader. Regardless
of the tool used, the final seedbed should be dragged, rolled, or packed to smooth and refirm
the soil for good seed to soil contact. Re -firming may not make sense, but results show it is best.
As this is being updated in 2013 , it is important to mention that the relatively new "Vertical
Tillage " tools should work well for this renovation and keep the land in place better at the same
time.
3 of 4

A heavily pugged (trampled) winter pasture or permanent grass such as bermudagrass and
fescue will be "tilled" by that treatment. Volunteer crabgrass will invariably be better there than
a non -pugged area without some tillage.
Ranges of Intensity of THI e: The most important thing is to till relatively shallow and as
thorough at that depth as possible. For example, using a disk, field cultivator, chisel with
sweeps, or a sweep plow at two to four inches deep is excellent if the seed bank in the upper
soil profile is good But, there will be some positive effect from only scuffing the soil surface up
to working at only two inches deep. This shallow tillage is more useful in perennial grass stands.
Extremely deep tillage from a sharp point chisel plow, offset disk, or moldboard plow often
buries seed too deep for early and good volunteer stands. These tillages are sometimes needed,
but are not usually recommended.
When managing new stands, where there is little seed bank in the upper soil profile, it is very
important to till very shallow at two to three inches the first few seasons after the original
planting to assure placing of some seed for volunteer close to the top of the soil for good stands.
A field cultivator, chisel plow, and disk all work well for this type tillage. Always drag, roll, or
pack to refs m and smooth the area. Rain completes the work
Bermudagrass or Bahiaerass and Crabgrass mixtures are somewhat common throughout the
south eastern US from Oklahoma to Florida.. We have seen many of them and some on our own
farm. These mixtures are just happenstance, or they are on purpose. These mixtures are good
mixtures. Especially if the crabgrass component is these more upright growing improved
varieties, rather than the extreme prostate types that sometimes occur . These natural prostrate
types can actually crowd out the perennial bermudagrass or bahiagrass to some degree.
Several years ago , we produced excellent Midland Bermudagrass and Red River crabgrass
mixture pasture ( on purpose ) to good success. We overseeded the RRCG into the decades old
bermudagrass stand. During that time we did some research on the benefit of surface light tillage
or renovation of the crabgrass and bermudagrass component. We tilled the surface of the pasture
in October with a mulch treader , a tool common to the southern plains. The tool is somewhat
like an unpowered rototiller on a disc frame, and it was set to work only to about 1 inch to 2
inches deep, and to disturb about 50 % of the paddock surface.
The response was good. The pasture was fertilized with 40 pounds actual nitrogen per acre in
may. The good yields shown later indicate there was some carry over nitrogen to produce this
grass volume. Total yields of the non -tilled treatment was 2789 lbs 1 acre for the full summer
. Total yield for the renovated area was 5060 LBS per acre for the summer , or 801/6 more
than the non -renovated treatment. The difference in the yield was , no doubt, primarily from
the increase in RRCG in the renovated treatment. At the end of summer , the non -renovated
area contained about 7 % RRCG stand and the renovated area contained about 68%. These
figures attest to the vast importance of light tillage, or surface renovation , in grass mixtures to
maintain and increase the high duality crabgrass component.
Also visit our web site www�.r,drivercrabg_rass.com , and the Noble Foundation web site
www.noble.org On the Noble site , click on : "Agriculture Programs" , "Publications" ,
"Agriculture Publications" , search for titles with the word "crabgrass" and click on for more
information about crabgrass forage.
4 of 4 013113

Elstel Farm & Seeds
"The Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R L. & Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm : 24275 East 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes : 580-223-8792 580-661-3997
E-Mail : [e-mail] Web: redrivercrabgrass. corn
R. L.'s Cell Phone : [phone] (Often Best Number)
Fact Sheet 2003 : Applying Controlled Rotational
Grazing To `Quick N-Big& And `Red River' Crabgrass
In the most basic sense, controlled rotational grazing is grazing (utilizing) the forage to
the recommended residue height and then deferring grazing to allow recovery and re-
growth. it is "controlled" because there is a plan to graze the forage properly within the
grazing being done at any grazing event time. That grazing and plan are monitored --
checked. And, that grazing and plan are adjusted as needed to stay within the grazing
guidelines of that given grazing. Different grazings often have a different set of grazing
rules to follow.
`Quick-N-Big@' Crabgrass (QNBCG )and `Red River' Crabgrass (RRCG ) has not been
subjected to grazing system comparisons in detailed research. Nor has any other forage
crabgrass to our knowledge. However, innumerable observations have been made in
actual gratings and simulated grazing research has been done via research clipping trials.
Some may argue that a clipping trial does not present the same force on the forage as
livestock grazing, but it presents the basic perimeters to serve as a guide to grazing
management. And , in my view, mowing to simulate grazing is harder on the plant than
the cattle grazing it. The objective of this writing is to summarize some research
information and practical grazing observations in real pastures, and to provide some
guidelines so the grazier may have information to help make better grazing management
decisions.
The research information presented herein is from some of may and co-workers at Noble
Foundation, Agricultural Division research and that organization is given due credit.
Practical grazing observations have come from personal pastures, client pastures, and
other pastures. The research is from a study of a good forage type of hairy crabgrass that
was studied before the release of QNBCG or RRCG The principles and basic responses
are the same. The soil was a silt loam. The fertilization was a total of 134-46-60 lbs/ac
nitrogen -phosphorous -potassium. The nitrogen was applied in two applications of 67
lbs/acre. The trial contained six harvest treatments ranging from "overgrazed" to "bay
harvest at seed maturity". To be more brief, for this report, treatments are re -grouped to
present the yields more generally for a guide to grazing management. More detailed
1 of 3

study is available in the Noble Foundation report: (Crabgrass For Forage: Mana eg ment
from the 1990's. Pub. No.: NF-FO-99-18. Pages 29-32. Phone: [phone]).
Grazing by mower (harvesting) produced the following forage yields. Grazing often
and at a one inch residue, produced 5994 lbs/ac (100% basis). Grazing often and at
a three inch residue produced 6689 lbs/ac (112% basis compared to the first
treatment). Grazing correctly, at a good recovery and re -growth of about eight to
10 inches and up to the green head stage and grazed at a three inch residue,
produced 7930 lbs/ac (132% basis compared to the first treatment). Harvesting at
the seed ripe hay stage produced 10,511 lbs/ac (175% basis compared to the first
treatment).
One can readily visualize from this data, that proper grazing can very strongly influence
forage yield and animal yield per acre. A yield increase of 12% to 32% basicafly
translates to a likewise increase in production efficiency, L e., a 12% to 32% better
efficiency of fertilizer and fertilizer dollars, equipment dollars, land dollars,
overhead dollars, etc., and animal yield per acre. For the same expense inputs, why
not manage in a manner (properly) to get the upper level yield and thus dilute the cost per
grazing day or animal product yield per acre? That is the most basic of reasons for
controlled rotational grazing. It is the main driving force for controlled rotational grazing
at the grass roots level.
Controlled Rotational Grazing M Practice: The numbers above can serve well to help
us set up the actual grazings to gain the upper level pasture yield from QNBCG and
RRCG . First, the operator must have a means to manage the crabgrass pastures properly
and to remove livestock from the pasture if a crisis occurs. There must be a good
BALANCE of expected forage production and stocking rate. Stocking rate is dependant
on all inputs, but an initial guide for well cultured QNBCG and RRCG fertilized at 100
Ibs/ac nitrogen, is about 750 to 1200 lbs of beef per acre in Oklahoma dryland pastures
above the 30 inch rainfall belt. There is extreme variation and a record of stocking rate
will help fine tune each case. There should be RESERVES to use in case stocking rate is
not correct for the year. These reserves may be other pastures, hay, feeding, selling, etc.
These should be planned from the beginning and not at the point of need. There should
be FLEX BII.TTY in the grazing. If the pasture gets grazed to the minimum residue
height, livestock should not be there any longer. To stay and overgraze seriously
reduces re -growth and recovery for that season and therefore total yield.
It is not best, but crabgrass can be grazed in a continuous grazing approach. In this case
stocking rate should normally be set to a level to allow the grass to be grazed down
gradually over the weeks and months of summer. The grass will accumulate in early
season and the stocking rate will not keep it utilized. That is the normal for a well
stocked continuous grazed pasture. As summer progresses and growth is slowed, the
livestock will consume the accumulation.. In this case there is usually plenty of seed
made for volunteer management. At the end of the summer, the pasture can be grazed
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completely down to the three inch residue, or if there is excess the last of the forage can
be harvested for hay. Even in this case of continuous grazing, if the grass gets short, the
livestock should be removed.
Controlled Rotational Grazing is the best way to go. This allows control of, the grazing
period days, the average residue height left and the uniformity of the grazing, the
recovery and re -growth, and the days needed for the recovery. Any paddock number is
probably better than one.
In general, paddock numbers of four, to eight are good, and 10 to 12 are excellent for a
one herd operation. When four paddocks are used, that means that for a one herd
operation, 75% of the paddocks and total area will be under recovery or re -growth at
any given time. Higher paddock numbers give more recovery time per paddock. Strip
grazing of any paddock number can be done to great advantage for dairy and upper level
managed beef operations. Strip grazing at one to three day graze periods is good.
The basic approach to grazing in rotational paddocks is to initiate grazing when the
QNBCG and RRCG is well covered and four to eight inches tall. It is wise to add a few
cattle, then as the grass growth increases , add more , and so on , until the full stocking is
done. The first grazing should take the grass to about a three inch residue. Later
grazings, when growth should be taller, should take the grass down to a range of about a
three to eight inch height. Leaving a ragged stubble ( residue ) is a good idea. One
advantage of grazing QNBCG and RRCG is that they do not lose quality nearly as
much as other summer grasses if it gets a little over -grown. As the season ends,
grazings can be to the minimum recommended height of about three inches. Another
advantage of grazing QNBCG and RRCG is that they can be grazed short at the end of
the season with no concern to save a good root system because it is going to die at first
freeze anyway. Days of recovery period are about three to four weeks under good
growing conditions and longer under dry or other suppressive conditions. Always
manage recovery for seed for volunteer stands if that is part of your management.
We hope this information is a help to your grazing management. We know it is not the
final answer. Practice helps. We will be pleased to visit more about your grazing
management if you wish.
Also visit our web site www.rednvercrabgMs.com , and the Noble Foundation web site
www. noble. ora On the Noble site , click on : "Agriculture Programs" , "Publications" ,
" Agriculture Publications" , search for titles with`the word " crabgrass " and click on
for more information about crabgrass forage.
3 of 013113

Elstel Farm & Seeds
" flw Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R. L. & Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm : 24275 East 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
E-Mail : [e-mail] Web : redrivercrabgrass.com
R L.'s Cell Phone: [phone] Often Best Number )
Fact Sheet 2004 : Using Red River Crabgrass Stubble As A No -Tillage
Planting Base For Winter Annual Small Grains And Other Winter
Crops
"No-Tillate" is planting a given crop without any tillage immediately before or during
the planting. This is a somewhat common acceptable practice for numerous crops
throughout the Eastern half of the U. S. The crops are many and the bases are primarily
various perennial grasses, or that specific crops own residue (stubble ) from the last
season , or the residue of a different crop. This is a good farming technique from about
the longitude of Western, Oklahoma to the east coast and anyplace within that area that
has about 25 inches or more annual precipitation and soils where small grains can be
grown. The technique is used throughout the Plains and much of the USA. There has
been little attention given to using Quick-N Big Crabgrass (QNBCG) and Red River
Crabgrass (RRCG) stubble as the base to plant in. We have done that many times for
many years for both winter pasture only or for grain and seed production. We find
QNBCG and RRCG Crabgrass to be one of the very best of all bases we have used.
We have used at least 10 different bases in our experiences. This base also fits extreme
minimum till plantings where only one or two tillage's are used immediately before or
during planting.
In our case , we use common grain drills to do the planting and they work fine , partly
because the stubble is mostly sticking straight up and not laying horizontal on the soil ,
thus forcing it to be cut through for the winter planting. With the stubble sticking up
vertical, the row openers cut right through and allow the seed to be well placed into the
soil.
Examples. When I was employed at Noble Foundation, we used this technique part of
the time to produce cereal rye pasture after summer crabgrass pasture. Every planting
was successful, with an average equivalent production of 289 stocker cattle winter
grazing days per acre, and a range of 172 to 462 grazing days per acre. At 289 grazing
days per acre and 2 pounds average daily gain, this could represent 578 pounds of beef
per acre.
1 of 3

To date, on our firm, Iaggar wheat production with this technique has averaged
38 bushels per acre overall with the most proper planting yielding over 50 bushels of
wheat with only one tractor trip to plant (no tillage ) in two different years.
Roundup herbicide was custom applied just prior to planting ti control late summer
vegetation, and crabgrass stubble still green.. That could be one more tractor trip. We
have also very successfully used this technique to no -till plant annual bromegrass's for
seed production ,.and other winter annual crops for grazing or grain_ It is obvious that
this procedure could be used to establish fescue, orchardgrass, perennial
wheatgrasses, and smooth bromegrass.
Advantages. Advantages of this style of planting compared to multiple seedbed tillage
plantings are: 1) Very easy and rapid means of planting, 2) Can use common grain
drill equipment and low power tractors, 3) Leaves an excellent soil surface covering
for wind and water erosion control, 4) QNBCG and RRCG in a good stand is a good
"herbicide" and few weed problems exist at fall planting time. 5) Less soil moisture
evaporation due to residue cover on the soil surface. 6) The crabgrass stubble is much
less suppressive to the following crop compared to most stubble bases, 7) Takes much
less total time to "prepare" the area and plant ( as little as 10 total minutes per acre of
crop planted in our case), and 8) Requires much less of everything associated with a
tractor and everything it pulls, from the purchase, to maintenance, to fuel used, to time
riding the tractor. Think about it! !!
Summary of the Planting Techni ue: This is a variable technique. A good farmer and
grass grower can visualize these variances, adjust to their case, and still do a superb job.
But, some things are absolute, or the system will not perform at near it's top capability.
A summary of these things is: 1) Manage and utilize the crabgrass to about a three inch
erect stubble by about September 1 (at Oklahoma City latitude) or as soon as possible
thereafter, 2) If very early and bare stubble , let it re -grow to about a 2 to 4 inch spindly
leaf to absorb herbicide, then spray with about 1 1/2 pints to 1 quart of Roundup (
Glyphosate ) herbicide per acre plus additives. 3) Drill soon thereafter. Drilling is very
easy in fresh dead crabgrass residue about 7 to 15 days post -spraying. But. we have
drilled , then sprayed, and we have sprayed and drilled the same day. If the last
utilization is later, or the stubble is dead, drill without the herbicide. 4) Plant with any
grain drill or no -till drill at about one inch deep. Do not pack the drill row hard. Plant
80 to 100 pounds of live seed per acre of cereal rye, wheat, oats, barley, or triticale.
Annual ryegrass will make much less early pasture, but the total is good. 5) Absolute:
For early winter pasture band a starter fertilizer in the row with the seed. Use a
nitrogen -phosphorus grade such as 18-46-0 at 50 to 100 pounds per acre. You do not
need a drill with a special fertilizer bog. The fertilizer is easily nixed with the seed
and both planted down the row together from the seed box. Always wash the drill box
vigorously, use a vinegar solution to help neutralize the fertilizer residue left in the drill
2 of 3

box , and oil coat the drill box thoroughly when done. 6) Absolute: Apply actual
nitrogen at 75 to 100 pounds per acre at planting or at emergence for earliest winter
pasture. For grain only make the application anytime, but for sure by mid January to mid
February. If the fall to midwinter pasture was good, consider re topdressing at the same
time as above for spring forage and grain production.
Renovation for Crabgrass: For crabgrass to volunteer and perform well , there must
have been a good seed drop and the soil must be at least lightly tilled at least once per
year. An alternative to strict no -till planting in the fall, is to extreme minimum till and
plant. This benefits the crabgrass the next season. This can be done with one tandem
trip with a tillage tool, roller, and drill (thus one tractor trip per crop). If the fall planting
is strictly no -till., and at the winter crop end there is a poor crabgrass stand, then the area
should be lightly tilled to encourage volunteer or planted crabgrass and good production.
Using a tillage tool lightly (two to three inches deep) followed in tandem with a roller
works well. The overall idea is to do a good job with minimum equipment input for
both crops. Some variance of total year after year no -tillage is needed to make both crops
perform well. These combinations can be planned on given farms.
Also visit our web site www.ngdIercrabar g.com , and the Noble Foundation web site
www.noble.On the Noble site, click on: "Agriculture Programs " , "Publications " ,
search for titles with the word " crabgrass" and click on for more information about
crabgrass forage.
3 of 3 013213

Elstel Farm & Seeds
" T T" Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R. L. & Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2460 Springdale Road Farm: 24275 East 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
E-Mail : [e-mail] Web : redrivercrabgrass.com
R. L. `s Cell Phone : [phone] ( Often Best Number )
Fact Sheet 2005 : `Quick NBig ®' and ` Red River' Crabgrass Hay
And Management
`Quick-N Big®' Crabgrass ( QNBCG ) .and `Red River' Crabgrass (RRCG) are
researched and selected varieties of crabgrass, with both being Iarger type, and generally
more full season and productive that the "common" or naturalized crabgrasses.
They are warm season grasses easily managed for volunteer stands. We have worked
with crabgrass forages as "real grasses" since 1972 and with these two varieties since
they began. These two improved varieties are used for grazing , hay or baleage, and
soil conservation. They are grazed well by cattle, horses, sheep, goats, exotics, and hogs
and poultry. They are used as a single crop, double crop with winter, annuals, and in
innumerable mixtures. QNBCG and RRCG use as a very palatable , high quality hay is
the subject of this fact sheet.
Both varieties are widely adapted to the 25 most southeast states from -Nebraska east and
south to the coasts. The QNBCG appears to grow better in more northern climates , and
both grow well to the west under irrigation. Within these areas they should be planted on
the proper soils, etc.
QNBCG and RRCG hay, well managed, are very palatable and of high forage quality.
Feeding trials we did at Noble Foundation years ago showed cattle preferred crabgrass
hay over good bermudagrass and good Old World bluestem in every trial with all
hays being of very similar protein content. That is also a common report from
producers who feed the hays. Both varieties have a soft , pliable stem, compared to
usual summer grass hays, and that is also a quality attribute, and encourages livestock to
""eat it all"'. There is very little and essentially "no waste" when feeding these hays in
good hay feeders. QNBCG has a bit larger stem than RRCG, but it is also relatively soft
and pliable, and the slightly larger stem helps the plant stand better as it nears haying
stage.
1 of 2

Grazing trials of 13 different summer grasses showed crabgrass was first choice in all
cases except fall maturity stages, when leafy 3ohnsongrass was preferred over RRCG in
those trials.
. Good, lush QNBCG and RRCG hay well fertilized usually averages 65% to 75%
digestibility regardless of time of season. Digestibility of crabgrass hays is usually
higher than most other summer grass hays. It is "easy" to have bermudagrass hay test
5% up to 15% points less in digestibility , than good crabgrass hay. QNBCG and
RRCG fertilized with about 75 pounds of actual nitrogen will usually be about 101/6 to
over 12% CP when properly harvested in our experiences.
Remember--% protein is nothing but a dilution of nitrogen supply and the growth
stage of the plant at the hay harvest. On Elstel farm we have had these hays test up to
over 18% CP , but that was partly due to dry weather that prevented good growth , and
the nitrogen supply was, no doubt, diluted in a much smaller than usual amount of hay.
Because QNBCG and RRCG are very palatable and high quality for a summer grasses,
the hay is often used for special purposes, such as horse hay, young stock hay, etc. .
Good QNBCG and RRCG hay is very palatable and good feed duality , it is relished by
all classes of cattle, horses, sheep, goats , and exotics. Due to it's good quality
characteristics, it is often used exclusively for special livestock groups such as
weaning calves, stocker calves, first calf heifers, horses, and any livestock needing
favored with high quality hay. It is also used for brood cows, but frankly, it is often
more quality than they need. An exception is that cows and horses can be wintered on
good crabgrass hay without additional supplement. It is superb hay for incoming stocker
cattle during the preconditioning phase in the receiving lots. It is superb hay to feed to
stocker cattle on winter pastures. If a snow storm hits, cattle can continue to grow at a
slower pace on free -choice QNBCG and RRCG hay until the snow is gone.
For hay yields to be good there must be a good stand from either new plantings or
managed volunteer. Good production includes managing for good stands, good
nitrogen fertilization (and lime, phosphorus, and potassium as needed) , and weed
control if needed. A good stand of RRCG is often sufficient for weed control without
herbicide spraying. When two or more hay cuttings are made during the season, nitrogen
should be top -dressed at first tillered stand and for each crop soon alter each cutting. In
areas of about 25 to 30 inches of annual precipitation, about 50 to 75 pounds of actual
nitrogen should be used about twice each season for upper level yields. In higher rainfall
areas of 30 to 35 inches or more annual precipitation, 75 to 100 pounds of actual
nitrogen should be used about twice per season_ In the southeast US it is possible to do
three or more topdressings a season for top level yields. These examples are for good
growing seasons within those areas. Use common sense --if it is dry, more fertilization
may not be wise.
2 of 3

In Oklahoma, 2 or 3 hay cuttings are usual ; with good growing conditions. We usually
cut 2 harvest in combination to our seed harvests. We have heard of up to 5 cuttings per
summer in the more humid and longer summer season of the SE US. Each cutting needs
it's own fertilizer supply. It is possible to get one cutting more from QNBCG than
RRCG due to the difference in early growth.
QNBCG and RRCG are relatively lush hay crops if growing conditions are good. This
means they will need to be dried longer (3 days minimum in Oklahoma and up to 5 days
of sunnylbreezy weather) between cutting and baling , than lower quality less lush hay
crops_ A good procedure in the drier regions is to mow to make a wide swath to better
aerate the swath. Harvest the first , early , hay when it is knee high to raid thigh high
and in the boot to very early head stages. Harvest later crops with early seed heads
that will shatter some seed for volunteer. See below. Lay the swaths or raked
windrows sideways to the prevailing winds to aid in drying when possible . Cut at
about 3 to 4 inches tall always to leave some lower green leaves for stand survival and
faster re -growth. If it is needed , cut to a taller stubble to be sure there is leaf left on the
stem for re -growth. In some cases we have cut up to 5 to 6 inches tall in summer to get
sure re -growth. At the last cutting for a season, cut it as short as possible "to get it
all".
In more humid regions, mow the crop to leave a flat mown crop, or a wide swathed
windrow. Ted the hay a day or two later, then rake and bale as it gets dry. Some
producers in the humid areas make baleage from crabgrass to better deal with the humid
conditions. QNBCG and RRCG make good small square bales for specialty markets , or
larger round bales. Round bales store outside very well, but inside storage is always
good if it is available.
Repeat --To assure volunteer stands, always harvest hay when there is some seed
shatter. First harvests are often very leafy , and need to be cut before there is many seed
heads. To sample the seed for volunteer , walk across the meadow , hand grab some seed
heads every step of the way. Hand thresh those heads as you go. And when there is 1/4 to
1/2 teaspoonful of seed , per grab , that should be enough for good volunteer. Second
and third crops come to head before the crop is ready to make hay. Do not wait for a full
head to be shatterable---that would be much too much seed for volunteer. Mow, if
possible , just as outlined above. In the case of QNBCG, it breaks seed dormancy sooner
that RRCG , and it is wise to get some seed drop for volunteer late in the summer to
assure seed available to germinate in the spring.
In Oklahoma, one crop of RRCG hay is often made after wheat graze -out or grain
harvest. Two to three crops can be made from single crop stands in good seasons if
production management is good We have heard of three to five cuttings in a season in
the longer summer and moist southeast US. Remember--QNBCG and RRCG are a
premium hay that should be for livestock that can benefit from the quality.
3 of3 013113

Elstel Farm & Seeds
"The Crabgrass Seed Folks "
R L. & Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm : 24275 East 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
E-Mail : [e-mail] Web: redrivercrabgrass.com
R L. `s Cell Phone: [phone] ( Often Best Number)
Fact Sheet 2006 : Field Or Soil Surface Preparation When Overseeding
With `Quick-N-Big®' Crabgrass And `Red River' Crabgrass
`Quick-N-Big®' Crabgrass (QNBCG ) and `Red River' Crabgrass (RRCG ) are
researched and selected varieties of crabgrass used for forage and conservation. They are
warm season gasses easily managed for volunteer stands, if that is one of the objectives.
Both varieties are also used to over -seed into numerous winter and summer crops and
grasses. Both varieties are used for grazing, hay or silage, and soil conservation ( ground
cover ). These grasses are grazed well by cattle, horses, sheep, goats, exotics and even
poultry and grazing hogs. They are used as a single crop, double crop with winter
annuals and perennials, and in innumerable mixtures. Both varieties are widely adapted
to the 25 most southeast states from Nebraska east to the coast and south to the coast, in
addition to some areas farther north , and areas to the west under irrigation clear to
California
These varieties are planted and started in many ways ranging from using good , precise
seedbeds, to various low equipment input over -seeding methods. Perhaps the number
one way that they are started in these methods, is by over -seeding into a winter annual to
start a double crop. Winter annuals are wheat, rye, oats, barley, triticale, annual ryegrass,
annual bromegrasses, and many forage legumes , etc. Most plantings have been by
broadcasting the seed into the winter annual stand in a seed -fertilizer mixture during the
late winter to spring fertilizer top -dressing time. Generally these procedures have been
successful in the long term. Usually the crabgrass stand emerges erratically, somewhat
spotty, and unpredictably over weeks or even. months. Sometimes the first year stand is
a thin to moderate stand and drops seed for the next years earlier and good volunteer
stand. That is satisfactory if the producer wants that and they are content with that
approach. There is less equipment input to get the stand going at a good level -- in time.
It takes time, and to some producers ---time is money. Sometimes the crabgrass stand in
these cases develops very uniform and rapid . This is highly rainfall related as rain is part
of the planting procedure. We recall a planting made this way and by June the year
of planting, the stand was excellent. It can happen. Stands planted this way tend to
develop better on the sandier soils and, naturally , with good distribution of rainfall.
1 of 2

There can be much control even in this relatively non -precise, lower input method.
First, care should be taken to have the area well grazed by winters end; just before the
broadcast seeding occurs , and then be sure to utilize the winter crop completely at
seasons end. This is to "release" the over seeded crabgrass so it can grow as well as
feasible under this case. Second, before the seed is broadcast , lightly prepare the soil
surface with a light tillage. Tools to use are : a rotary hoe, heavy spiketooth harrow ,
light disc set to run straight, etc. Any tool that will scratch , or poke , a hole in the soil
surface and not totally destroy the stand being planted into, will help. The idea is to
prepare the surface so there will be some "mini -seedbeds " for some of the seed to fall
on , and thus get a little soil cover with the rains , snow , or the treading of livestock.
Rolling or cultipacking the area after seeding is good, but not mandatory. This light
"tillage" helps to get more plants established for the seed being put out.
QNBCG is a smoother seed, and a good clean QNBCG will flow through the small seed
box ( alfalfa seed box ) on drills. RRCG does not flow as well. The drill method is
better than the broadcast method , when it is available , and better more uniform stands
are very likely. Set the drill to penetrate from the soil surface to no deeper than 1/2
inch deep. Depth control methods on the drill are desirable.
This paragraph will be a repeat somewhat, but it is important. A very easy and common
way, if the tool is available, is to run over the field just before planting with a rotary hoe.
Other tools can do this too. This method has been excellent for enhancing stands. Do
this when there is some moisture in the surface soil to allow better penetration of the hoe
spikes. The rotary hoe makes a tooth mark about 1/2 to 1 inch deep ( a divot ) about every
3 to 6 inches, more or less, and each of those marks is a "mini seedbed" for some seed
to fall into. At usual rates of planting , about 80% , more or less , of these marks will
have some seed land in them by our measure. Those seeds have landed on a
prepared seedbed, but a small one. Then, as the rains come or livestock tread on the
spot, the seed is lightly covered with a blanket of soil that helps hold the moisture
around the seed to effect a better stand -for the seed amount planted. Thus, stands
planted in "seedbeds " like this develop more uniform and rapid. This preparation is
desirable, on any soil, but seems even more important on the medium and fine textured
soils. In areas where frost seeding can be employed, that too, is a form of surface
tillage and that helps to get a light soil cover on the seed.
Lightly covered seed can stay damp or wet for many days after rain compared to seed
laying on the soil surface. QNBCG seed, at warm enough temperatures, sprouts sooner
that RRCG seed. When it is warm enough, these seeds need a minimum of 3 to 5 days to
sprout and tack a root to the soil. The more warm -damp days , the better for the seed.
This same technique can be used to over -seed crabgrass into "last summers crop
stubble." A PRECAUTION: QNBCG sprouts sooner than RRCG in general. There
have been a few cases where QNBCG came up early in these planting syndromes, or in
volunteer, and an abnormal hard freeze killed the first stand. So, it may be wise to do
this kind of planting with QNBCG later and into the early warm days of spring.
2 of 2 013113

Elstel Farm & Seeds
"The Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R. L. Dalrymple
Office : 2640 Springdale Road Farm: 24275 East 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
E-Mail : rland [e-mail] Web: redrivercrabgrass.com
R. L. `s Cell Phone [phone] (Often Best Number )
Fact Sheet 2007 : `Quick-N- Big@' Crabgrass --A New Forage
Crabgrass Variety
This fact sheet announces the first season availability of a new variety ( cultivar ) of
forage crabgrass. It is named "Quick-N-Big®" Crabgrass(QNBCG) because, compared
to the Red River Crabgrass ( RRCG ) variety, it germinates quicker, grows quicker,
reaches grazing stage or hay stage or maturity stage quicker, and is a bigger and taller
plant. Simple as that! Research work for QNBCG was started when we were employed
with Noble Foundation , and then after some time after retirement , we completed to
work to release the variety.
The following summary provides more specific details of Quick-N-Big Crabgrass
variety. All statements and comparisons are relative to Red River Crabgrass , the only
other researched and released crabgrass variety. It is essentially impossible to make
specific comparisons to "common" or "native" crabgrass because those plants vary
enormously in both species and phenotype and season of growth.. The QNBCG
information following essentially starts with the seed and progresses to the mature plant.
The seed is about 117 % larger by weight, the same length, and about 110% wider. Field
germination of the same age seed is quicker by up to 3 to 7 days. QNBCG seed breaks
dormancy sooner than RRCG. There remains a surplus dormant seed amount for next
season's volunteer stands in our experience. Early seedling growth is quicker with
QNBCG often reaching 3 to 8 in. tall when RRCG seedlings that are emerged are about 1
to 2 in. tall. At 28 to 35 days post -plant , under good growing condition, QNBCG has
averaged being 166 % taller, or up to 16 in. tall when RRCG was 7 in. tall , or QNBCG
was over twice as tall as RRCG at those times.
The leaf of QNB has averaged 140 % wider and 136 % longer that RRCG. The widest
leaf measured in research has been 0.62 inches for QNBCG and 0.43 inches for
RRCG with QNB being 44 % wider that RRCG. Clients have told us that they
measured leaf width of 0.75 inches on QNBCG. The flag leaf width of QNB has
averaged 200 % that of RRCG. That likely has something to do with quicker early
growth
I of 2

. Color of the leaf and general plant field aspect is darker green for
QNBCG than RRCG where they are both grown under good , fertile conditions. Stem
size of QNBCG has averaged 172 % larger diameter than RRCG. That helps the plant
to stand erect at a taller height that RRCG. However, both varieties are lush type
forages with a soft pliable stem, and both will "weep" or lodge if allowed to grow too tall
for grazing or haying , especially if it is a moist season and the growth is more lush.
Leaf to stem ratios are excellent for both varieties. Height of QNBCG has ranged 150 %
to 240 % taller that RRCG at the same stage or age of growth. QNBCG is an erect and
runner ( stolon ) type crabgrass, but RRCG is more of a runner type. QNBCG has great
tillering ability given the chance. See Fact Sheet 2009.
The seed head of QNB has averaged being 175 % to 189 % larger than RRCG. It will
make sufficient seed to perpetuate the variety.
Five plot year average forage yields showed QNBCG to yield Ill % of RRCG.
During years of good management when QNB was harvested more properly, it produced
up to 23 % and 24 % more than RRCG.
The percent crude protein (°/a CP) content of the two varieties has averaged relatively
close and similar under good nitrogen fertility. Overall full season averages showed
QNBCG to be 14.4 % CP with a range of 11.0 % CP to 18:7 % CP while RRCG was 15.4
% CP with a range of 10.0 % CP to 18.5 % CP. Remember —% crude protein is
really nothing more than dilution of nitrogen supply and growth volume.
If you, the grower, want higher protein content in your crabgrass forage, then it takes
more nitrogen, from somewhere, and 1 or a younger grazing or haying stage.
Other Summary Comments: This Fact Sheet is being updated in 2013. Based on the
wide range of growing conditions QNBCG has shown it grows well in the major
adaptation of 23 to 25 most SE states of the US as does RRCG. It is adapted to the same
soil type ranges and may grow a bit better on finer textured soils. We expect it to grow
under irrigation throughout the western half of the US as does RRCG. It has shown it can
grow well as far north at southern North Dakota. QNBCG has the same overall uses as
RRCG. It may be a bit more suited to legume and other mixtures as it can be a bit more
open growth. QNBCG may stockpile a bit better since it has a larger stem size. QNBCG
survived and produced in Western Oklahoma as well as, and better than RRCG , in the
very hot , dry , hostile summers of 2011 and 2012.
QUICK-N-BIG CRABGRASS IS A PROPRIETORY VARIETY OF ELSTEL
FARM AND SEEDS. SEED IS AVAILABLE ONLY FROM ELSTEL FARM AND
SEEDS AND COOPERATING DEALERS.
2 of 2 013113

Elstel Farm & Seeds
"The Crabgrass Seed Folks "
R L. & Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm : 24275 E. 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
E-Mail : [e-mail] Web : redrivercrabgrass.com
R.L.'s Cell : 580-670-0043 ( Often Best Number )
Fact Sheet 2008 ; The New `Quick N-Big®' Crabgrass Variety --
A FoHowup
The year 2006 was the first year `Quick-N-Big' (QNB) crabgrass was available for public field
plantings. The year 2008 was the forth year it had been grown in field size at our farm. During
these years the grass was subjected to a range of among the driest and hottest of summer
seasons (2006 ) to among the best we can expect in western Oklahoma. ( 2007 ). The 2007 year
had some short dry times, but considering all of summer, it was one of the best for growing grass
that can be in the 26 inch rainfall belt of our farm location. These ranges in season's provide
information for other regions.
The year 2008 marks the 14th year we have provided a Crabgrass Management Fact Sheet for our
clients and forage researchers. It is the 17' year we have provided `Red River' Crabgrass
(RRCG) seed to grass producers of the USA. We continue to emphasize high quality Red River
Certified Seed along with the newer variety `Quick-N-Big®' (QNBCG) . We are pleased and
content to have helped put a blanket on a bit of Mother Earth during these years, and to be of
service to grassland producers of the USA. We plan to be of service many more years.
The 2007 season helped Quick-N-Big live up to, it's name. To repeat. It was named Quick-N-
Big because it has the genetics to GERMINATE QUICK, has QUICK SEEDING GROWTH to
first grazing time, and RE -GROWS QUICK , if managed properly , and can get very big for a
crabgrass , again --if it is managed properly. It has BIG leaves and grows BIG if allowed to
continue growing. The grass can grow very fast for a crabgrass , up to 2 to 3 inches per day
under good conditions, after it is well tillered. When we harvested the mid -summer crop in 2007,
much of the grass measured an average of 43 inches tall, with the tallest spots on good fine sandy
loam being up to 58 inches tall. All of this was free standing without being held up in any way.
This testifies to it's ability. But this is not the height to go for in managing the forage aspects of
the variety for grazing or hay. This height is too tall for usual grazing or haying (see below), but
it shows the potential of the grass's production.
When the grass is allowed to get too tall before grazing or haying, it shades the lower leaves too
much, This causes the lower leaf to yellow and die. Then when the grass is grazed or cut for
hay, that leaves a naked , "tooth pick" stem. That then causes very slow re -growth, and plant
stem death if it does not rain immediately. So, what should the manager do??
1 of 2

As with Red River Crabgrass, grazing should be started when the pasture is a minimum of 4 to 6
inches tall. Rotation Graze!! Re -gratings should be done when the plants are six to 12 inches tall,
or up to 18 inches tall at maximum during lush conditions, and when there is stilt green leaves on
the lower stem. Haying or cutting for silage should be done when the plants are 18 to 24 inches
tall and when there is still green leaves on the bottom of the stems. Do not wait for the
maximum growth height ---unless it is only a one cut per summer situation. Cut to leave a lot
of green leaf. When the QNBCG is out or grazed, the field should still have a green cast to it,
indicating that there is a lot of lower leaf on the stubble to generate new growth Leave a 3 to 6
inch stubble until the last grazing or haying, then be free to take it as short as practical to
the ground , so to speak. When managed as above, the grass re growth and total production is
good.
For a continuous style of grazing, set the stocking rate to gradually graze the forage over many
weeks. For well fertilized QNBCG on dry land, this could be from 800 to 1200 pounds of
weight per acre.
One exception to the above haying comments pertains to when the manager wants to accumulate
one massive hay cutting or silage cutting, and is not interested in good regrowth. In that case,
just let it grow to maximum growth, then cut it short one time, and do not expect good re-
growth in this case.
In summary---QNBCG is a robust, productive, tall type of crabgrass. It tillers profusely, and has
a few runners in open stands , put not may. It can get too tall, for good re -growth management,
before grazing or haying_ Using the plant then can cause more suppression than usual or good.
THINK AHEAD! QNBCG can be ready to hay today and be too tall 3 to 5 days later. It can be
harvested well then, but the extra growth at harvest can lead to added re -growth suppression.
Management of fertilization, weed control, and volunteer stands is much like that for Red River
Crabgrass. Please refer to those Fact Sheets.
QNBCG has adequate seed dormancy to generate volunteer stands. the .next year.. We have
always gotten good volunteer stands. However, a lot of germination of new seed dropped to the
ground in July and August, can occur the year of drop with good thunderstorms. This more so
than with Red River Crabgrass. RRCG has a lot of seed dormancy all summer the summer of the
seed crop. There is still an advantage to using AGED seed of QNBcg when possible, but it does
not appear as critical as with RRCG_ Speed of germination is very quick with QNBCG compared
to other crabgrasses of the same age seed.
QUICK-N SIG IS A PROPRIATORY VARIETY OF ELSTEL FARM AND
SEEDS. SEED IS AVAILABLE ONLY FROM ELSTEL FARM AND SEEDS &
COOPERATING DEALERS.
2 of 2 013113

Elstel Farm & Seeds
"Tie Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R L. & Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm: 24275 East 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
E-Mail: [e-mail] Web : redrivercrabgrass. net
R. L.'s Cell Phone: [phone] (Often Best Number)
Fact Sheet 2009 : `Quick N-Big@' and `Red River' Crabgrass ,
Miscellaneous Management Items
A Variety Summary of these two crabgrass varieties is appropriate. Seed of these two properly named
improved varieties of Crabgrass is usually available. These varieties are: The original first known variety
in the world , `Red River' Crabgrass , (RRCG ) and the newest variety, `Quick-N-Bio' Crabgrass.
(QNBCG). Red River Crabgrass was released from work at Noble Foundation , Ardmore, OK as a
Certified Seed variety in 1988. It was first grown on private landowner property for forage in 1990.
`Quick-N-Big®' Crabgrass was released by us in 2006 from the continued work started by us at Noble
Foundation. 2006 was the first year it was grown on private land other than our own. It was approved as a
Certified Seed Variety by the Oklahoma Crop Improvement Association in 2007. All of our Certified Seed
is grown under the guidelines and inspections of the Oklahoma Crop Improvement Association.
Red River CrabyrM is a very productive ecotype of crabgrass from collections of "natural " crabgrass
collections in Oklahoma , Missouri , New Mexico , Delaware , and New Zealand. In Agronomy
professions, big crabgrass it is often referred to as "Hairy Crabgrass" because of the "hair" on the stems and
leaves, but many other crabgnasses are "hairy', too. RRCG is from one of the many common or "natural"
species of crabgrass. Oklahoma alone has 6 different "natural" crabgrass species . Most taxondibists
-believe -that all . crabgrass ,was. initially, introduced- into the USA by early day emigrants, either accidentally
in their seeds and feeds , or on purpose some way. Some rofeasors credit the U.& govermnent
( U. S. Patent Office, before the USDA ) for purposefully introducing "crabgrass" for draft ;and
food and fiber animal forage , in 1849. We have not been able to ascertain. that by original written
documentation. RRCG is a fine to medium stem and leaf size type . It was the highest producer of all the
many selections studied in the research being done at that time. It can grow to 2 to 3 feet tall or more , free
standing, at advanced hay stages wader good conditions for such tall growth. if it grows too tall, it is prone
to lean over, and lodge and lay close or on the ground. But, RRCG is usually grazed and hayed at earlier
stages of growth in order to get good re -growth It covers the soil surface very well with tillers and stolons
( runners that can produce upright stem) that root from the nodes (joints ) that lay on the soil surface in
thinner stands that allow that to happen. The stolons sprout at the joints when it rains to cause high
humidity and wet soil contact at that point. RRCG was selected from a collection of many crabgrass
ecotypes "native" to Oklahoma and other states. In addition to being the most productive in that work, it
was also among the longest growing season types of those selections, and it had excellent forage quality
characteristics . In Southern Oklahoma , under good management and growing conditions , it has been
know to be ready to graze as early as the second week of May.
Quick-N-Bites (QNBCG) is an equal to , or more productive crabgrass , than RRCG under good
management In research work it averaged I 1 % higher yielding than RRCG , with one year 25% better
yield.. It is a medium to large stem and a very large leaf type crabgrass during the spring to surnmer tiure
period (some leaves measuring 518 to 314 inch wide), compared to RRCG. Even though the stem is a bit
larger, it is still a relatively soft and pliable stem , thus helping maintain high palatability during grazing or
feeding hay. Under comparable cases, QNBCG germinates quicker and under a little cooler
temperatures. It has more rapid seeding growth especially after about 2 weeks of age , and when
Iof2

Is
tillers form. It reaches grating and haying stages much earlier than RRCG , Thus it can be
have a longer season that RRCG. On average in comparable cases , QNBCG can be about 2 to 3 weeks
earlier to reach proper grazing stage or haying stage than RRCG QNBCG can be a much taller forage
plant at similar ages being the tallest , free standing crabgrass we have ever seen.
QNBCG has been measured to average up to about 43 inches tall , during good growing conditions , at
advanced hay field stages in a field, with some areas free standing at 58 inches tall. That is the very tallest
free standing crabgrass we have ever seen in Off years of using crabgrass as a real forage ( as this is .
updated in 1013 ). This shows some of it's genetic capability. But, these tall heights are not necessarily
the height to manage for. QNBCG is also a bit more of an open, Aggressive tillering type than RRCG. f
QNBCG can make stolons , or runners , but not to the extent that RRCG does. The most profound thing
a grazier will usually notice about QNBCG is the much more rapid early growth, bigger leaves, and
quickness to get to first proper grazing stage. Some graziers report that re -growth is sometime slow.
This almost always correlates to grazing the taller crabgrass a bit too short , or haying a bit too late , and
that in turn , injures the plant more and slows recovery. It should always be grazed or hayed soon enough
to allow leaving a green leaf at the lower part of stem where it is grazed off or cut. That helps in getting
better re -growth.
QUICK-N BIGt CRABGRASS L5 A TRf1DEMARKO PROPRIETORY VARIETY OF ELSTEL l�
FARM AND SEEDS. SEED IS AVA.IIAABLE ONLY FROM ELSTEL FARM AND SEEDS AND
COOPERATING SEED DEALERS.
During 2008 we did a "comllry research" mica wit QNBCG to more precisely measure it's tittering and
stem sprouting capability. It can have a more open m110py than RRCG. We wondered how many tillers
(stems) and auxiliary stems ( sprouting of a new stem at the joints of the parent stem above ground line ) it S
would make if given the space and the chance. A six foot diameter area was kept clean around a single
QNBCG plant in one of our production fields and it was let grow at will. The field was dryland. The first
' half of summer had fair to good moisture and the last half was dry for most of the period. The crop was •
fertilized with 60-26-0 lbslac N P-K fertilizer in April. We did not fertilize again for a fall crop. So, the
j plant was somewhat nutrient deficient during mid -steer to fall re -growth The first cutting was on July
14. That harvest produced _main illers {sterns} from this one ulant hod }, plus 3 auxiilary"
stems sprouts at the joints r main stem for a total of 396 stems---frim one plant and one seed ( , —
„ that made that plant The nutrient deficient est main stems as re-
plus uncounted MEdU ry stems (we forgot to count them , for a summer total of 4iT4 stems from one
J-" y CW
plant in this case. Each stem is livestock feed. Bottom line is, that is a lot of production from one s
and one plant and is an example of it's genetic production capability .
Old
Both varieties are good choices. Some producers min the two is an effort to capture some of the benefits
of both. We have done some of that and find the mix snakes good full summer forage with Quick N-Big®
Crabgrass providing about 2 weeks or more earlier forage in the mix than RRCG alone.
Some comments about " common" or "native" crabsrasses: These grasses are "Variety Unstated"
natural growing crabgrass's of many species, and innumerable plant types per species. They are
whatever "Mother Nature" produces that might get tall enough to mechanically harvest. For example,
there are six species of naturalized crabgrass in Oklahoma alone, and enormous plant type variation
within each species. Some may be a somewhat useful forage type, but in general , they are inferior for
forage relative to either of the developed, known Mtetttial, varieties. They tend to be less productive, and
often have shorter growing seasons in spring, fall, or both, and some are more prone to have diseases.
Beware!
40
Some ManagementReminden Are Importwt : For upper level performance, these crabgrass variety
forages need: soil surface renovation sometime ammualiy during the off-season, acceptable fertilization,
weed control (sometimes ), proper grazing rotations, proper timing and height of hay harvests and
gratings . They are useful in numerous single crop, double crop, and forage mixture situafions For
those producers that can produce pasture legumes well, it is also a choice to grow RRCG and QNBCG with
a legume in mixture , or during the prior winter season. This may help reduce some of the fertilizer
needed.
2 of 2

Elstel Farm and Seeds
" The Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R. L. and Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm: 24275 East 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
E-Mails: [e-mail] Web.- redrivercrabgrass.com
R. L.'s Cell Phone: [phone] (Often the Best )
Fact Sheet 2010 : Experiences With `Quick N-Big®' and `Red River'
Crabgrass Varieties as a Forage
There are many reasons why omders use g3kg ass as a forage. The main one is because it is high
palatability and high quality grazing or hay in the summer season. There are other good reasons, but the
focus now is quality. A high quality "total pastime" is one of relatively High palatability, high nutrient
content, plus a pasture relatively thick and of the proper height for good animal gains. We need all of
these components for a "high quality pasture'%
Experience from our research days illustrates that usual good to excellent crabgrass pasture produces 1.4
to over 2.1 lbs ADG from stocker cattle, with an overall 1.8 ADG on good to excellent pasture. The best
gains on the best of the good pasture ranged from 19 to 2.9 lbs ADG. 2.9 pounds ADG is the highest we
recorded. Our clients report ADG from good to excellent pasture of up to 2.25 to over 2.5 lbs ADG.
Our own stocker cattle last summer (2009 ) averaged 1.74 ADG from buy weight to sell weight, with 53%
of the summer grazing time on good crabgrass and the rest of the time on true native prairie ,
bermudagrass, and Plain Bluestein in rotation. These gains are excellent for the summer season
Crabgrass is also good pasture for cows, horses, and many other livestock groups including grazing swine,
poultry, and exotics,
Grass fed beef and other grass fed meat products are steadily gaining in popularity with the
knowledgeable consumer_ There are two main reasons: a healthier product and a meat taste. The high
gain potential from good crabgrass forage plays a part in that. We have produced several of our own grass
fed beef over the years, but we do not sell to the public. Several of our beeves were "finished " on mostly
crabgrass that was in a bermudagrass mixture. We noted the nice mild meat flavor, but it was only the last
few years when other grass fed beef producers also independently reported they observed a better meat
flavor from crabgrass pasture than other summer forages. One producer and grass-fed beef supplier told
us that they process only beeves coming off crabgrass pasture for their own consumption , and because
of the better flavor. Presented as " food for thoughf , and a suggestion that if you produce grass fed beet;
maybe you can consider using more of our variety crabgrasses for pastures in your summer forage
program.
Part of the interest in " grass fed" is the health aspect of it. The writings of Alan Newport are worthv
of study. On the web, go to: htlp 1hnWssues iirmyro,-mss.com , click on "The Farmer Stockman',
click on "Search Issue" under the October 2009 issue, fill in the blank box with "Alan Newport" and
search . That gets you to the articles. He also mentions a book "Good Calories, Bad Calories " by Gary
Taubes, which explains much of the health benefits of beef and apparently more correctly reports on beef
health issues. The book should be available from your public library or book store. In a fashion, all of this
ties back to producing good and better flavored beef from good crabgrass pastures in the summer time.
1 of 2

5Uxtures of Quick-N Big ( QNB ) and Red River Crabgrass (RR ) are of interest to many clients.
During 2009, we had this mixture on our farm. QNB came on earlier , just Lake we expected, and at first
grazing it was 6 to 10 inches tail and far taller than RR. After that gazing, RR cane on and both were in
the mix as grazing forage the rest of the summer. As we neared summers end and the grasses were being
well used, it was difficult to tell them apart However, it was evident at first grazing that QNB made the
vast amount of early grazing period. That is one of it's obvious characteristics.
Quick-N-Big and Red River crabcrass work well as a component in a_ conservation grass seed
mixture. 'These situations are heavily worked and used areas such as, pond dikes, diversion terraces,
roadsides, other erosion control structures, etc. We have done this successfully many times over the years,
and it has always worked to date. In general, it functions as follows. These are warm season grass
plantings. They are planted in spring, summer ,or winter. The winter planting does not emerge until the
warm, moist days of the neat spring and summer. Our mixtures vary , but in general they include seeds of
a native range grass mixture, Old World Blruestem , Wrangler seeded bermudagrass, and Quick-N-Big or
Red River crabgrass. if the mixture is planted in the fall or winter, wheat at a heavy planting rate is used
for winter soil cover. It dies in sprin& or is eaten by cattle, and the other grasses emerge and increase.
Crabgrass emerges first and helps covers soil the first year , then the Old World bluestem and the
bermudagrass emerge, then increase mostly during the second and later years. The native range grasses
are usually the last to establish. On very critical areas, we hand plant bermudagrass sprigs (rhizomes ) for
quicker and more certain bermudagrass stands. The seeds of the seed mixture are mixed with dry fatilimr
and broadcast planted on as good a "seedbed" as possible for the area During the first year , crabgrass
quickly controls the soil. By the second year and beyond, the perennial grasses begin to dominate and do
their job. I prefer the Quick-N Big crabgrass in this mixture as it establishes quicker and it can be a bit
more open structure and that allows the perennial graces a better chance for early development. This
technique can be adapted anywhere crabgrass grows, by rasing the perennial grasses in the mixture for that
area, but with crabgrass as a serious component of the mix These mixtures should be utilized. If the
crabgrass gets tall enough to graze or hay, then do it, But. also give the area a recovery period to
continue to develop.
Be sure of what you buy, when you buy variety crab ga asses. A kind fellow contacted us in late 2009.
He purchased some Red River crabgrass seed from us in the spring, planted it, but ran out a few acres
before he had the field covered. He called around in his region, and located a commercial seed store dealer
who claimed to have Red River Crabgrass seed_ The farmer bought some , and used it to finish planting his
field the same day. The field produced crabgrass pasture. But, he reported — the crabgrass pasture from
the store bought seed was always shorter, heavily infested with leaf diseases, brownish colored , and just
not nearly as good pasture as the grass from our Red River Crabgrass seed. Indications are that it was not
true to variety stated. We have heard several versions of this kind of story over the years.
A fellow from Oklahoma called me several years ago and told me "Mr. X", a farmer he knew, plowed cap a
common crabgrass stand, planted Red River crabgrass seed, the field grew crabgrass, made a seed crop ,
he harvested it, and sold it as Red River Crabgrass. Ain't no way that was pare Red River crabgrass.
Folks, there is no way we can prevent this type of thing. But, if your source is not us, you can ask your
source questions --Where did you get this seed? Is it Certified seed? Is it pure to variety? You get the
picture! Be sure of what you buy.
These stories above ,and others similar to them, are at least one big reason we dedicate so much effort to
growing Pedigreed, CerMW Class Seed of both Quick-N-Big and Red River crabgrass as much as
we can. We simply want our seed to be pure to variety type and true to name. We can help.
Also visit our web site _www_rett!grQ-abgrass.com , and the Noble Foundation web site: www.noble.org
On the Noble Foundation web site click on : "Agriculture Programs" , "Publications" , "Agriculture
Publications" , search for titles with the word "crabgrass " and click on for more information about
crabgrass forage.
2 of 2 013113

Elstel Farm & Seeds
"The Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R L. & Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm: 24275 East 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones & Faxes: 580-223-8782 590-661-3997
E-Mail: [e-mail] Web.redrivercrabgrass.com
R. Us s Cell Phone: [phone] ( Often the Best )
Fact Sheet 2011: Quick N-Big@' Crabgrass Management "Pot -Shots".
Introduction: `Quick-N-Big®' Crabgrass(QNBCG) has been available to producers five years in 2011.
The first worldwide known crabgrass variety, `Red River' Crabgrass ( RRCG) , has been available to
producers 20 years in 2011,
Positive Input From Producers about our crabgrasses is encouraging in our efforts to help forage and
livestock producers, and land stewards of the USA. Grazier "A" said , " People don't understand, this
Quick-N-Big crabgrass is not ordinary crabgrass". This in a conversation about it's quick seedling and
young growth to grazing and it's bigness on his pastures.. Cattleman "B" wrote,. " I_ do_ loye. this Quick-N-
Big Crabgrass." This referencing how well it was doing in his pastures, and he has also had RRCG over
10 years to compare. Feedback "puts gas in our tank" and shows us producers are doing well with it .
Thinning too Thick Quick-N-Sig and Red River Volunteer Crabgrass is sometimes needed. If this is a
need in your stands, feel free to phone us to talk about it. Thinning is done on only ygaMung stands.
Speed of _Germination and Seedling Growth has always been a major interest with crabgrasses. Years
ago, we did a RRCG germinator study of the responses of "Nero Crop " versus "Aged" seed New crop
seed germinated 71/6 of it's total capability in one week Two & 3 year old Aged Seed germinated 58% of
it's capability in the same time, or, over 8 times more. We recommend using Aged Seed when possible.
Recently, Wade Kravanik of the Oklahoma Dept of Agri. , Seed Laboratory, helped do a germination and
early seedling growth germinator study of QNBCG and RRCG seeds to compare these varieties. General
field responses had been observed, but laboratory details were desired Composite samples of each
variety of the same age 2 and 3 year old aged seed were used Precise readings were done daily at 1 to 5
days. The test ended at 14 days. It is not realistic to give full details herein , but an abstract follows.
Germination is presented as relative % of total germination (germinable seed) at day 14. The 2 grasses had
11 % to 16 % germination at a cool 59°F by day 4 and 5. At a cool 68°F only QNBCG had some
germination at day 3, and % of genninable seed was 91 % to 94 % at day 4 and 5. This was 32% better
than RRCG on those cool days. This indicates QNBCG can germinate equal to or much better than
RRCG at cool soil conditions. Both grasses germinated well at 770F with 93% to 973/6 at days 4 and 5. At
the "Official Germination Temp' of variable 68OF to 95°F, total germinable seed for both grasses
was 95% to 99% on days 4 and 5. At temperatures of 77aF to 100aF, the grasses had 23% to 64 %
germinatle seed on day 1, and total germinatee seed was 93% to 99 % by days 4 and 5_ RRCG averaged
62% germinabie seed the first 3 days at 77°F to 100°F, and QNBCG averaged 7111/o, or 16% better bran
RRCG, indicating QNBCG also germinates faster at the warmer temperatures. Cooler _& quicker
germination is quicker pasture. Seedling growth the first 5 clays comes from the seed energy, not the sun.
At temperatures of 77°F to 100°F on days 3 to 5, RRCG seedlings averaged 0.6 inches tall. QNBCG
averaged 0.8 inches tall, or 33% taller than RRCG. Taller seedlings make quicker t�astnre.
1 of 2

Controlling Sandbur in some crabgrass fields of the Plains and Southern US is a problem. Sandbur is a
low value weedy grass forage with massive amounts of extremely thorny, "tmpalatable" seeds. Growing
conditions are essentially as for crabgrass. There is no gmdik asy Kay to control sandbar in crabgrass. We
had a field of RRCG on sandy soil in Western Oklahoma get invaded by sandbur seed from roadside and
fence row sandbar stands. Had the problem been seen sooner, we could have sprayed the fence rows, road
edges, and field edges, and kept the samRm at bay a longer time. In other cases, deep moldboard plowing
to bury the sandbur seeds, followed by roller -packing to re -firm the seedbed , followed by a very shallow
drilled crabgrass seed planting kept the sandbar at bay for years. The soil was not tilled after the plowing
to leave more sandbar seeds buried deep. In other cases , summer tillage and /or herbicide spraying to
control the sandbar for at least I to 2 summers is a big help. All methods are time consuming and relatively
expensive, but other summer and winter forage can be gLown on the land in the urocess.
During 2010, we planted the prior mentioned sandbar infested RRCG field to a "Roundut7 Ready Corn"
for gMUMg. This allowed spraying the field for sandbar kill and seed reduction In swnmary, the corn
was planted in 24 inch rows with a common.grass drill with fluted seed feeds after frost in early spring. The
drill was calibrated to plant about 2 to 3 corn seeds per foot of row. The field was top -dressed with
nitrogen at 75 pounds actual nitrogen immediately after planting. This planting was in the 26 inch
precipitation zone. The com grew to average about 7 feet tall at tasseling stage and initial grazing. Round-
UF (fthosate) herbicide MoUg_for sandbur control was done two tunes before the coin was too tall
four to five feet tall or less). Grazing was by strip grazing technique with grazing periods averaging about
3 days. It is best to graze corn in 1 day or less strips, but this was not feasible on our farm Too many jobs
at one time. Our 3 day grazing period system worked well for us as there was never a back fence and the
steers continued to graze leaves and stems on the whole area already grazed. This worked well This
Wroach was excellent for controlling sandbar and getting relativet high volume grazzng_at the same time.
The cleaned area is in no-til wheat and is planned to be re -planted to the QNB or RR crabgrass varieties m
spring 2011. This technique could be used to control other unwanted summer grasses in a crabgrass field.
Soil Conservation Plantings can be mixtures, and for us those mixtures include QNBCG or RRCG. We
wrote some about this in Fact Sheet 2010. We do these plantings on hilly, sloping, or flatter pasture lands,
terraces, pond dikes, waterways, spillways , roadsides , and equipment yards, etc. Others have done this on
newly clear-cut forest Iands, etc. Our equipment parking lot and barnyard area is on erodible sandy soil and
it was planted to better soil cover m June, 2010. The area was tilled to prepare and smooth the soil, then it
was sprigged with Midland Bermudagrass at about 60 bushels per acre, then it was broadcast seeded with 3
to 5 pounds per acre of QNBCG in a complete fertilizer mix. Then the area was firmed with a homemade
roller and topdressed with nitrogen. It was then watered with yard water sprinklers. On the day 2 after
watering started, the first QNBCG seedings had emerged This is among the gmckest we have seen this
"quick" grass emerge in fields.The mass emerged over the next week or more. The soil was under control
in about 2 to 3 weeks. Bermudagrass emerged over a period of several weeks and spread during summer.
The area was mowed 4 tunes during summer. Each mowing could have been a grazing. By summers end,
the QNBCG was still there as a soil cover, and there were bermudagrass colonies about every 2 feet. They
will spread It was a success. ( Foot note: This note is being added at the end of summer 2012. By the end
of summer 2011, and with the aid of yard sprinklers , the bemudagrass in this mixture was 100 % covered
and the QNBCG was minimal , but it did it's job of early grwound cover. The lot has remailed fully
covered during 2012 ). ONBCG can be an excellent addition to conservation vegetation mixtures.
This type of mixture has worked for us in nmy applications. These applications range from re -vegetating
pond dikes, waterways , pond spillways , and in thickening beramdagram or Old World Bluestein in thin
perennial stands. Thinning may have occurred by drought, or winter damp, or improper grazing. The
crabgrass, be it QNBCG or RRCG , thickens the total vegetation population and as the perennials re -grow
and thicken, the crabgrass declines --unless we want to treat it in such a way as to keep it in the mixtures.
2 of 2
013113

Elstel Farm and Seeds
"The Crabgrass Seed Folks"
R L. and Pat Dalrymple
Office: 2640 Springdale Road Farm: 24275 East 910 Road
Ardmore, OK 73401 Thomas, OK 73669
Phones and Faxes: 580-223-8782 580-661-3997
Email:[e-mail] Web. Redrivercrabgrass.com
R. L.'s Cell Phone : [phone] ( Often the Best )
Fact Sheet 2012-2013: `Quick-N-Big®' and `Red River' Crabgrass
Management Thoughts.
"Made in the USA". We love to see that on things we buy. ` Quick-N Big®' Crabgrass ( QNBCG ) and
`Red River' Crabgrass ( RRCG ) are produced , cleaned, bagged, tested , and provided in the "Great of
USA."
Part of why we do what we do is because of the good people of the rural agricultural persuasion. One
stockman called and said, " You have been really good to our cows". That made my day. Another wrote,
"Our QNBCG is 5 to 6 inches tall and our other grass is about 1 inch tall". That was good to hear.
2011 was ironic , it was a year of upper level demand for our seeds, and we could provide the seed
because prior seasons allowed adequate production. It was also the driest year, and summer , in our
farm production area since weather records began about 115 years ago. So , there was little production in
2011 for 2012 seed supply and future plarttinEgs. A tribute to QNBCG is that even with that dry season, it
did make some , but little production , whereas RRCG did not make any seed production and no really
functional grazing . While both varieties are very good , proven , forage varieties , QNBCG showed it
was capable of making bits of growth on light showers to finally make a small forage growth useful for
grazing or a poor seed harvest, whereas RRCG made little forage for grazing and essentially no seed
The main reason most stockman use these crabgrass forages is : First, they are high quality forages for
the summer season, and they are good for winter annual and summer double cropping systems, and they
are good and additive in numerous mixtures. Actually, QNBCG and RRCG , because of their own
differences, are good mixtures in themselves . A mix of half and half of each , or up to 2/3 QNBCG seems
to work well.
Many producers have asked if these grasses can be planted from a "small seed box "or "legume box" on
drills. QNBCG is a smoother seed than RRCG and we knew from client feedback that QNBCG flowed
through these boxes , and that flow -ability is actually one of the advantages of the variety. But , RRCG has
a rougher husk and with a bit of "peach fi=' on it and that cages flow difficulty and it would not flow
well out of these boxes. However , by adding only partial boxes full , and stirring the seed often , it can
reluctantly flow. We have planted much of both varieties from the grain boa (wheat seed boa ) on
drills by miring the seed in dry fertilizer, or other free flowing bulk such as cracked grain ,clean
sand, or chicken feed. This summer (2012 ) , we installed a small seed box on our John Deere 8300 Series
drill with 8 inch row spacing and all of our QNBCG was planted with it. It worked great! ! Our drill is a
double disk opener drill with depth control wheels on the openers, so planting depth could be easily and
precisely controlled to a very shallow depth .
We did a lot of calibration work that may be helpful to others using any "small seers box "equipped planter.
First and foremost , always measure the inside flute setting from the inside of the box . Do not depend on
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the outside of the box levers and setting numbers as there is too much variation in the preciseness needed
for such small amounts of seed as we use. We measure all our settings by the 1116 inch , or part
thereof , inside the seedbox. To measure , we use a small , 6-inch , flexible , plastic ruler , and measure
from the non -fluted (smooth ) part of the seed feeder wheel , out to the end of the flute visible inside the
box. We cut the end off the ruler so the end is absolute zero to start the measure. Using clean QNBCG
seed --here is what we found: On average , the "in the barn " calibration showed that 1/16 inch
setting on the flute sticking out into the seed box , equaled 0.94 net pounds of seed per acre . In our
actual field experience , the overall result in all plantings was 1.0 net pounds per acre seed per 1116
inch flute measure inside the seed box. The range per field was from 0.8 to 1.1 net pounds per acre
per 1116 inch flute setting. If we were trying to plant 5 pounds net weight seed per acre , then we set
the flute to 5116 inch setting; Overall, the in barn calibration and the field planting experience,
showed our small seed box setting of 1116 inch flute sticking out inside the box to be very close to i
pound of QNBCG net seed per acre with our drill and row spacing, Maybe , this may be a good
[guide for others to start with using their own drill --no matter what the brand and model.
Another related item is lbs. per bushel of seed_ No seed drill planting charts contain settings for crabgrass
seed. The choice is to select a seed on the chart as near possible of similar weight per bushel and physical
condition. Many years ago , we determined that clean RRCG seed averaged about 27 to 28 pounds per
bushel. There are now two varieties with some seed differences , and we have re -measured seed weights
this steer to get more modem data_ Information gathered to date , shows that QNBCG averages 34 to
35 lbs. per bushel , and RRCG seed averaged 27 lbs. per bushel, the same as before.
Crabgrass quality has been recognized many times m our information.. Quality is chemical , palatability ,
and physical characteristics, etc. , all in one consideration as is possible. For example, these high quality
grasses have a soft , pliable , edible stem. Stockmen often comment on how much stem livestock eat in the
pasture , and in the hay. There is nearly none left. Several years ago , we gathered some information on
chemical quality of some very good RRCG pasture. The whole plant, the leaf , and the stem averaged : 24
, 27, and 18 % CP, and respectively, 65, 67, and 58 % TDN. While the stem is lower in CP and TDN , as
it should be, the stern is still reasonably good forage chemical quality and palatable.
Some of us live in areas that produce crops susceptible to usual herbicides used for weed control in grass
pastures and hay . "Chaparral" herbicide may be a choice. ft is a wettable powder , and does not
volatilize ( evaporate ) like 2 ,4-D and many other herbicides. We used it this year ( 2012 ) in a
neighborhood that had peanuts , soybeans , cotton , and outer susceptible vegetation , and we had no
problems. Please understand that we sprayed on days with the correct kind of conditions for spraying.
Weed kill results were much as expected for 2, 4-D.
Fall 2012 and 2013 Quick N-Big and Red River Crabgrass Seed List (See notes under seed list).
Seed Variety and Information ___ Seed Price Per LB FOB Thomas OK 73669
Quick-N-Big , Aged, Certified $9.00 DEALERS WELCOME
Quick-N-Big , New Crop, Non -Certified $8.00
Quick-N-Big , New Crop, Certified $8.50
(Please note: Quick N-Big Crabgrass Seed is a Proprietary Variety of FIstel Farm and Seeds)
Red River, Aged, Certified $9.00
Red River, New Crop, Certified $8.50
Notes : Seed prices are by the net pound, except if the % Pure -Live -Seed is 70 % or less, then the price is
by the % PLS pound_ All seed is bagged in 25 pound bags. We can divide bags. If seed can be shipped to
a "town address" , the freight cost will be lower. We also have many free Management Fact Sheets
available on asking , or on our web site. Visit the Noble Foundation web site : www.noble.ora for more
information. Click on "Agriculture Programs". "Publications". 'Agriculture Publications7. "Crabgrass"
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Back page photo : `Quick-N-Big®' ( in this photo ) and `Red River' Crabgrass both
make excellent quality summer grass hay , including horse quality hay. Of course ,
production and harvest techniques , and adequate rain or irrigation must be suitable to
help make it happen. This photo from an Elstel Farm and Seeds field also graphically
shows the very desirable "green leaf " stubble we like to see to assure stem survival and
therefore whole plant survival and good re -growth for the next crop , if that is part of the
cutting plans. These lower leaves on the stem help the plant to live , especially if it is
dry, and these leaves is where the initial re -growth comes from.

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