Cow-Calf Certification Practice Exam

Which months' precipitation can help predict annual forage production?

1. January and February

2. March and April

3. April and May

4. June and July

The correct answer is: April and May

The correct identification of April and May as key months for predicting annual forage production is based on the growth patterns of forage plants and their dependence on moisture during the critical spring months. During April and May, temperatures begin to rise, and many forage species, including grasses and legumes, are actively growing. Adequate precipitation during this period can significantly influence the amount of forage produced, as moisture is essential for plant growth and development. This is when the plants are establishing their biomass and photosynthetic capabilities, which lay the foundation for the year’s forage supply. Other months, while they may have some impact on forage growth, significantly lack the same level of correlation with annual production. For instance, precipitation in the earlier months like January and February typically contributes to soil moisture levels but does not directly correlate with active growth as it does later in spring. Similarly, precipitation in June and July has less predictive value for annual production, as this period often deals with established growth and may also face issues like heat stress or over-maturation of forage, potentially leading to reduced quality rather than quantity. Understanding the timing of growth and moisture needs is crucial for predicting and managing forage supplies in cow-calf operations, making the focus on April and May particularly relevant.