Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Be sure you know your snakes. Frequently, people kill harmless and helpful snakes,
thinking they are rattlers or other poisonous snakes. Some snakes, such as bull snakes, are
natural predators of both rodents and rattlers. Seek out a herpetologist in your area if you
need help in identification. (See
chapter 15
, Sanitation, for more information on rodent con-
trol.)
MOWING
In between grazing periods, it may be necessary to mow the ungrazed portions of the pas-
ture to discourage weeds, encourage regrowth of desirable plants, and discourage the plants
from getting too mature and going to seed. This may need to be done only one or two times
per year, but it results in a higher-quality pasture. Usually, clipping the grasses to 4 inches
is sufficient. In areas with cold, snowy winters, do not mow in late fall. Instead, leave the
tall stems to catch snow.
