UF IFAS Forages

09/03/2026

Florida forage decisions are happening NOW, and waiting too long could cost you this winter.
If you’re managing pastures, save this and share it with someone who needs to plan ahead.

Early September means it’s time to think about:
- Stockpiling bermuda and limpograss
- Pasture mealybug risk inside the canopy
- Whether early harvest, hay, or haylage makes more sense
- Which cool-season forages you’ll plant next
El Niño could mean better rainfall than last year, but October and November can still turn dry fast.
The best move right now? Use the data, check the variety recommendations, and make the call before the season makes it for you.

What are you planning for this fall - stockpile, harvest, or switch varieties?

Full CowTalks conversation coming soon.

09/03/2026

Mealybugs can ride through hay and baleage too.

Researchers are testing fertilization, micronutrients, compost, insecticide trials, and wrapped bales to find out what actually helps slow this pest down.

Infested hay could spread the problem to places that have never had it before. If you have samples from pastures, roadsides, turf, or sugarcane, contact your local extension agent or email [email protected].

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

Many “mealybug” IDs might not actually be mealybugs. If it’s white but not moving, it’s probably something else—mold, fungus, or debris. On Bahia grass, move the thatch around and look closely: white and moving may be a pasture mealybug, while white and still needs further investigation.
Save this for your next field check, and collect anything uncertain in rubbing alcohol for proper identification.

08/28/2026

New Cow Talks episode out NOW!

Hannah Baker speaks with Marcelo about the current crossroads of the beef cattle industry, given new regulations. The conversation explores the pressures shaping Florida’s cattle producers, from changing market conditions to challenges in forage and livestock production.

What do these shifts mean for you?

Tune in to learn more.

08/21/2026

Tune into our newest episode on Cow Talks with some updates and insights on the . .ifas shares some information to help producers control the spread and management of this .

Did you find pasture mealybugs? If you suspect your field is infected, please take pictures and fill out the UF/IFAS Pasture Mealybug Report form and send samples to FDACS Division of Plant Industry on our website, go.ufl.edu/pasturemealybugs.

08/17/2026

MEALYBUG UPDATE📢

The invasive pasture mealybug has now spread to 22 counties across the state of Florida.

Stay tuned to updates: https://go.ufl.edu/pasturemealybugs

08/13/2026

08/12/2026

📢 FLORIDA PRODUCERS!

Pasture mealybug has now been officially diagnosed in 20 Florida counties. We are asking pasture and sugarcane producers to help us better understand what is contributing to infestations and crop damage.

🌱 If you have an infested area, please submit soil and tissue samples!

Samples and the completed questionnaire should be taken to your local UF/IFAS Extension office to help reduce the risk of moving pasture mealybug into counties where it has not yet been detected.

Learn more and find sampling protocols: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/pasture-mealybugs/soil-survey/

📧 Questions? [email protected]

Your samples can help us find solutions.