Troy Downing

Dairy Specialist

Office Phone
503-842-3433
Location
Tillamook County Extension
Expertise
Dairy
Pastures and Forages

Contact Troy Downing

Content by Troy Downing

Developing a system to track nitrogen cycling on pasture-based dairies

Publication

Developing a system to track nitrogen cycling on pasture-based dairies

Most dairy farmers do not have the desire or see the need to have a detailed record keeping system to make management decisions about their cropland. This project was as much about the behavior and attitudes of dairy farmers as much as it was about waste management or managing cropland for optimal fertility.

By Troy Downing

Nonstructural carbohydrates in forage cultivars

Publication

Nonstructural carbohydrates in forage cultivars

We are just beginning to see interest by researchers to learn more about a cultivar’s palatability and intake potential. Understanding these performance differences between cultivars is of growing importance. In addition to the palatability and intake of the respective grasses, the nutrients derived from the grasses greatly influence milk production.

By Troy Downing

The value of locally grown forages continues to go up
Cow's head

Article

The value of locally grown forages continues to go up

A look at the cost/benefit of locally grown forages.

By Troy Downing

Soil pH and pasture productivity

Article

Soil pH and pasture productivity

A look at the cost effectiveness of liming coastal ryegrass pastures.

By Troy Downing

Forage testing is important for balancing rations

Article

Forage testing is important for balancing rations

Summer appears to be in full swing here on the coast. This is the time when many livestock producers spend their time cutting silage and hay and preserving it for use later this fall and winter. For...

By Troy Downing

Phosphorus on the farm from feed grains and by-products

Fact Sheet

Phosphorus on the farm from feed grains and by-products

Phosphorus is an important plant nutrient for growing dairy forages. Unfortunately, many dairies have more phosphorus excreted and stored in manure than they can use during a crop year. Soils have the ability to store moderate over-applications of phosphorus for future crop production, but continued over-application can lead to losses of phosphorus to surface water.

By Troy Downing