Mobile County Cattleman "Surviving" Using Prescribed Grazing

By Marshall Colburn, NRCS Soil Conservation Technician, Mobile, Alabama

With temperatures reaching record highs and no rain for almost the whole month of June, Mobile County cattleman Clarence Ball states, "My cows can’t keep up with the growth I get on my Bermuda grass."

Mr. Ball attributes his success to the high quality Sumrall 007 Bermuda grass and his cross fencing. Using the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Mr. Ball was able to divide his 220 acre cattle operation into 8 different paddocks.

In years past, Mr. Ball would have had to supplement his grazing with hay during times of extreme heat and drought. "Having the different fields that I can rotate my cows between, allows me to keep a good healthy growing stand of grass," exclaims Mr. Ball.

Mr. Ball has had quite an asset in the "Survivor Game." Mr. Ball’s farm manager, who installed all of his cross fencing, pipeline, troughs, and Heavy Use Areas, is none other than the "Survivor" television show Tocantins winner, James (JT) Thomas, Jr.

"JT was an asset to me and my operation, even before winning the show, but it does make for a unique situation on my farm," says Ball.

"It (Survivor Tocantins) was a great experience and I made a lot of close connections through the show, but it is great to be back in lower Alabama and do what I love to do," stated JT.

l-r: Marshall Colburn, Mobile County Soil Conservation Technician; Josh Elliot, Mobile/Washington Soil Conservationist; “JT” Thomas, Farm Manager and Survivor Tocantins Winner; Joyce Nicholas, Mobile/Washington District Conservationist; and, Clarence Ball Jr., Mobile County cattle producer.

August 2009 Additional Info about JT and his "survivor" fame. Mobile Register Alabama Cattle Network Alfa Friends and Family   < Back to Success Stories