Planting

Where there are cattle, there is corn silage. When we talk about corn silage in Wisconsin, we are talking about a very serious topic.

Statewide, over 850,000 acres of corn are ensiled as silage each year.

Click here to read a question submitted by a reader regarding inoculant sources for native species.

Legumes play a unique role in the production of high-quality forages and pastures (Figure 1).

The severe drought of 2012 has left many pastures in poor shape and needing to be re-established.

Rather than reseeding with the same forage species eliminated by the drought, native grasses such as big bluestem, indiangrass and switchgrass should be considered as alternatives.

Every year, researchers at colleges and universities around the country spend a considerable amount of their time on variety trial testing – all with the goal to aid producers in the selection of the best cultivars for their specific regions.

Looking ahead to the new year, I’d like to touch on a few areas creating a buzz in the industry.

Over the past few years, farmers have experienced increased yield potential and higher-quality forage as a result of advances in alfalfa genetics.

While the seed plays a major role in the success of the crop, practicing effective alfalfa management practices are vital to helping the crop reach its full potential.