Forage Types

Pasture is the most cost-effective feed for ruminant livestock. But at times, nutrients in pasture exceed the livestock’s needs. To measure pasture quality, we can sample and test pasture forage as we do hay.

A common management problem faced by most hay or livestock producers is weed and brush infestation. Weed species compete with desirable forage species for sunlight, moisture and nutrients.

A drive through the countryside where livestock are fed and cared for will reveal large, white, stuffed, plastic bags lying adjacent to farm buildings. These flexible feed structures store tons of haylage or corn silage.

“I highly recommend inoculants for everyone. It won’t increase the nutrient content of your silage, but your silage will maintain quality rather than losing it,” says Hugo Ramirez of Iowa State University Extension.

New landowners sometimes face a daunting challenge: how to make the most of newly acquired pastureland that has been overgrazed for years. The soil may lay bare, incapable of the forage production necessary to support a substantial number of animals.

Forages play an integral role on any livestock operation. In many parts of the South, the ability to grow both warm- and cool-season forages allows producers to benefit from grazing throughout most of the year on their operations.