Forage Types

The amount of forage produced in pastures changes each year, mostly due to rainfall and temperature fluctuations. Hot and dry years tend to have less forage production than wet and temperate years.

Crop farmers are embracing technologies prior generations didn’t even dream possible. Alfalfa seed production is no exception, and this very specialized production niche could soon benefit from new tools that help alfalfa seed producers plan for more efficient, more consistent pollination and seed set.

Weed management in alfalfa poses significant challenges for many producers. Conventional herbicide options are limited, both in number and how they can be used.

There’s a bright spot on the horizon – the future of forages will be in good hands. Youth from 10 states entered the American Forage and Grassland Council (AFGC) 2019 youth essay contest, with prizes awarded at the annual convention in January in St. Louis, Missouri. Winners in the three categories are:

The use of silage on backgrounding operations offers many benefits, particularly for those producers who own or rent crop ground. Finishing rations typically include 5 to 15 percent silage for roughage.

Whether you want to grow more homegrown feedstuff without increasing acreage, improve soil structure, add organic matter into the ground, increase soil fertility or all the above – cover crops are an effective and quick way to achieve your forage goals.