Many forages have their trade-offs, whether those be related to growth patterns, harvest management, storage considerations, or feeding precautions. Some examples include the summer slump in cool-seas
Below are examples of alfalfa and grass prices being paid FOB barn/stack (except for those noted as delivered, which are indicated by a "d" in the table below) for selected states at the end of
Alfalfa is often touted for its high protein content relative to other forages, making it a valuable component of beef and dairy diets. That protein is subject to degradation at several points through
Just like haymaking and grazing rotations are seasonal in nature, so too is the work of an agricultural journalist — especially those of us in the hay and forage business. As farmers enter hayfields
Everyone has their opinions on how to best seed cool-season grasses and legumes for successful establishment. Variables include factors such as planting rate, type of drill or seeder, weed control met
This past winter has been notably colder compared to recent years, but as we approach May, warmer weather and the time for haylage harvest will soon be upon us
To optimize something is to make the best or most effective use of it. Rather than maximizing one aspect of a resource or minimizing its worst part at the expense of all others, optimization finds the
The U.S. Drought Monitor is starting to light up again as several states show signs of struggling with inadequate soil moisture. As drought conditions develop across the northern tier of the U.S. and
As the story goes, David Mulligan hit a poor drive off the first tee at a Montreal golf course. The errant shot may or may not have been the result of an extremely bumpy ride while travelling to the m
Trade-offs already exist between spring seedings and late summer seedings before planting management is added to the mix. The latter time frame often boasts more favorable weather and field conditions
Teffgrass is like the utility player on the baseball roster of forage species. The fast-growing warm-season annual is a good candidate for emergency forage when grazing livestock are short on feed. It
Selling hay in the horse market can be both rewarding and frustrating. Even so, that market is the lifeblood for many commercial hay producers, especially those who make small square bales.“We somet
The National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA) announced last month that alfalfa will now be included as a short-term perennial option in the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 328
Almost every phone call home turns into an extensive update of the goings-on at my family’s farm. The latest conversation with my dad about the approaching planting season, for example, landed
Farmers and farm consultants often seek rapid and inexpensive methods to assess the feeding value of forages in the field to make timely harvest or grazing decisions
Horses are classified as hindgut fermenters. The main site of digestion and absorption of dietary sugars, starches, fats, and protein is the small intestine
