industry
Delayed Planting
Challenges:
Alternative
Forages
By
Sara
Bauder,
South
Dakota
State Univeristy
Extension
With the excessively wet planting conditions
much of the Midwest is now experiencing, many
producers are looking for “Plan B” to meet forage
needs for their livestock, or as a commodity
that can be marketed to livestock producers.
Even for producers who may not own livestock,
a forage crop can still hold economic potential.
Harvesting forage or leasing grazing acres to
neighbors who own livestock provides a way
to create revenue on fields that may have
otherwise been fallow or weedy this year.
Several factors should be considered before
committing to a forage crop. Pay special attention
to prior crop history as some herbicides can affect
subsequent crops; you need to make certain
that this year’s “Plan B” is compatible with last
year’s production practices. Another important
factor is soil fertility. Be cautious with applying
high levels of nitrogen fertilizer to a planned
forage crop, especially with cool season small
grains such as oats. High levels of soil nitrogen
often lead to excessive nitrate accumulation in
the forage. Finally, make certain to consult crop
insurance regulations surrounding prevent plant
coverage, yield history, and harvest or use of
emergency forage crops. As tight as margins are
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this year, the impact of every decision on the
entire farm business needs to be evaluated.
Alternative Forage Options
COVER CROP MIXTURES
Cover crops offer a unique opportunity to diversity
risk from environmental conditions. Combinations
of difference species increase the odds producing
a useful forage crop, either to be grazed, hayed,
or ensiled. Resources are available at NRCS South
Dakota Cover Crops website. Additionally, the
NRCS Cover Crop Excel Worksheet (Additional
Resources tab) provides information for producers
to custom tailor a mix for their specific situation.
HAY MILLETS
As the name implies, these crops are best suited to
be harvested as hay rather than grazed or cut for
silage. These plants have finest stems and cure the
easiest compared to other summer annuals. Hay
millet is most drought-tolerant and can produce
forage in as little as 8 weeks after planting.