2019 Challenge: Forage Production Options for Ohio

Mark Sulc, Bill Weiss, Dianne Shoemaker and Sarah Noggle, OSU Extension and/or Department of Animal Sciences

Forages are not only in short supply, but quality has suffered due to delayed harvest.

Across Ohio, farmers are facing challenges unimagined just four months ago.  Widespread loss of established alfalfa stands coupled with delayed or impossible planting conditions for other crops leave many farmers, their agronomists and nutritionists wondering what crops can produce reasonable amounts of quality forage yet this year. In addition, frequent and heavy rains are preventing harvest of forages that did survive the winter and are causing further deterioration of those stands.

With July 1st just around the corner, Mark Sulc, OSU Extension Forage Agronomist and Bill Weiss, OSU Extension Dairy Nutritionist, help address this forage dilemma.  If one is looking for quality and quantity, what are your best options? The article starts with a quick summary of options and then dig into some of the pros and cons of these options (listed in no particular order of preference).

Continue reading 2019 Challenge: Forage Production Options for Ohio . . .