Amber Friedrichsen, Managing Editor, Hay and Forage Grower
(Previously published in Hay & Forage Grower: December 3, 2024)
Reflecting on another drought year may put a fire under some farmers’ seats to be more proactive about forage availability next season. Adding warm-season grasses into hay and grazing systems might be one answer to cushion short forage supplies, as long as the right species are seeded in the right places.
According to Dirk Philipp with the University of Arkansas, much of the current pastureland in his state was originally prairie or forest. Even though the forage base in Arkansas has largely shifted to bermudagrass, dallisgrass, and bahiagrass, there are opportunities to replicate the drought resistance that naturally existed in these systems presettlement by seeding annual and native grasses.
“Prairie and forest restoration may Continue reading Warm-Season Grasses Play Drought Defense