Why Livestock Producers Turn to Drought‑Tolerant Forage Crops
Livestock producers looking for dependable forage options during dry weather may benefit from planting summer annual grasses, according to specialists from Penn State Extension.
These warm-season crops are known for their ability to tolerate drought conditions while still producing quality feed and strong forage yields throughout the summer months.
Extension experts say early June is an ideal time to establish these annual grasses for seasonal forage production. Choosing high-performing hybrids with strong digestibility and reliable yields can help producers maximize feed value. Brown midrib (BMR) hybrids remain popular because they improve fiber digestibility compared to traditional forage varieties.
Other hybrid types, including brachytic dwarf and male-sterile selections, may offer advantages such as improved standability, higher leaf production, and increased sugar levels. Some recently developed sorghum-sudangrass hybrids are also designed to lower the risk of prussic acid toxicity following drought stress or frost.
Different forage species are suited for different management goals. Forage sorghum is typically harvested once for silage production and does not regrow after cutting. Sudangrass, on the other hand, can regrow following harvest or grazing. Sorghum-sudangrass hybrids combine characteristics from both plants, allowing multiple cuttings during the growing season.
Specialists recommend planting sorghum species in well-drained soils after temperatures rise above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sorghum-sudangrass is commonly seeded at rates of 25 to 30 pounds per acre, while forage sorghum requires lighter seeding rates.
Maintaining soil pH between 6.5 and 7 and properly managing nitrogen applications can help improve yields and reduce nitrate concerns. Harvesting sorghum-sudangrass at about 30 inches tall and leaving 6- to 8-inch stubble supports healthy regrowth and continued forage production.
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