As the spring seeding season is coming up, producers have a lot of options to consider when it comes to forages.
Agri-Environmental Specialist with the Ministry of Environment Chelsea Siemens says that starts simply with deciding your needs.
"I always start by considering your desired end use, whether for hay or pasture. Not all forages are suited to both grazing and hay production due to their structure and regrowth habits. For example, meadow bromegrass regrows rapidly so it is appropriate for grazing, but it has basal leaves that can be challenging to cut for hay. Cicer milkvetch is also suited for grazing because it can be difficult to cut and slow to dry down."
She lists off some other considerations for that decision.
"Consider the desired season of use, and which species will produce the best combination of forage quality and yield at that time of year. The forage’s peak productivity should align with the time of year that it will be cut or grazed. For example, crested wheatgrass is at its best quality during early spring," said Siemens, "while Russian wildrye maintains good forage quality into late summer or fall. When choosing a mix of two or more forages to plant in a blend, consider how the timing and productivity of each species will work within the mix."
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