Alternative forage options

Source: Elizabeth Griebel: ANR Intern Extension intern for Wright, McLeod, and Meeker Counties

There are many considerations when selecting alternative forage options, depending on if they will be grazed or harvested forage, and the timeframe that is needed to harvest the forage or for it to be grazed. It is important to consider herbicides that were also used earlier in the spring for corn or soybean as they can restrict what may be planted and the timeframe when the forage needs to be harvested. 

While alfalfa is a high quality forage that is commonly grown, there are alternative forages that can give diversity to one’s operation and can produce high quality forage in grazing systems and harvesting. 

For example, on my family dairy farm we added alternative forages to the rotation to help compensate for a growing herd without increasing the number of acres We couldn’t produce enough forage with a corn and alfalfa rotation, and common challenges were compaction, lower yields, weed pressure, and corn on corn. Since adding annuals like winter small grain, sorghum sudan, and millet, half the acres are corn and the other half is alternative forage. Since making the change, we have grown 33% more haylage and 15% more corn silage yield. There has been a 15% increase in feed efficiency in the cows, as these alternative forages add more digestible fiber in the ration. This rotation has also allowed us to reduce continuous corn, leading to lowered herbicide cost, reduced certain traits that are needed for seed, reduced fungicide use, and reduced threat of corn rootworm, all contributing to increased yields. 

Understanding what grasses and forages produce best in certain environments and seasons will lead to optimal yields. Iowa State University Extension, shares the following table showing optimal planting dates and maturity dates including estimated yield of forages.

Sorghum and sudangrass are multiple cut, summer annuals, that can be used for green chop, pasture, or silage. There is prussic acid poisoning risk if plants or tillers are grazed or green fed at a height less than 24 inches. Forage sorghum is a good alternative to corn silage, since sorghum typically grows better in drought conditions. When using quality varieties and hybrids it can meet the nutritional value equal to 80-90% of corn silage. Italian ryegrass can be planted through August and can provide forage for grazing in November while also providing added benefits of erosion control and weed suppression. Many winter cereals such as wheat, rye, and triticale can be planted as early as June or July, and can get to be about one foot in height. There are many benefits to alternative forages, with unpredictable weather, herbicide and fertilizer prices, or the need for alternative forage if there is an expected reduced forage production due to late planting or prevented planting (Iowa State Extension.)

For more information about alternative forages visit University of Minnesota Extension or midwestcovercrops.org to learn more about the process of incorporating alternative forages in your production system.