Forage Management Unit for Adults

Lesson 1 - Orientation

Direction and Purpose to: Simplify the complex Provide management points of

reference Concentrate on maximum profits,

rather than maximum production Provide informational tools for all

producers to utilize

Key Points: What are the items to be covered in

this forage management course? What are the economics of forages?

Lessons Include: Orientation to the Unit Establishing Forages Renovation & Maintenance of Forage Making, Harvesting, & Storing

Quality Forage & Seed Management of Grazing Systems Costs & Returns for Forages

Types of Forage Crops Perennial Grasses

Cool Season Warm Season

Legumes Annual Forages

Warm Season Cool Season

Cool Season Grass Perennials

Tall Fescue Orchardgrass Bromegrass Kentucky Bluegrass Timothy Reed Canary Grass Perennial Ryegrass

Warm Season Grass Perennials

Bermudagrass Big Bluestem Indiangrass Switchgrass Eastern Gamma Grass Caucasian Bluestem

Legumes

Alfalfa Annual Lespedeza Red Clover White & Ladino Clover Birdsfoot Trefoil

Annual Crops

Sudangrass & Sorghum Millets Wheat Other Small Grains Cereals Annual Ryegrass Cornstalks

References Include: Extension Guides

• University of Missouri• Other Universities

Industry Literature• MFA• Potash & Phosphate Institute

NRCS Publications

Activities: Bring in forage test results or… Bring in forage sample to be sent off

for testing.

WHY??Learn how to interpret forage test results (Lesson 4 – Making, Harvesting, and Storing Quality Forages & Seed)

Such As: Proper Hay Sampling Method

Need a cross-section sample of of entire bale

See picture for positioning

For square bales take core sample from the end of bale.

Activities: Contact the NRCS (Natural Resource

Conservation Service) for: Aerial photos of your farm Soil maps for your farm Soil descriptions for your farm

Learn: How to determine the forages that

best fit your situation (Lesson 2 – Establishment of Forages)

How to determine paddock layout and waterer locations (Lesson 6 – Management of Grazing Systems)

Activities: Bring in soil test results less than

one year old or…. Bring in soil samples to be sent off

for testing.

Why???Interpreting soil test results and determining lime/fertilizer needs (Lesson 3 – Renovation and Maintenance of Forages)

Management of Hay

Feeding Methods of preventing cows from

wasting so much hay.

Storage Prevention of yield loss due to

weathering on round bales.

Are these the table manners of your cattle?

Storage Method Examples:

Such as the GOOD…..

and the BAD…..

Did you know….? A 6’ x 6’ bale will receive about 22

gallons of water for each inch of rain• 30 inches = 660 gallon

Dry matter storage loss • Hay stored inside = 5%• Hay stored outside = 30% or more

Conclusion This course will provide:

General management practices Aid to simplify the complex issues Informational tools