Managing Alternative Forages
Reports indicate widespread alfalfa winterkill due to several thaws that reduced snow cover and created ice in fields. Many stands were either patched or put into an annual forage. Here are some tips on managing alternative forage crops.
First cut is usually (but not always) 60 days after planting
Table 1. Harvest guidelines for alternative forage crops
Crop | Planting to 1st cut (days) | Cutting Interval (days) | Cut Height | Stage for maximum quality | Stage for maximum yield |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Red clover | 60-70 | 30-35 | 5 cm (2 in.) | Late bud to 20% bloom | - |
Italian (or annual) ryegrass | Head emerges at 55-60 | 35-40 | 10 cm (4 in.) | Before boot stage | - |
Cereals | For "grass": 45-50 For whole-crop: 60 |
Highly dependant on summer rainfall | 7-10 cm (3-4 in.) | Before boot stage | - |
Cereal/pea | 45-50 | Highly dependant on summer rainfall | 7-10 cm (3-4 in.) | Before cereal boot stage | - |
Sorghum-sudangrass, forage sorghum | 60, but crop must be >65 cm (26 in.) tall |
Wait until crop is >65 cm (26 in.) tall | 10 cm (4 in.) | Before cereal boot stage | - |
Millet | 55-60 | Pearl and Japanese: 30-35 Foxtail and Proso do not regrow very well |
Pearl and Japanese: 10 cm (4 in.) Foxtail and Proso: 5 cm (2 in.) |
Pearl and Japanese: 36 in. Foxtail and Proso: before heading |
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For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca