May 11, 2007

Growing annual forages this summer may be a good option to replenish depleted harvested forage supplies. Total forage yields will depend on soil fertility, moisture and growing conditions.

Summer annual forages are the most water-use efficient and drought tolerant of the annual forages. Foxtail millet, sudan grass, sorghum-sudan hybrids and pearl millets are all good options, depending on your needs and harvesting equipment. Sudan grass and pearl millets are the best option if you need forage for grazing. Be sure to select a sudan grass variety that has low prussic acid if you will be using it for grazing, and allow at least 24 inches of growth prior to beginning grazing. The advantage of pearl millet for grazing is that it does not have prussic acid and is safe for grazing at any time.

If one cutting of hay is the goal, then foxtail millet may be the best option. It grows quickly and can be cut 45-60 days after planting. The sorghum-sudan hybrids can produce a tremendous amount of forage, but can be difficult to dry if they are to be put up as hay. They are the best choice if you are planning to harvest a crop for silage. Brown mid-rib varieties of sorghum-sudan and sudan grass are typically more digestible and better utilized by cattle than the non-BMR varieties. Summer annual forages should be planted once soil temperatures reach 55-60°F to insure rapid germination. In the western Nebraska Panhandle, soils typically reach these temperatures in mid May to early June. Summer annual forages can be planted through mid July and still have acceptable yields.

Additional information on growing annual forages is available in the NebGuide Annual Forages for the Nebraska Panhandle (G1527)

Aaron Berger
UNL Extension Educator