Evaluate Forage Status Now and Make Adjustments

Evaluate Forage Status Now and Make Adjustments

May 25, 2007

Memorial Day weekend is a good time to examine the status of hay and forage programs for the year. From the deep multiple freezes on Easter weekend to the improved moisture status in most areas, this spring has been different from most others.

That makes this Memorial Day an important time to assess your hay and forage programs. For example, all perennial grasses or legumes should be planted by now. If you have planting still to do — wait until August.

Spraying for musk thistle needs to occur before Memorial Day. Plants that have started to grow tall usually are not completely killed by spraying. Digging is your best option now.

Another job is fertilizing warm-season grasses with nitrogen. Complete it by Memorial Day or soon afterward. (See more at Timing's Right to Fertilize Warm-Season Grasses)

Diseased alfalfa south of the Platte River should be cut as soon as possible to save leaves and start healthy regrowth. Alfalfa elsewhere should be cut soon for good quality hay. Late cutting might give good hay for many livestock, but there is little chance of getting dairy quality hay any more this cutting.

Memorial Day also marks the start of the planting season for summer annual grasses for many folks. Sudans and forage sorghums can be planted now. Millets should be planted in a couple of weeks. (See more at Avoid Stunting — Don't Plant Summer Annuals Too Early)

This weekend also is a good time to estimate this year's pasture production. If growth is abundant, maybe you can cut some for hay. If you might come up short, adjust animal numbers now or secure extra feeds soon before it's too late.

Follow through with this Memorial Day evaluation and many hay and forage problems will be solved, or at least foreseen.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist

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