2014 Forage Guide

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Characteristics
26    Cereal grains
27    Cool season grasses
30    Pasture weed control
31    Weed life cycles
32    Forage herbicides
33    Forage insecticides
34    Pasture seed comparisons
38    Forage mixes
38    Legumes
44    Alfalfa management

The more important criteria for selecting a forage mix are:
•    Adaptability of the component species to your soil conditions and local weather patterns.
•    Your specific forage needs, whether for pasture, hay, silage, or green chop.
•    Your type of livestock operation.
•    The volume of forage you need annually to operate.
•    The time of year forages are needed.

Forage mixes
The species mix is one of the single most important factors in forage production. The legumes, grasses, and other forage species growing on your farm affect not only the feed value of the roughage produced, but also yield and growth distribution during the growing season. Forage plants not adapted to your soil conditions or your specific forage needs ultimately reduce the profitability and overall efficiency of your entire operation.

A soil test is the best basis for a fertilizer recommendation
The table on page 24 is an estimate of nutrient
removal by crops. In the absence of a soil test these may be used as a guide for your fertility program.

Sulfur
Recent studies have shown a response to sulfur on many crops including pasture. If a soil test is not available, apply 10 to 15 pounds of sulfur per acre. The sulfate form of sulfur is immediately available to plants. If elemental sulfur is used it will be one to six months before it becomes available to plants.

For more information at your fingertips, visit agronomyguide.com to download MFA's Agronomy Guide App for you mobile device.