By Scout Nelson
Selecting the right forage crops is essential for livestock producers aiming to improve forage quality, productivity, and long-term pasture performance. Producers can choose from a variety of forage legumes, grasses, and mixtures based on their management goals, soil conditions, and livestock requirements.
The University of Minnesota conducts variety trials to evaluate forage crop performance under recommended management practices. These studies help producers identify alfalfa varieties with strong yield potential, persistence, and overall productivity.
Researchers also evaluate other forage species, including birdsfoot trefoil, clovers, bromegrass, orchardgrass, and timothy. The results provide useful information for selecting forage crops that perform well in hay and pasture systems.
Corn silage remains an important forage option for many livestock operations. The Minnesota Hybrid Corn Silage Evaluation Program provides unbiased data on forage yield and quality, helping producers choose suitable hybrids.
Several decision-making tools support forage selection and help producers choose the best options for their operations. Resources are available for perennial forage species, legume-grass mixtures, forage legumes, forage grasses, and reduced-lignin alfalfa varieties.
Producers can also explore alternative annual forages such as warm-season grasses, sorghum-sudangrass, and teff. Emergency forage and cover crop resources can help address forage shortages and challenging growing conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Livestock