This post provides an overview of perennial forage crops and their management on dairy farms. Perennial forages, such as alfalfa, clovers, and various grasses, are crops that grow for multiple years, offering several advantages, including reducing the need for annual planting, protecting soil during winter, and improving soil structure and organic matter. These crops also provide high-quality forage rich in protein, fiber, and energy to support milk production, growth, and development.

Key Components of Successful Perennial Forage Production

1. Species and Variety Selection:
   • Choosing the right species and varieties is crucial for ensuring economic production and meeting the farm’s forage needs. A dairy farm may grow multiple species depending on soil conditions and the intended use of the forage.
   • Alfalfa is a common choice for dairy farms because it yields high-quality forage suitable for high milk production levels. However, it requires well-drained soils; otherwise, the plants may not thrive, and yields could decrease.
   • In areas where alfalfa does not grow well, farmers may opt for a mix of alfalfa and grass or a pure stand of grass. Common grasses used in dairy forage include orchardgrass, ryegrass, and tall fescue. Each grass species has specific traits that make them more suited to different conditions. For instance, ryegrass is well adapted to cool climates with moderate winters.
   • Seed companies develop specific grass varieties with traits like higher digestibility, later maturity, or better winter hardiness to improve performance. Universities like Penn State often test forage varieties and provide unbiased information to help farmers make informed choices.
2. Crop Management:
   • Effective crop management involves ensuring good soil fertility through soil testing and applying the recommended nutrients like lime and fertilizers. Legume crops, such as alfalfa, generally require a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 and optimal levels of phosphorus and potassium.
   • Establishing a good crop requires careful planting techniques. For small-seeded perennial crops, the seeds should be sown no more than 3/8 inch deep in a well-prepared seedbed or using a well-adjusted no-till drill. The ideal planting time is early spring or late summer.
   • Once the crop emerges, it should be monitored for pests and weeds and treated if necessary. The first harvest should occur at flowering to allow the plants to generate adequate root reserves for rapid regrowth. Early harvests may be necessary to control weeds, but they could weaken the plants.
3. Harvesting and Storage:
   • The optimal timing for harvesting forage is a balance between yield and forage quality, as forage quality declines as the crop matures. For alfalfa, harvesting at the bud stage to the early bloom stage, before many flowers develop, is often ideal.
   • The harvested crops must be dried to the appropriate dry matter content depending on the storage method. For instance, alfalfa stored as hay requires a moisture content of 85-90% dry matter, while silage bales require 35-40% dry matter, and crops in horizontal silos need 30-35% dry matter.
   • Different harvesting equipment, such as round or square balers for hay and forage choppers for chopped silage, is used depending on the type of forage and storage system.
   • In horizontal silos, the forage is packed to exclude oxygen, covered with plastic, and sealed to promote rapid fermentation. After about three weeks, fermentation is complete, and feeding can begin. Multiple cuttings throughout the year may be stored in the same silo or in separate horizontal silage bags. Each cutting may have different forage quality, which should be analyzed before feeding to adjust rations accordingly.

Conclusion

This overview highlights the basic aspects of managing perennial forages, from selecting the right species and varieties to establishing the crop, managing its growth, and finally harvesting and storing the forage to ensure high-quality feed for dairy production.