Forages

For the OSU Horticulture & Crop Science Forages website, please visit http://forages.osu.edu/.

Forage Performance Trials Report: u.osu.edu/perf

C.O.R.N. Newsletter Articles

  1. Looking down a windrow of cut alfalfa hay.

    Crops Under Water – Crop Stage is Critical for Recovery

    Author(s): Alexander Lindsey , Author(s): Mark Sulc , Author(s): Laura Lindsey , Author(s): Osler Ortez , Author(s): Peter Thomison

    Large rain events seem to be trending this year in many parts of Ohio, especially in Northwest Ohio where 3-5 inches of rain fell in 24-48 hrs. This can lead to standing water (flood) conditions or waterlogged soils (the root system is saturated). In some areas, this may have resulted in a partial and complete immersion of plants, especially in low spots, on river bottoms, and along streams.

    Issue: 2022-18
  2. Hay barn fire

    Hay Barn Fires a Real Hazard

    Author(s): Jason Hartschuh, CCA , Author(s): Allen Gahler , Author(s): Mark Sulc

    Mother nature has been at it again, hardly giving us enough days to make dry hay with a risk of pop-up showers every afternoon. These conditions are very dangerous for hay producers since wet hay doesn't just rot it may also burn. Hay fires are caused when bacteria in wet hay create so much heat that the hay spontaneously combusts in the presence of oxygen. At over 20% moisture mesophilic bacteria release heat-causing temperature to rise between 130°F to 140ºF with the temperature staying high for up to 40 days.

    Issue: 2022-17
  3. alfalfa harvest

    Forage Quality Targets Based on Animal Class

    Author(s): Mark Sulc , Author(s): Bill Weiss

    The optimal time for making a first cutting of forages is fast approaching. But what is the optimal timing to take the first cutting (or any cutting for that matter)? Many will answer by saying it is when you have time and there is a good weather window to get the forage cut and put up! Yes indeed, that is a valid answer. Both of those factors are important and can’t be ignored. However, we know that forage quality declines as the crop moves into flowering stages.

    Issue: 2022-13

  4. Harvest Timing Affects Winter Annual Forage Yield and Quality

    Author(s): Jason Hartschuh, CCA , Author(s): Mark Sulc

    The greatest challenge with winter annual cereal forages for many producers is managing harvest timing to maximize quality with spring rain fall events that not only delay custom harvesters but also cause your perfectly timed harvest to come to a halt. One goal should be to harvest at least some of your winter annuals at the highest quality possible unless your operation only needs low quality forage.

    Issue: 2022-11
  5. A firm seedbed is essential for good forage stand establishment.”

    Plant Forage Stands as Soon as Feasible

    Author(s): Mark Sulc , Author(s): Jason Hartschuh, CCA

    Early spring provides one of the two preferred times to seed perennial cool-season forages, the other being late summer. Given our current weather patterns, planting opportunities will likely be few and short again this spring, continuing the pattern of the past several years. So we need to be ready to roll when the weather gives us a planting window. The following 10 steps will improve your chances for successful perennial forage establishment.

    Issue: 2022-10
More Newsletter Articles

Publications

  1. Control of Insect Pests of Field Crops, Bulletin 545
    01/2011

    Control of Insect Pests of Field Crops, Bulletin 545. Gives detailed information on pest control thresholds and insecticide options for management of insects in corn, soybean, wheat and alfalfa.

  2. Corn, Soybean, Wheat and Alfalfa Field Guide, Bulletin 827
    06/2019

    Corn, Soybean, Wheat and Alfalfa Field Guide, Bulletin 827.Looking for a handy guide to take to the field to diagnosis various pest and production problems? This guide is the answer! You will want one of these guides in the truck and maybe a second in the tractor.

  3. Ohio, Indiana and Illinois Weed Control Guide, Bulletin 789
    12/2020

    Ohio, Indiana and Illinois Weed Control Guide, Bulletin 789. Publication gives detailed guidance on weed control selections. Numerous tables by crop and application help producers select the best product option for their weed control situation. Hard copy and PDF available for purchase

  4. Ohio Agronomy Guide 15th Edition, Bulletin 472
    04/2017

    Ohio Agronomy Guide 15th Edition, Bulletin 472. The newly revised Ohio Agronomy Guide serves as the official compilation of adaptive results and recommendations from research and educational programs. Described in this manual is information on Ohio's climate and soil, soil and water management, soil fertility, and corn, small grain, and forage crop production and management. Also, seed evaluation and weed control for the previously listed crops are discussed.

More Publications
Subscribe to RSS - Forages