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Agronomic Crops Network

Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

Forages

Forage Production and managment topics

Forages are environmentally friendly. They protect soils from erosion, improve soil tilth, help reduce pesticide use, and enhance agricultural profitability. Forages are vital to Ohio agriculture, protect our soil and water resources, and add beauty to the state. All forage crops respond positively to good management practices. Higher yields improved nutritive value, and longer stand persistence result from paying attention to the basics of good forage management. This guide is designed to help producers achieve the high potential of forages grown in Ohio.

Perennial Forages Small Grains for Forage
Species Selection Italian Ryegrass
Establishment  
Annual Forage Crops Summer Annual Grasses
Corn Silage Brassica Crops

For more information, check out the → OSU Forages website

To view Forage Performance Trials Report → click here

C.O.R.N. Newsletter Articles

  1. Drought to Frost: Feeding Safe Forages

    Author(s): Jason Hartschuh, CCA , Author(s): Kyle Verhoff

    This year is presenting many challenges when it comes to forage toxicity and ensuring that we have safe feed for our livestock. Drought conditions have led to an active discussion on forage toxicity and the potential for frost in the future presents an additional concern. These environmental conditions increase the risk of prussic acid poisoning, nitrate poisoning, and increased bloat in multiple methods of feeding forages.

    Issue: 2024-35

  2. Wheat’s Early, are Oats a Doublecrop ‘Forage’ Option?

    Author(s): Stan Smith

    With Ohio’s wheat crop coming off early this year, those who may need additional forage have an excellent opportunity for acres to be available where annual forages can be planted and grazed or harvested yet this year. For those wanting acres available for multiple grazings or cuttings later this summer, a summer annual such as sorghum-sudangrass may be the logical choice.

    Issue: 2024-21

  3. Forage Challenges as the Weather Turns Cooler to Keep Livestock Safe

    Author(s): Kyle Verhoff , Author(s): Jason Hartschuh, CCA

    As the year begins to wrap up and temperatures drop, there are countless things to consider including how the coming frosts impact the toxicity of our forages. This past week many portions of the state began to flirt with possible overnight frosts which raises concerns of prussic acid poisoning, nitrate poisoning, and increased bloat as a result of feeding certain fall forages.

    What is prussic acid toxicity?

    Issue: 2023-36
  4. Dr. Mark Sulc

    Remembering Dr. Mark Sulc.

    Author(s): Doug Karcher , Author(s): Laura Lindsey , Author(s): Kyle Verhoff

    Dr. Mark Sulc, a long-time member and contributor to the Agronomic Crops Network, passed away on September 16, 2023, following a two-year battle with glioblastoma. Dr. Sulc retired from the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science last autumn, marking over thirty years as the Ohio State Forage Extension Specialist. His outreach activities expanded and disseminated knowledge on forage production and management systems for Ohio. Mark developed quality, in-depth training opportunities for Extension agents, industry professionals, and producers.

    Issue: 2023-33

  5. Options for Short Season Summer Fall Forages

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

    Short-season forages planted in late summer can be sources of highly digestible fiber in ruminant livestock rations. There are several excellent forage options that can be considered for no-till or conventional tillage plantings in the late summer or early fall planting window. These forages can be a planned component of the overall forage production plan. They can be utilized on land that would otherwise sit idle until next spring, such as following wheat or an early corn silage harvest.

    Issue: 2023-23
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.

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