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. field of oats with pink flag and measuring stick

    Oats as an Alternative Forage

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

    While some parts of Ohio have been rather dry this spring and into summer, other areas have been consistently wet throughout.  Either scenario can cause significant problems for grazing and haymaking.  If you are looking for alternative forages to either graze or harvest for hay yet this season, oats in one crop to consider, in part because of its flexibility as a feed, yield potential, and low-cost establishment.  While traditionally planted as the first crop in early April as a grain crop or an early season forage, One of the beauties of oats is its versatility in planting date.

    Issue: 2021-24
  2. close up image of red clover

    Blackpatch of Forage Legumes and Slaframine Intoxication

    Author(s): Mark Sulc , Author(s): L. H. Rhodes , Author(s): D. K. Gerken

    Recent concerns and management questions have arisen from equine owners and managers about clover slobbers. One of the causes of excessive salivation in horses is a fungal disease of clover, commonly referred to as “blackpatch”. This pathogen infects legumes (especially clover species) when temperatures exceed 80F with humid/wet conditions, like we have been experiencing in Ohio. Here we are re-running an article about blackpatch  written a number of years ago by Lanny Rhodes, Emeritus Professor of Plant Pathology at OSU.

    Issue: 2021-24
  3. tractor pulling mower through field of hay

    Steps to Speed up Field Curing of Hay Crops

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

    The rainy weather in many regions of Ohio and surrounding states is making it difficult to harvest hay crops.  We usually wait for a clear forecast before cutting hay, and with good reason because hay does not dry in the rain! Cutting hay is certainly a gamble but waiting for the perfect stretch of weather can end up costing us through large reductions in forage quality as the crop matures.

    Issue: 2021-22
  4. Annual forage plot at NWARS

    Forage Fertility: Where We Are and Why it Matters

    Author(s): Garth Ruff , Author(s): Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCA

    Hay and haylage crops are grown on just over 1 million acres in Ohio (NASS, 2019) and are grown on more Ohio farms (44% of all farms) than any other crop (Becot et al., 2020). In addition, there are over 1.3 million acres of pastureland on nearly 39,000 farms (50% of all farms) in the state of Ohio (NASS, 2017). Fertilizer costs represent 40 to 60% of the variable input costs of forage hay production (Ward et al., 2016, 2018), and so managing these costs is key to an Ohio forage producers’ ability to stay competitive.

    Issue: 2021-21

  5. Roughstalk Bluegrass in Cereal Grain and Forage Crops

    Author(s): Richard Purdin , Author(s): Taylor Dill , Author(s): Les Ober, CCA

    Roughstalk BluegrassThere is a new and emerging weed challenging cereal grain and forage producers across the state. Roughstalk Bluegrass has taken root in wheat fields and newly established forage stands. This weed has reached population levels high enough to inhibit the harvest of cereal grains, reduce the quality of forages, and crowd out newly established forages.

    What is it?

    Issue: 2021-18
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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