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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 Insect Pest Management
Species Selection Disease Management in Forages
Pre-Establishments Preserving Forage as Hay and Silage
Stand Establishments Perennial Warm-Season Grasses
Seeding-Year Harvest Management Annual Forage Crops
Fertilizing Established Stands Italian Ryegrass
Established Stand Harvest Management Summer-Annual Grasses
Weed Management in Forages 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. Growing Alfalfa

    Timing of Last Alfalfa Cutting is Particularly Important in Dry Years

    Author(s): Emma Matcham , Author(s): Dave Barker , Author(s): Jason Hartschuh, CCA

    Timing of your last cutting is one of the most important factors for maintaining alfalfa persistence over winter. The Ohio Agronomy Guide recommends that cutting finishes by Sept 7 for northern Ohio and Sept 15 for southern Ohio—these recommendations are based on the amount of time it typically takes for alfalfa to regrow to ~8 inches before a ‘killing’ frost occurs, stopping growth for the year.

    What’s the value of fall regrowth?

    Issue: 2025-30
  2. bale of hay in field

    NE Ohio Hay Day Hosted by OSU Extension and Norden MFG

    Author(s): Lee Beers, CCA , Author(s): Les Ober, CCA

    Join OSU Extension and Norden MFG on August 2, 2025, for the NE Ohio Hay Day. Held at Norden MFG, 4210 Kinsman Rd NW, North Bloomfield Ohio 44450. The program will start at 10:00 AM and will conclude at 1:00 PM. This program is free thanks to generous support from Norden MFG, the Trumbull County Holstein Club, and the Hertzer Family Trust.  

    Issue: 2025-22

  3. OSU Extension Offering Hay Testing Program

    Author(s): Garth Ruff

    “Make hay while the sun shines”. How many times have you heard that said throughout the years? We’ve had some sunshine this spring/summer, but making first cutting “dry” hay has really been challenging for most farmers this year. Getting two or more days in a row without rain has been rare in the spring of 2025.

    Issue: 2025-21
  4. sorghum sudangrass

    July Plantings for Warm-Season Annual Grass Forages

    Author(s): Emma Matcham , Author(s): Marina Miquilini , Author(s): Gigi Neal , Author(s): Christine Gelley , Author(s): Lauren Geiss

    This spring’s wet weather delayed planting of some of our May forages. Combined with a cool June that kept soil temperatures below optimal for many warm-season annual grasses, there have been some questions about late-planting options for forage crops.

    Issue: 2025-21

  5. 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
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
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