Forages
Forage production is also a vital part of Iowa’s agricultural landscape. Forages in Iowa include alfalfa, forage grasses, hay, pasture, and annual forages. Find more information on the agronomics of forage production in Iowa and best management practices to boost forage productivity.
Resources, tools, and information specific to forage production and management.
Timely Insights on Forages
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March 4, 2025Authors
As temperatures begin to increase following winter, we are entering a period of warm days and cold nights. These conditions result in our soils going through freeze thaw cycles, which make for a perfect time for frost seeding. Frost seeding involves strategically broadcasting or overseeding legumes into pastures, hayfields, or small grains. It is a potentially cost-effective solution to revitalize a diminishing stand or introduce new legumes. However, success hinges upon assessment of the existing stand, proper timing and soil conditions.
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October 22, 2024Content Author
In the past few weeks, I've received several questions from farmers about whether it’s too late or too warm to harvest alfalfa. The general rule of thumb is to allow 5 to 6 weeks (900 Growing Degree Days, or GDD) between the final harvest and a killing frost, or less than 2 weeks (360 GDD) before the killing frost. Alternatively, harvesting after a killing frost is possible, but it should be done soon afterward to limit nutrient leaching.
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October 11, 2024Content Author
Chilly Mornings, Chilly Concerns: Managing Frosted Forages
Why is Frost a Concern?
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October 9, 2024Content Author
This article is part three in a series of blogs on how best to allocate fertilizer dollars.
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August 1, 2024Content Author
As has been common this season, severe weather over the last several days has brought wind and hail to parts of Iowa. This article will address some of the concerns associated with late-season hail on crops.
