Document Type

Other

Publication Date

1-1-2005

Keywords

annual crops, forage, south dakota, western forage

Extension Number

ExEx 8152

Department

Plant Science

Description

Perennial forages provide most of the livestock feed in western South Dakota. However, frequent droughts in the past years have resulted in a shortage of feed, driving up demand for alternative feed sources. Annual crops can be of great value in developing a yearround forage system. They can provide early grazing before perennials are available, extend the grazing period, or increase hay and silage production. Annual crops differ in growth habit and in forage quality. Selection of a particular crop for forage should be based on intended end use. A brief production summary for some annual crops with potential for forage production is given here, but detailed information on yield and quality of some of the forage species is missing. Further research and adaptation studies under local conditions are required.

Download
COinS