By Scout Nelson
Information from agricultural research highlights that irrigated annual forages are a useful solution for farmers facing drought and wildfire-related feed shortages. These crops help maintain livestock feed and extend grazing periods when pasture is limited.
Annual forages are divided into cool-season and warm-season types. Cool-season crops such as oats, barley, ryegrass, and field peas grow well in cooler temperatures. Farmers usually plant them in early spring or late summer. These crops need proper seeding rates and fertilizer, and soil testing helps improve results. With irrigation, they require around 8 to 9 inches of water to produce good forage yield.
Warm-season forages include millet, sorghum-sudan, sudangrass, crabgrass, and teff. These crops grow best in warmer weather and are planted from mid-May to early August. They produce high biomass under irrigation, making them useful during peak summer grazing. Fertilizer use and correct planting time are important to achieve better yields.
Grazing management plays a key role in maintaining forage quality. Farmers should begin grazing at proper plant height and use rotational grazing to support regrowth. This method helps keep plants healthy and improves feed quality. Both cool-season and warm-season forages can meet the needs of livestock if they are managed before reaching maturity.
Farmers should also be careful about nitrate levels, especially during drought or when high nitrogen fertilizer is used. Proper management reduces risks and protects livestock health.
Using a double-cropping system can extend grazing from spring to late fall. By planting different crops in sequence, farmers can ensure continuous forage supply throughout the year. However, mixing warm- and cool-season crops at the same time is usually not effective due to different growth needs.
Economic planning is also important. Fertilizer costs can affect profits, so farmers must balance input costs with expected yield benefits.
Overall, irrigated annual forages provide a reliable and flexible option for maintaining livestock feed during challenging conditions.
Photo Credit: credit-minnesota-corn-growers-association
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Livestock