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Forage crops, such as grasses, grains, and legumes, are grown for animals to eat and can be grazed or cut and stored as dry hay or fermented silage. Farmers consider the environment and their livestock’s nutritional needs when selecting crops, and can rotate pastures to allow land to recover. Agricultural extension services and trade publications offer advice on selecting the optimal crop.
Forage is grown for animals such as horses and cattle to eat. They may graze freely on a pasture or be cut down and bring the crop in the form of dry hay or fermented silage. Such crops ensure that the animals receive sufficient nutrition, even during the season when food sources are scarce on the ground because it is hot and dry. They can also be used to prepare animals for slaughter, or to make sure working animals are adequately fed to be able to spend long hours in the fields.
Numerous crops can be grown for forage including an assortment of grasses, grains and legumes. Vetch, alfalfa, corn and sorghum are some examples. Farmers look for crops that are suitable for the environment, considering issues such as soil pH balance, available water, and general temperature range. They also need to consider their livestock’s specific nutritional needs when selecting a crop, typically looking for something high-yielding so their animals get plenty of energy from their food.
A mix of crops can be grown in the fields. The animals can graze at will to consume the forage, gradually devouring it. Farmers can rotate their animals through different pastures to allow the land to recover. When animals are not present, the land can be conditioned and seeded to prepare for another crop. For specific livestock, such as grass-fed beef, the farmer may need to carefully calculate the composition of the forage crop to produce meat that will be satisfactory to consumers.
Another option is to cut the crop and store it. A forage crop can be dried in the fields and baled to make hay that can be used throughout the year, even in the harsh winter when animals may not be able to go outside and any ground cover is hidden under snow . This allows people to raise livestock in extreme climates. Silage, produced by fermenting wet crops, is also an option for some animals that allows food preservation.
Farmers selecting a forage crop can use an agricultural extension service to gain insight into the best crops in their areas. These services conduct research and provide advice to farmers and gardeners. Trade publications also offer information on alternative forages and crops that farmers may not consider because they are unusual or because limited information is available about growing them. This information can help people select the optimal crop for their needs.
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