There are nearly as many ways to feed hay as there are farms in the U.S. Everyone seems to have their own method. Despite significantly lower fertilizer prices in 2016, hay and baleage bales are still expensive. So, a number of articles have been penned over the years to keep costs low by minimizing hay feeding losses. Yet, that is only part of the story.

During our current severe drought, any technique that saves water excites us more than a dog in a sausage factory. Thus the comments by some claiming substantial water savings by growing forage hydroponically as a livestock feed has attracted substantial interest.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an evaluation of the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate (trade name: Roundup), declaring no links to human cancer were found.

At the 2016 National Hay Association annual convention, Bill Plourd, President of El Toro Export in El Centro, California and a member of the U.S. Forage Export Council (USFEC), posed the question, “Is it time for alfalfa futures contracts in the marketplace?” 

Most Progressive Forage readers believe the new Alfalfa Checkoff Program should focus on pest resistance research first, with winter hardiness as a close second.

It’s a deal. Bayer and Monsanto have signed a merger agreement. Bayer announced the agreement for $128 per share in an all-cash transaction.

It’s hot; it’s muggy; and the potted plants on the porch are wilting. Farther out, the grass beneath the old oak tree is devoid of the vibrant green color associated with a healthy ecosystem. You’re not concerned though – the solution is to just turn on the water, right? Plants just need a drink is all.