Forage Production
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Cutting forages: How low should you go?

August 14, 2013

Stephen Foster

I often receive calls from local producers shortly after the morning coffee-shop crew adjourns for the day. Recently, a caller asked: “What is the best height to mow forages for hay?” I gave him my usual extension educator reply: “That depends.”

Safety awareness for your agricultural employees

July 30, 2013

Workplace and worker safety was the focus of the 2013 Michigan Safety Conference held in Grand Rapids. Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (MIFACE) were involved in organizing an “Agriculture Section” for the conference.

Forage cost of production can have significant impact on 2013 hay prices

July 10, 2013

Phil Kaatz

Knowing production costs for forages helps producers set current prices in a turbulent hay market.

Will hail strip your corn profit?

July 8, 2013

Peter Thomison

The impact of hail damage is largely dependent on corn’s stage of development. Hail affects yield primarily by reducing stands and defoliating plants. Most of the hail damage results from defoliation.

Cultivate a grazing relationship

July 1, 2013

Meg Grzeskiewicz

Leasing pasture is economically advantageous to almost every livestock producer. However, you need to create a strong connection with your potential landowner in order to secure a lease.

Soils drive the rotation, which drives what the cows are fed

May 30, 2013

Last year, there were major heat and drought conditions spread over wide areas of the country. In addition, the growing season was running record-early. This year the season is running right on the 30-year average – something it hasn’t done in a while.

Getting maximum nutrition from mixing alfalfa, grass stands

May 15, 2013

Gary Nowaczyk

Mixing grass with alfalfa stands has long been a popular choice for farmers who produce dairy feed.

Common sense sustainability?

March 31, 2013

Jim Paulson

With the world population recently passing the seven billion mark, many questions have been asked concerning the ability of our planet to feed this growing population. It is predicted that in the next 40 years, two billion more people will be eating on Earth.

Land brings liability exposure

March 31, 2013

Peggy Kirk Hall

Land is often the primary asset of a farm or ranch business, but it is also a major source of liability exposure. Harm to a person on the farm property can bring liability for medical bills, lost wages, attorney fees and other costs.

Tile maintenance will keep your fields well-drained

March 1, 2013

Christina Curell

Tile drainage has proven to be an effective way to use farmland that, in past generations, would have been overlooked for production because it was too wet.