Dairy producers looking to expand their silage supplies this summer have several early silage crop options. The key to deciding which spring forage crop to use is found by considering the current supply. For instance, is summer forage needed to make up for a shortage of corn silage, haylage or both?

If producers need to supplement haylage and there is already a hay crop growing on the farm, the shortage may be addressed using summer production to boost haylage. Producers could also consider planting additional alfalfa this spring to increase total farm alfalfa production and avoid running out in late winter.

There are many other alternative spring crops available that can be used to supplement summer silage.

Spring small grains by themselves or mixed with peas. Planting spring-seeded small grain or a small grain and pea mixture from April to early May typically produces harvest around late May to mid or late June, depending on location. Growers can expect spring-seeded small grain forages to yield 2 to 3.5 tons DM/acre.

Fall-seeded small grain (winter wheat, winter triticale, winter rye). Planting these grains in the previous September or October typically produces harvest in mid-May to mid-June, depending on location. Growers can expect 2 to 3 tons DM/acre when cut at the boot stage or 2.5 to 4 tons DM/acre when cut at the heading stage.

Spring-seeded cool-season grasses. Planting these grasses from April to early May produces multiple harvests (four to six times a season) depending on environmental conditions. Growers can expect 2 to 3 tons DM/acre, depending on planting date, early spring soil moisture and nitrogen fertility.

Very early maturity corn. Planting early maturity corn as soon as the ground is suitable typically produces harvest in mid-August to mid-September, depending on growing conditions and hybrid maturity. Growers can expect 10 to 20 tons/acre depending on planting date, hybrid maturity and growing season.

For detailed management guidance and other information about these crops, read the article.
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5.5.2015