By Karla Hernandez
Something that has come to my attention as SDSU Extension Forages Field Specialist is the need for additional research-based knowledge focused on how forages grow in the state. Upon doing some research, the most recent data we could find was from 2011, and even then, from a limited study which did not cover the diverse conditions which you, the producer, regularly encounter when trying to grow forages. We decided then to distribute a survey throughout regions of South Dakota, to help gather information about forage production issues and needs.
The information from this study will help us make well informed decisions to improve forage production capabilities and the farm financial bottom line. Information from this survey was compiled and analyzed to determine what kind of forages are most common in different geographical areas of the state. From there we will start the process of establishing test plots based on your needs that can return research-based unbiased results to you, the producer, for your operation’s benefit. With the information from this study, we intend to host a variety of workshops, field days and article presentations where you can come and see the most up-to-date information in local forage production.
Results of the Survey
Overview:
- Submission: November 5, 2014
- Completion: February 6, 2015
- 230 livestock producers received this survey via mail and email (e.g., Grassland Coalition).
- 81 surveys fully completed
- Five multiple choice questions and one open question
- Where did the responses come from?
- North Central: 29%
- East Central: 28%
- South Central: 6%
- North East: 5%
- South East: 28%
Question 1: In your farming operation, how are forages used?
a) As a temporary supplement to rangeland during periods of drought or heavy snow.
b) As an alternative to rangeland on a seasonal basis – livestock graze during the summer and fall, then are in a drylot for the winter and early-spring.
c) As a primary feedstock – my livestock very rarely, if ever, are on pasture.
d) I seldom, if ever, require the use of forages. (If so, please respond to the following for how your neighboring farms operate.)
Question 2: How do you obtain your forages?
) I prefer to produce my own and manage the whole process – planting, harvest, storage, and feeding.
b) I own the land; however, somebody else manages the production of the forages for me.
c) I produce some of the forages which I use; however, my usage is high enough where I occasionally need to buy forages on the open-market.
d) I am entirely dependent on the open-market for the forages I use.
Question 3: What type of forages do you mainly use?
a) Only Alfalfa
b) Alfalfa-Grass mixtures
c) Mostly grasses (prairie hay or “ditch” hay)
d) Some other type of cover-crop (oat-pea mixtures; vetches; etc…)
Question 4: No matter the source of your forages -what is the main concern you have when approach a bale of that particular forage?
a) What is the nutritive quality of this material?
b) How much of this material can I obtain per acre?
c) How well does this material work in a crop rotation?
d) Will this stuff grow in my soil conditions?
Question 5: What best describes the soil conditions you live?
a) My soils are for the most part really fertile and have no problems with drought or salinity.
b) My soils are generally fertile, although they suffer when there is a lack of rainfall.
c) My soils are generally fertile, although I find that salts and pH problems restrict growth.
d) My soils are generally a challenge to grow anything in due to a number of problems. (Please explain what you feel the most challenging problem is to your production operation.)
Question 6: Please provide a short response to this statement: “If I were to call the Extension office the most important thing the Extension Agent I am speaking to can offer is:”
- Help determine nutritive quality of hay
- Help! Forages are a good topic. Davison County has some dairy and lots of beef
- Review at alfalfa and soil type alternatives
- What practices are producing the best quality and quantity of forages
- Expertise on forage quality
- Alfalfa variety hardiness. Resistance to insects and variety nutritive value and yield
Source:igrow.org