General

For general information, visit Managing forages in dry years and Publication 30: Guide to Forage Production.

Before adverse weather conditions

  • Soil test at least once every three years and apply nutrients.
  • In perennial hay fields, establish species that tolerate dry conditions, such as:
    • alfalfa
    • reed canary grass
    • orchard grass
    • tall fescue
  • Include warm-season crops in the farm's forage plan, such as:
    • corn
    • sorghum-sudan grass
    • millet

During adverse weather conditions

  • Scout alfalfa for potato leafhoppers and act if populations exceed the threshold. See page 156 of OMAFA Publication 30: Guide to Forage Production or the OMAFA fact sheet, potato leafhopper in alfalfa,for more information.
  • If the alfalfa is tall enough to justify cutting and a 30- to 35-day harvest interval can be maintained, it can be cut. When rains return alfalfa will regrow from the crown.
  • Do not cut red clover or birdsfoot trefoil during a drought, as this will thin the stand.
  • For extra fall forage after winter wheat harvest, seed oats at 90 kg/ha (80 lbs/acre) and apply 55 kg/ha (50 lbs/acre) of nitrogen.
  • Call Agricorp (1-888-247-4999) to change the purpose of cereal or grain corn crops before harvesting them as forage.
  • Check the labels of any crop protection products applied for feeding/forage restrictions.
    • Cereals before heading can be put up as baleage. Between milk and soft dough stage they can be chopped and put up in a silo (like corn silage).
    • Soybeans are difficult to ensile and not recommended for boosting inventories on short notice.
    • Canola and other brassicas will not store as forage.
  • For extra forage in early spring, seed fall rye or winter triticale at 110 kg/ha (100 lbs/acre) after soybeans or silage corn harvest. Apply 55–80 kg/ha (50–70 lbs/acre) of nitrogen in the spring at green up.

After adverse weather conditions

  • Be cautious of silo gas and nitrate poisoning. For more information, check out Hazardous Gases on Agricultural Operations.
  • Test forages for nutritional value and nitrates. Work with a nutritionist to balance rations, dilute nitrates, and "stretch" supplies if inventory is a concern.
  • Reduce storage losses:
    • in dry hay by storing it off the ground or on a well-drained base and keeping it under cover (either tarped or in a shed)
    • in baleage by checking the plastic for holes and promptly taping them closed. Mow grass near bales stored outside to reduce rodent pressure
    • in haylage by packing the crop to at least 240 g dm/l (15 lbs dm/ft3), and completely sealing the silo
  • Minimize feed-out losses by:
    • using a feeder to reduce forage waste
    • promptly removing spoiled feed from feeders and bunks
  • Feed dry silage in January/February to counteract heating and minimize the risk of fire.