Optimizing forage resources

As more acres continue to go into crop production, many ranchers are scrambling to find adequate pastures and forages for their cowherds, enough to last through the grazing season and well into the winter hay feeding months. However, instead of jumping into deep debt by purchasing and renting additional acres, there are a few things to consider in order to optimize the acres already available to the operation.

Justin Fruechte, a forage specialist with Millborn Seeds, Inc. in Brookings, SD, recommended a few key ideas to implement for pastures, hay ground and various forages. His goal is to help producers provide food for their cattle, sheep and horses through the use of crops from pasture ground to cover crops and warm season annual forages, resulting in more productive, profitable land for producers.

As more acres continue to go into crop production, many ranchers are scrambling to find adequate pastures and forages for their cowherds, enough to last through the grazing season and well into the winter hay feeding months. However, instead of jumping into deep debt by purchasing and renting additional acres, there are a few things to consider in order to optimize the acres already available to the operation.

Justin Fruechte, a forage specialist with Millborn Seeds, Inc. in Brookings, SD, recommended a few key ideas to implement for pastures, hay ground and various forages. His goal is to help producers provide food for their cattle, sheep and horses through the use of crops from pasture ground to cover crops and warm season annual forages, resulting in more productive, profitable land for producers.

As more acres continue to go into crop production, many ranchers are scrambling to find adequate pastures and forages for their cowherds, enough to last through the grazing season and well into the winter hay feeding months. However, instead of jumping into deep debt by purchasing and renting additional acres, there are a few things to consider in order to optimize the acres already available to the operation.

Justin Fruechte, a forage specialist with Millborn Seeds, Inc. in Brookings, SD, recommended a few key ideas to implement for pastures, hay ground and various forages. His goal is to help producers provide food for their cattle, sheep and horses through the use of crops from pasture ground to cover crops and warm season annual forages, resulting in more productive, profitable land for producers.

As more acres continue to go into crop production, many ranchers are scrambling to find adequate pastures and forages for their cowherds, enough to last through the grazing season and well into the winter hay feeding months. However, instead of jumping into deep debt by purchasing and renting additional acres, there are a few things to consider in order to optimize the acres already available to the operation.

Justin Fruechte, a forage specialist with Millborn Seeds, Inc. in Brookings, SD, recommended a few key ideas to implement for pastures, hay ground and various forages. His goal is to help producers provide food for their cattle, sheep and horses through the use of crops from pasture ground to cover crops and warm season annual forages, resulting in more productive, profitable land for producers.