Annual crops are the norm across Western Canada. But have you considered annual forage crops?
Annual forages, sometimes referred to as cover crops, can be a great option to fill production gaps in perennial forage crops, providing extra feed, more flexibility, or a way to extend grazing into the fall. The benefits are many, but they’re not without their challenges, so here are a few things to consider when it comes to annual forages
Considering Your Options
There are plenty of species and mix options when it comes to annual forages — and that’s both a benefit and a decision to make.
Before choosing a species or mix, think about:
- Field location
- Soil fertility and nutrient levels
- Moisture conditions
- How you plan to use the feed (grazing, silage, greenfeed, etc.)
- Your equipment and management style
The goal is to select species that complement each other and fit your operation. Each brings unique characteristics and management considerations, so it’s important to do your research to avoid surprises when growing and feeding an unfamiliar species.
| Common Annual Forage Species | ||
| Barley | Millet | Sorghum |
| Brassica | Oats | Soybean |
| Clover | Peas | Sudangrass |
| Corn | Radish | Triticale |
| Fall Rye | Ryegrass | Turnips |
The Benefits of Annual Forage Crops
- Flexibility in End Use – One of the benefits of annual forages is that they can be used in different ways, and you may not have to decide upfront how you want to use your crop. This lets you decide how best to utilize the crop, whether for hay, greenfeed, silage, pasture, swath grazing, or extended grazing into the fall.
- Lower Feeding Costs – When utilized for extended grazing, annual forages can help to reduce costs reduce feed and yardage costs compared to confinement feeding. You also benefit from reduced hauling/handling costs, better nutrient return and distribution from manure, and flexibility in grazing location.
- Soil and Field Health – Many annual forages help to suppress weeds, assist nutrient recycling, minimize soil erosion and nutrient runoff, deeper carbon sequestering, and, over time, increase a field’s productivity and profitability.
The Watchouts
Like any crop, annual forages come with risks — especially when they’re being grazed.
- Additional Operation Costs – Annual forage crops must be planted each spring, which adds some extra work and cost to the seeding season.
- Feed Testing – Feed testing is a must! Once you have your feed test results, supplement to fill any mineral gaps and ensure adequate energy and protein. To get the most out of grazing annual forages, matching the field carrying capacity should be done to ensure animals are being sustainably fed based on the production of the land.
- Nitrate Toxicity – This is one of the larger watchouts when it comes to grazing annual forages. This metabolic disorder can occur when the nitrate % in a feed test is above 0.5% of dry matter. This can be influenced by the residual soil nitrogen levels, fertilizer rates, spray drift, some abiotic and biotic crops stressors. Plant maturity can affect nitrate levels, so timing matters. If nitrate toxicity becomes a concern, remove animals immediately and look at ways to dilute or blend the high-nitrate forage with safer feed. In some cases, changing your harvest method may help lower nitrate levels while still preserving the feed value.
- Bloat and Rape Poisoning – Many species used as annual forages, including clovers, brassica, radish and turnips, can cause bloat, so it’s important to carefully develop your species mix and monitor your herd. Brassica, radish and turnips can also cause forage rape poisoning when animals graze stunted, purple-coloured plants,
- Establishment Challenges – Establishment can be tricky with annual forages — especially in multi-species mixes. If poor establishment occurs, weed control becomes a real challenge since herbicide options in mixed crops are limited — or sometimes non-existent. Starting with a clean field and a uniform seedbed goes a long way toward setting the crop up for success.
If an annual forage crop is something that fits into your rotation this season, reach out to our local RAM to discuss plant species options: Contacts – BrettYoung
Check out BrettYoung’s annual forage species: Forages Archives – BrettYoung
