My family 12 acre hayfield has long been late summer harvested for the neighbors cattle. Is there any benefits I could provide to cattle with switch if I were to do a spring cutting? My current plan was to plant app 3 acres of RC BR but I have a lot more ground and if there’s a livestock benefit I could sell that idea to family and put in much more in these vacant fields, could add a whole other food plot for separate winds if this worked. So question is, are there selling points to local farmer for switch.
Yes. I will get you the data from the people that have the scientific data. That's out of my area of knowledge. Ill get the info. Stay tuned.
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Here is some initial information from some university studies. I'm trying to get my hands on some more detailed info if possible.
www.canr.msu.edu
another article: https://www.agproud.com/articles/32396-two-producers-switched-to-switchgrass-and-thrived
Switchgrass for a bioenergy crop and livestock feed
Switchgrass can be used as either a bioenergy crop or livestock feed as it has good persistence and a decent forage quality.
www.canr.msu.edu
another article: https://www.agproud.com/articles/32396-two-producers-switched-to-switchgrass-and-thrived
Thats what I've read
I would say no if you are looking for feed value and tonnage. Natives grow very little until temps increase late June through August. I have saw some decent growth with a July 15th mow for hay in Missouri which is the earliest you can cut CRP. I’d guess a July 1st ish cut would maximize feed value and tonnage for feed while still getting good regrowth if not CRP for deer cover which I’m guessing is what you are after?
Bassattackr
Well-Known Member
Lots of good references out there for management as a forage, livestock feed:
cropwatch.unl.edu
www.canr.msu.edu
fyi.extension.wisc.edu
Benefits of Switchgrass for Hay and Forage
Switchgrass for a bioenergy crop and livestock feed
Switchgrass can be used as either a bioenergy crop or livestock feed as it has good persistence and a decent forage quality.
www.canr.msu.edu
Establishing and Managing Switchgrass
Establishing and Managing Switchgrass by Mark Renz, Dan Undersander, and Mike Casler Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a vigorous warm season, native perennial grass adapted to Wisconsin and planted for many purposes including livestock grazing, wildlife cover, and as a biofuel crop. Switchgrass...
fyi.extension.wisc.edu