Abstract

In 2015, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program evaluated yield and quality of five cool season annual forage species and five mixtures at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. In the Northeast, cool season perennial grasses dominate the pastures and hay meadows farmers rely on throughout the season. In the fall, perennial pasture declines in yield and quality. The addition of cool season annual forages into the grazing system during this time, can help improve the quality and quantity of forage and potentially extend the grazing season. Recently, there has been a growing interest in utilizing multiple cool season forage species to maximize forage yield and quality. We compared five annual species alone and in three-and four-species mixtures to evaluate potential differences in forage production and quality. While the information presented can begin to describe the yield and quality performance of these forage mixtures in this region, it is important to note that the data represent results from only one season and one location.

Keywords

Vermont, University of Vermont

Publication Date

2015

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