Abstract

In 2018, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program evaluated yield and quality of cool season annuals planted in mixtures an in monoculture 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. It can be challenging for these grasses to rebound after the summer slump period and maintain high yield and quality into the fall when diseases can become prevalent. Adding cool season annual forages into the grazing system during this time may 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 in mixtures to maximize yield and quality. We compared twelve annual forage species planted in monocultures as well as two- and three-way 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

2018

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