Farmer’s Guide to Grass-fed Dairy Production

We are pleased to announce our Farmer’s Guide to Grass-fed Dairy Production is finally here! Over many years of learning through our own research and working alongside our wonderful farm partners, we have compiled the latest body of knowledge on grass-fed dairy management. The guide walks you through the ins and outs of grass-fed dairying …

Influence of Cutting Height on Forage Quality

Harvest management is an integral component of producing high-quality forage. Often harvest timing and speed are discussed but equally important is the cutting height. While many grazing farmers have adopted the practice of leaving more un-grazed material in the pasture, many hay fields are still harvested as low as possible. This, in combination with frequent …

Time to evaluate your forage stands for winter injury!

WHAT IS WINTER INJURY? Our harsh winter environment in northern New England can be surprisingly damaging to the plants we grow. Conditions like freeze/thaw events with fluctuating temperatures or desiccation due to lack of water can be a main driver for winter injury or winter kill. Perennial forage stands, particularly alfalfa, are no exception. Therefore, …

Time to Plant Summer Annuals

Summer annual grasses, such as sudangrass and millet, can provide supplemental forage during the hot summer months as the growth of cool season perennial grasses slows. These grasses can yield 3 to 5 tons of highly digestible dry matter per acre even under droughty conditions! Now is the time to be planting these heat loving …

Addressing Winter Injury in Forage Fields

AGiven the long and harsh winter, many farmers are seeing winterkill and damage in their forage fields this spring. If you have yet to inspect your fields, now is the time to begin. Grasses and legumes are beginning to grow and signs of damage can be seen more easily seen at this time. Signs of …

Summer Forage Seeding Options

Persistent dry weather has led to poor establishment of many new forage seeding throughout the region. Many farmers are wondering what to do with these failed or very poor stands? The first step is to complete a thorough assessment of the field to see how much of the area did not establish.  If the stand …

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