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Articles by James Isleib
2021 a challenging year for forages topic for June 17 Field Crops Virtual Breakfast
AG QUARTERLY By ohtadmin | on June 12, 2021 By James Isleib Michigan State University Extension Photo by Kim Cassida, MSU Extension The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast on June 17, will focus on forage production considerations and alternative forages. MSU Extension forage specialist Kim Cassida will discuss current and projected forage inventories in Michigan, drought challenges to the current forage crop, and alternative forage sources.
Clay soil moisture monitoring project explores farmer’s efforts to improve drainage
By James Isleib There are two extensive areas of clay soil farmland in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula located mostly in Chippewa-Mackinac County area and the Baraga-Ontonagon-Houghton County area. These soils currently support large acreages of perennial hay production supplying beef cow-calf farms, a few dairy farms and significant hay export activity. Poor soil drainage, naturally low fertility and acidic pH, along with a short growing season, limit the productivity of these soils.
Getting the most from your single-cut hay system
For a variety of reasons, many hay acres across Michigan are harvested only once per year. Here are some tips for good results in this situation. August 2, 2019 - Author: James Isleib, Michigan State University Extension Identical scene of hay mowed into windrows (top) and nine days later as round bales (bottom). Photo by Jim Isleib, MSU Extension. Why use a one-cut hay system? Multiple hay harvests during the growing season are the commonly accepted management practice in Michigan.
Grow quality hay, forage
Forage production is all about two things — quality and tonnage. There are a lot of details involved; farmers need acceptable quantity of forage at the quality required by their livestock. A great and relevant quote from Michigan State University-Extension’s forage specialist Kim Cassida is, “You can harvest high- or low-quality forage from any hayfield or pasture depending on harvest management.” That idea reaches the heart of harvesting quality forage.
Tips on Quality Hay and Pasture for Beginning Farmers: Part 1 Quality
Hay bales on a meadow in Nebraska. ( Troy Walz, University of Nebraska Extension ) By: James Isleib, Michigan State University Extension Forage production is all about two things: quality and tonnage. There are a lot of details involved, but basically farmers need acceptable quantity of forage at the quality required by their livestock.
Michigan: Webinar - Herbicide Efficacy Under Weather Stress, March 4
Herbicide spraying in soybean field. ©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography On March 4, 2019, from 7-8 p.m., Michigan State University Extension’s Field Crops Webinar – Herbicide Efficacy Under Weather Stress will feature MSU’s Erin Burns discussing how weather stress can affect herbicide activity and how to design a program to improve your weed management by planning to buffer weather impacts.
Michigan: Beginning Farmer Webinar Series Begins Jan. 16
Michigan: Beginning Farmer Webinar Series Begins Jan. 16 Posted on December 3, 2018 By James Isleib, Michigan State University People who are exploring new farm businesses will benefit from participating in the Michigan State University Extension 2019 Beginning Farmer Webinar Series. New and expanding farm businesses provide jobs, income, increased economic and social stability, and increased food security to rural and other communities.
Assessing your Alfalfa Stand
A simple stem counting technique can give you a good idea about your alfalfa stand’s yield potential. Thin alfalfa stands result in mediocre yields. You may want to assess a new seeding at this time of year to help decide whether the stand is worth keeping. Reasons for a thin stand include problems at seeding time, pH, fertility, weather problems, die out due to stand age and disease. With experience, farmers develop the skills needed to visually evaluate the alfalfa stand.
Ontario Groups Studying Alternative Forage Galega for Northern Climate
A trip to the Rural Agri-Innovation Network’s summer tour near Thessalon, Ontario, provided an opportunity for a first look at galega (Galega orientalis). The RAIN organization is a division of Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre with support from farmers and communities to enhance the agriculture and food sector in Ontario’s Algoma district.
Emergency Forages: Millets
Pearl millet is a tall, warm season, annual grass. It originated in Africa and India where it was used for forage and grain. It was introduced into the United States in the 1850s and became established as a minor forage crop in the southeastern and Gulf Coast states. Improved varieties or hybrids are generally leafier and shorter than older varieties. The solid stems are often densely hairy and usually 0.375 to 0.75 inch in diameter.
Emergency Forages: Sudangrass, Sorghum and Hybrids
Annual grasses are normally used as emergency forage. Emergency forage may be needed during a drought or after crop damage from other severe weather, such as flooding. Summer annual grasses are used for summer pasture, green chop, hay and silage. The most common annual grasses used in Michigan are sudangrass, hybrid sudangrass, sorghum-sudangrass hybrids and forage sorghum.
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