By Scout Nelson
The University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension highlights how producers are using summer annual forages to respond to strong cattle markets and rising crop input costs. As cattle prices remain high and grain production becomes more expensive, many farmers are rethinking how they use their land.
In regions like eastern and central Nebraska, cropland was once used as pasture before shifting to row crops during strong corn markets. Now, with changing market conditions, some producers are converting land back to forage production. This shift helps improve overall farm profitability, especially where fencing already exists or can be added at low cost.
Traditional crops like corn and soybeans require high input costs, including seeds, fertilizer, fuel, and machinery. These costs can reach about $350 per acre. In comparison, summer annual forages such as sorghum sudangrass, sudangrass, forage sorghum, and pearl millet have much lower costs, often around $100 per acre. They also need less nitrogen and fewer inputs.
These forages provide strong returns through grazing or harvested feed. Well-managed fields can produce about 300 animal grazing days per acre. Studies show cattle grazing on these forages can gain between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds per day. This makes them a cost-effective option compared to other feeding systems.
Summer annual forages grow quickly, handle dry conditions well, and respond to good moisture and fertilizer. Planting usually takes place from late May to June. Growth peaks in mid-summer and slows in fall after frost.
Proper management is important. Producers must watch for risks like prussic acid and nitrate buildup, especially during drought or after frost. Good grazing practices and timely testing help reduce these risks.
Overall, summer annual forages offer a flexible and practical solution. They help improve feed supply, lower production costs, and support better farm profitability.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-minchen-liang-eyeem
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Livestock