In a year when early season moisture is limited, forage production is usually also limited. In order to have sufficient winter forage, some alternative sources may need to be considered. One possibility is soybeans for hay or silage. Soybeans are easier to handle and have less waste if harvested as silage but can be effectively handled as hay. The decisive factor in this decision is the availability of appropriate equipment.
Soybeans are a good alternative or emergency source of livestock feed if managed correctly.
Soybeans may be cut for hay at any stage from when the pods start forming until the beans are almost fully developed. When the leaves start dropping the quality of the hay declines rapidly. Soybean hay that contains a high proportion of mature beans can result in a diet too high in fat resulting in scouring, depressed appetite, and digestive problems. Harvesting soybeans for hay is more difficult than harvesting grass or grass and legumes for hay. Soybean leaves are delicate and excessive handling can result in substantial loss.