Quality forage begins with the small seed. Twelve pounds of multileaf alfalfa plus 4 pounds of ryegrass plus 1 pound of timothy make up the forage seed mixture. Proper fertility is what maintains the stand. Liquid manure is used on the corn crop and balanced with fertilizer when spread on the alfalfa crop. It is also essential to have adequate drainage.
Tile drainage is an integral part of the program.
Weather forecasts for the Mid West USA obtained via satellite through a subscription service are used as the basis for planning forage harvest since much weather tracks from the mid-west through here. Four good days are required to harvest the first cut forage stored as haylage. Harvest equipment is owned and includes a 12 foot hydra swing haybine. The second cutting is baled a little damp and usually in the evening, to preserve those leaves, stored on a mow drier in small square bales to preserve the protein. Third crop is preserved in the silo.