Now, some varieties are being used for forage again. These varieties differ from typical soybean plants because they grow over six feet tall and mature late. In Nebraska, late-maturing soybeans produce mostly leaves and stems with relatively little seed, making them ideal for forage. The quality of soybean forage is similar to that of alfalfa. When planted with corn or forage sorghum, silage made from the mix will be higher in protein and will have similar energy and palatability as corn or sorghum alone.
Some producers also rotate forage soybeans and corn on a yearly basis.
Many producers use forage soybeans because the crop can be drilled in May and it may provide three to six tons of silage in just one harvest. Forage soybeans also don't require nitrogen fertilizer. Using soybeans for forage is a relatively new idea, but it can benefit producers during times of low crop prices, high nitrogen prices and tight forage supplies. Buy seed as soon as possible because the seed supply is expected to be tight this year. If forage types are unavailable, tall, extra-late varieties often provide similar results, although they have slightly lower yields.