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September 9, 2026 - Healthy, Happy Herd

Maximizing forage stand output.

It is no surprise that land and machinery continue to increase in price and cereal crops yield bigger returns. Forage stands, however, will likely need to increase yields to remain competitive in the long term. Three factors in particular come to mind when talking about limited forage stands – old stands, poor establishment, and low soil fertility. 

Aligned with breaking up old stands, fertility management is a great tool that can often be overlooked or underappreciated. Forage crops strip a lot of nutrients from the soil but demand high levels of nutrients. Therefore, there is a wide range of fertility levels in hayfields throughout the county. 

Research has supported the idea that yield loss can be significant when critical nutrients are deficient in the soil. As production drops off – the yield curves at low soil test levels in a steep manner. An alternative is to manage these nutrients while increasing your production and prolonging the age of stands. 

Another cost-effective way to maximize your forage yields is to consider adding legumes to a stand or seeding mix if you haven’t already. Bale grazing systems have the potential to improve soil nutrient levels, hay quality, and forage yield. 

Bale grazing can cut costs for labor, machinery, and fuel consumption. Research has supported the idea that bale grazing can result in increased soil nitrate, phosphorus, and potassium levels. This adjustment of a feeding system can make a difference in next year’s forage output. 

Bale grazing in low nutrient soil composed areas also means your livestock will readily fertilize the soils just by grazing. Therefore, manure spreading is right from the source to the soil. Overall, this addition of bale grazing can readily fertilize the area – potentially yielding an increase in nutrients in your soil to utilize in next year’s forage crop. 

Yearly rotational bale grazing can benefit you as a busy farmer. We all know how busy the fall is with harvest and preparation for next year’s crops. Bale grazing takes a load off in the chore department and feeds your livestock with minimal intervention as your livestock feed themselves and fertilize for you. 

According to the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), fertilization can bring the productivity of a stand back to its original level without the expense of reseeding. However, all actions come with a risk factor. Producers need to understand the deficiency of the land they’re working with to understand how to improve it. 

For example – more acidic soil needs to account for less efficient fertilizers and the additional costs of neutralizing soil amendments. BCRC states the goal of fertilizing is to decrease the per unit cost of production. Higher yields do not necessarily translate into lower costs or increased profits. 

Preservation of the land is beneficial to you as a producer, but also for future generations to come. What you do now matters and can overall provide longevity to your livestock and crop production. It is significant to understand the land you’re working with not only visually, but physically to provide, protect, and preserve your livelihood.