All about Forage Crops

The term "forage crops" refers to plants specifically cultivated to serve as livestock feed, including cattle, sheep, goats, and other farm animals. These crops are designed to provide a nutritious and abundant food source for livestock, meeting their needs for growth, milk production, and other agricultural purposes.

Forage crops vary depending on the region, climatic conditions, and livestock feeding preferences. Here, we explore the significance of forage crops and the challenges of managing them amidst climate change.

The Importance of Forage Crops

Forage crops are a cornerstone of the agricultural industry as they provide balanced and affordable nutrition for livestock. Their successful cultivation depends on factors such as crop selection, soil preparation, proper irrigation, pest management, and appropriate harvesting techniques. Effective management is highly rewarding since forage crops offer numerous advantages:

• Animals fed with quality forage produce higher-quality products, such as milk, meat, and eggs.
• Forage crops provide a comprehensive range of nutrients essential for animal growth and health.
• High-quality forage helps prevent nutritional deficiencies and health issues in animals.
• Forage crops, particularly legumes, fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing soil fertility.
• Growing forage on-site reduces dependence on imported feed, cutting feeding costs.

Types of Forage Crops

There are various types of forage crops tailored to different climatic conditions, soil types, and animal nutritional needs. Here are some common examples:

Forage Cereals

• Oats: Popular as feed for horses and cattle.
• Barley: Can be used as green forage, silage, or hay.
• Corn: Often grown for silage, it is energy-rich.
• Wheat: Can be used as hay or silage, though less commonly.
• Sorghum: Grown for its sweet and juicy stalks, often used in silage.
• Buckwheat: Sometimes used as forage in specific regions.

Forage Legumes

• Alfalfa: One of the most popular forage legumes, rich in protein and minerals.
• Winter Alfalfa: Similar to alfalfa but suited to colder climates.
• Clover: Includes various types such as red clover and white clover.
• Forage Peas: Rich in protein, often used in combination with other crops.
• Sainfoin: A hardy legume, rich in protein and minerals.

Grasses

• Tall Fescue: Frequently cultivated in pastures, known for its resilience and durability.
• Ryegrass: Available in several varieties suitable for different conditions.
• Orchard Grass: Commonly used in pasture mixes, resistant to trampling.

Tuber and Root Crops

• Forage Beets: Energy-rich, often used as a dietary supplement.
• Forage Turnips: Grown for livestock, usable fresh or in silage.

Forage Storage Methods

Forage crops can be stored in several ways to ensure a continuous feed supply for livestock:

• Silage: Forage crops are harvested early, chopped, compacted in airtight silos, and fermented to create a nutrient-rich reserve for periods of shortage.
• Hay: Crops are dried to a low moisture content and stored in well-ventilated barns for year-round use.
• Direct Feeding: Freshly cut crops are provided directly to animals in stables, suitable for crops with high dry matter content.
• Bulk Storage: Some crops can be stored in open-air piles, covered to protect against weather conditions.
• Bagging: Forages are bagged for easy transportation and storage.
• Wrapped Silage: Combining features of silage and hay, forage is cut, baled tightly, and wrapped in airtight plastic to preserve nutritional quality by preventing air penetration. This allows partial drying and limited fermentation.

The Impact of Climate Change on Forage Crops

Forage crops face significant challenges due to climate change. Variations in rainfall, extreme temperatures, and unstable weather conditions can greatly affect the availability and quality of forage crops, impacting livestock production and food security. Forage crops may become less productive or lose nutritional value due to heat stress.

However, farmers can adapt by implementing several techniques:

• Choosing heat- and drought-resistant forage varieties that can withstand extreme climatic conditions.
• Efficient irrigation management to mitigate drought effects and irregular rainfall, along with water-saving practices.
• Crop rotation to maintain soil health and prevent nutrient depletion, crucial for healthy forage growth.
• Using cover crops to protect soil from erosion and maintain fertility while providing grazing options.
• Adopting flexible forage storage methods, such as hay or silage, to address weather variability.

The Case for Forage Mixtures

Forage mixtures—combinations of cereals and protein-rich crops—offer a strategic solution to address increasing climatic challenges while improving sustainability and the autonomy of cattle farms by reducing reliance on imports.

By combining the nutritional benefits of cereals and protein crops, farmers can ensure a balanced, high-quality diet for their animals while contributing to sustainable agricultural resource management. Forage mixtures are a critical tool for ensuring food security and protein availability in livestock farming.

To explore the challenges and opportunities associated with forage crops for farmers and livestock producers, the Sommet de l’Élevage invites you to delve deeper into this topic at its upcoming conference sessions.

See the 2023 Sommet de l’Élevage Conference Program.