Year after year, the market for good hay in Michigan outstrips supply, leading to dependable prices for hay growers who put in the time it takes to manage this demanding crop. Recent market conditions let row crop growers see an opportunity to add a legume rotation that provides its own nitrogen and a valuable hay crop that is in demand. Dairy, beef, sheep, goat producers and horse owners may want to grow their own forage so they have better control over supply and nutritional quality. However, hay is a challenging crop that is not for everyone. As with any other agricultural enterprise, there are many things to learn.
Michigan State University Extension is once again holding Hay Production 101, a short course to help farmers interested in learning how to grow hay. The main objective of our team of MSU Extension specialists and educators is to assist newcomers to the world of hay, but there is value here also for those looking to improve an existing hay operation. Management recommendations will focus on the Great Lakes region.
This is an online course taught as six sessions using Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. beginning March 22, 2022. Sessions may be attended in real time and will also be recorded for future viewing by registrants. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and interact with instructors in each live session.
Topics covered will include:
- Economics and marketing
- What to grow: species and varieties
- Fertility and soil management
- Hayfield establishment and renovation
- Pest management: weeds, insects and disease
- Harvest management: all the steps from timing the harvest to post-harvest processing and storage
The cost of the course is $85. Pre-registration is required in order to receive the session link. Register for Hay Production 101 at https://bit.ly/3pUtty0.
For more information about the course, contact Kim Cassida at cassida@msu.edu.
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Harvesting, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Goats & Sheep