by Joel Bagg, Forage Development Specialist & District Sales Manager, Quality Seeds Ltd
The season so far has been challenging for many farmers that rely on producing forage. The frequent rains have been quite unrelenting. Saturated soils and even flooding has occurred. Considerable quality hayage and baleage has been made, but making quality dry hay without rain-damage or mould has been challenging. Much of the first-cut dry hay making was delayed with advanced maturity.
While the forage stands are quite variable, some of it looks “tough”. Severe potato leafhopper damage, with reduced growth as well as stunting of new