Forage Options for Soybeans

•  Evaluate Each Field and Producer Situation:

    o      Yield, Livestock Needs, Fencing & Water, Etc.

•  Nutritional Value is Similar to Alfalfa Hay:

    o      12 to 18% Protein and 50 to 55⁺% TDN
o      Leaves and Pods Contain Most Feed Value

•  Grazing is Simplest Option if < 5 Bu/Acre:

    o      Fill Cattle Up Before Turnout
o      Strip or Limit Graze to Reduce Wastage

•  Haying is Most Commonly Used Option:

    o      Try to Save the Leaves and Pods!
o      Swath and Crimp, Don’t Rake, Dry and Cure Well,       then Bale when Tough

•  Ensiling is Best Option when Practical:

    o      Direct Cutting Saves Most Leaves and Pods
o      Must Have Silage Equipment and Facilities
o      More Difficult to Ensile than Corn or Sorghum
o      Blend with Other Forages when Possible
o      Use Lactic Acid Bacterial Inoculants
o      Pack Silage Well and Cover with Plastic

  Twig Marston
 K-State Research and Extension
 nimal Sciences and Industry

Latest Update:  08/27/2003

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