Forages make up 70% of the cropland in Henry County. Many farmers are unable to raise row crops on the rolling hills, while others have chosen to utilize prime land for high quality forages like alfalfa. Summer annual forages are often overlooked as an important tool for farmers. These species can be used as an emergency forage if spring stands fail. They can also be used as a bridge crop when establishing novel endophyte fescue. More importantly, they make a high-quality and versatile feed that can be made into silage, baleage, or grazed. 

The ANR Agent partnered with the Henry County Cattlemen’s Association on this program. Planning for the field day started in December 2024. Demo plots were planned and species selected by the ANR Agent and Forage Specialist, Dr. Ray Smith. The ANR agent secured the seed from five different distributors. 12 varieties/species were seeded in a cooperating farmer’s field in May. The ANR Agent, Cattlemen’s President, and farm owner did the plot preparation and seeding. 

The target audience for this program are cattle producers. 54 producers signed in for the event. More were present. 

Three producers commented at the field day how impressed they were with the demonstration plots and the subject matter. The field day resulted in a new partnership with the local Southern States Cooperative. As a result of the program one producer immediately planted sorghum sudangrass for his cattle. There was a lot of interest in the crabgrass and teff. Two producers called the office requesting more information following the field day.