Annual forages can provide flexibility when managing forage supply, whether filling forage production gaps or serving as a primary forage source. Erika Lundy, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist, says everyone is invited to learn more about annual forages and integrating them into a cropping rotation in an upcoming virtual field day set starting at 8:30 a.m. June 3.

“We’ve seen an interest from producers wanting to integrate both cool- and warm-season annual forages into their farming operation," Lundy says. “However, many questions still remain regarding which forage species is best for a given situation or farm goal, as well as their nutritional value and yield potential.”

The event will highlight a research project evaluating different cool-season annual forage species in terms of forage nutritional value, and yield potential, and offer practical considerations for integrating annual forages into cropping rotations. To learn more about this project and what’s been learned, plan to attend this virtual field day, which will feature a tour of the annual forage plots at outlying ISU research farms.

Preregister for free field day

There is no cost to participate, and the field day is open to all. However, preregistration is required prior to the event. To register, go to aep.iastate.edu/forage. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email with the link to join the virtual field day, which will be provided through Zoom. If you don’t have this app on your computer or device, you’ll want to download and install it for the best quality.

Participants may join through their web browser, mobile phone or tablet, and will need to download the free Zoom app prior to joining. Participants should join the webinar 10 minutes in advance to ensure connections and software are working correctly.

For more information, questions, or if you need assistance with registration, contact the ISU Iowa Beef Center at [email protected], or call 515-294-2333 (BEEF).

Funding for this project is provided by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center.

The free Zoom download is available through the App Store for iOS devices, bit.ly/zoomapplefd; and through Google Play for Android, bit.ly/zoomandroidfd.

Source: Iowa Beef Center, which is responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and its subsidiaries aren't responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.