S. Dennis Cash1, Alison Todd1, Lisa Surber1, David Wichman1, Darrin Boss1, Phil Bruckner1, Ray Ditterline1, and Ron Carlstrom2. (1) Montana State Univ, Animal & Range Sciences Dept, Bozeman, MT 59717, (2) Gallatin County Extension Agent, 901 North Black, Bozeman, MT 59715-2968
Cereal forages are widely adaptable for ranchers in the northern Great Plains. These crops are productive, and have fairly good forage quality for livestock maintenance diets. In Montana, ‘Haybet’ barley (two-row, hooded) is currently the predominant cereal grown for dry hay. In ongoing research center trials, we have demonstrated that winter cereal forages could complement or displace spring cereals for dry hay. However, little information is available about the feeding value of winter cereals compared to barley. In 2005, the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) released ‘Willow Creek’ winter wheat (tall, awnletted, late-maturing) as a new forage crop. Concurrent with its release, MAES and Extension Service agents in eight counties planted demonstration strips (2 to 4-ha) at 11 farms or ranches adjacent to other winter or spring cereals grown for hay. In 2005, spring forage growth rate was monitored, hay yield was estimated from bale weights, and forage quality was determined on all samples. Across all sites, Willow Creek winter wheat grew 2 cm in height (165 kg DM per ha) per day (24 May – 21 June), and dry matter yields ranged from 4.3 to 9.4 Mg per ha. In a 60-d backgrounding study near Bozeman, MT steers fed Willow Creek winter wheat hay gained 1.15 kg per day, compared to 1.29 kg per day for Haybet barley hay (P<0.05). In a non-replicated feedlot study conducted by a cooperating producer, heifers gained 1.17 kg per day when fed Willow Creek winter wheat hay. Surveys of 133 producer attendees at field days (during crop growth) and at a feedlot tour indicated that if Willow Creek winter wheat seed was currently available, it would be planted by 102 producers on about 3900 ha.
See more of Opening Session/Forage and Biomass Crops/Business Meeting
See more of The Western Society of Crop Science (June 19-21, 2006)
