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2024 Michigan Forage Variety Test Report - Field Crop Production

Summary

Forage crops are essential components of diversified agricultural production systems in Michigan. They provide feed for livestock, fix nitrogen for crop rotations, reduce soil erosion, improve soil structure, fertility and water retention, protect water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, generate biomass for fuel conversion and add eye appeal to landscapes. Competition from row crops for land use continues to squeeze forage production acres while equipment, land, and labor costs increase. According to USDA information, total tons of alfalfa and mixed hay and average yield per acre harvested in Michigan in 2024 was slightly higher than last year with total acres unchanged. Total yield and acreage of all hay in Michigan, however, was lower than last year. Michigan hay prices in November 2024 were slightly lower than a year ago. A one-ton yield increase of good to premium quality alfalfa hay was worth $175 to $210/acre. Under these market conditions, regardless of forage grown, the importance of improving yield per acre through use of better forage varieties continues to be an important component of profitability. This report contains yield data from trials harvested in 2024 and multi-year averagesfrom previous trials. Yield data for individual cuttings from previous years are in the variety test report archives on the MSU Forage