Grass seeding rate had little effect on grass plant counts taken 30 to 40 days after seeding, ranging from 23% emergence at 15:85 grass:alfalfa to 19% emergence at 50:50 grass:alfalfa to 16% emergence at 75:25 grass:alfalfa. A high-quality grass, it will provide excellent feed for most classes of livestock. Buyer costs/acre for three cuttings of alfalfa hay. This hay primarily consists of cool-season grasses, sometimes mixed with a legume such as clover or alfalfa. You harvested a 4.5 acre alfalfa field as follows: According to Oregon State University Extension Service, an acre may yield between 65 to 165 small bales of hay per cutting, with up to three cuttings per year. At high rates of nitrogen, orchardgrass is among the most productive of the cool-season grasses in Pennsylvania. Alfalfa gross per acre in previous years. This is consistent with data from Kentucky and Tennessee. See hay yields to learn more. The yield depends on location, fertilization, plant species, plant age, moisture content and how tightly the bales are packed. historic yield 2015 yield . measured by the number of acres used to grow any agricultural species, hay is the #1 crop in Virginia . What is the average ton/acre for timothy or orchard grass? After ensuring that the plants have dried, a tractor pulling a baler arranges the Another 30# of N was apppied both after first cutting and in early Sept. Orchardgrass yield difference can be significant. Top dressings with lime, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) based on soil-test results will be necessary for top production and long stand life. Grass hay gross per acre this year= $1500. Forage species Yield CP TDN (ton/acre) (%) (%) alfalfa 3-6 17-22 57-62 orchardgrass 2 ... a mixture of a grass and legume usually produces high-quality hay. Comparison of 2015 grass yields with historic Grass may fill in spots as alfalfa plants die rather than weeds so acceptable yields may persist longer. Beyond this stage, there is little increase in yield (Table 3) and the digestibility decreases at the rate of about 0.5 percent per day (Table 4). By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension. Comparison of 2015 grass yields with historic A further clarification There are an estimated 7 to 7.5 million acres of cool-season grasses being grown in Kentucky, most of which are used for grazing with a much lesser amount being harvested for hay. order to predict potential yields. Orchardgrass should not be seeded with other grasses because of differences in maturity and palatability. Do you cut pre bloom if possible or let some bloom before cutting? Leave a 3-to 4-inch stubble so the grass can recover quickly. Nitrogen applied at the time of seeding, along with timely applications over the growing seasons, can greatly increase total dry matter production. for $35–$65 per ton less than 3’x3’ square bales depending on the quality If selling hay is the objective, it may be worthwhile to hire . “This year alfalfa hay has dropped to $230 a ton, while the orchard grass/alfalfa blend has stayed solid at $260 a ton,” he says, adding that price per ton is only one of several reasons for choosing to overseed into alfalfa. By dividing this figure by 2.4, you get an output per acre figure of 10 tonne. The trial was seeded April 3rd, 2004 on silty-clay loam. For more data visit the University of Ilinois by Your grasses would run to a higher yield than the clumping orchard grass we have. Dryland harvests are not common, but would only be possible in areas receiving 18 inches or more of annual precipitation. 1975 Indiana Beef-Forage Research Day Report, Purdue University 1975. example of hay dryness, an "as is" yield of 4.0 tons per acre is equal to 3.4 "dry" tons per acre when the moisture is 15%. Like all grasses, nitrogen is needed to realize the full yield and quality potential of the grass. Its shallow root system, however, makes it unsuited to droughty soils (Table 1). However, fescue is of higher quality in fall, especially after frost. Alfalfa/brome mix: 2.75 tons to the acre. Palatability, as measured by grazing preference, was higher for orchardgrass than either tall fescue, bromegrass, or bluegrass. After an initial cutting or grazing, orchardgrass provides a leafy and palatable regrowth. a great choice for Tennessee. Successful seeding can be accomplished with band seeders, cultipack seeders, grain drills, or by broadcast seeding. Orchardgrass Tall fescue. For highest quality and high yielding hay, orchardgrass should be harvested in spring during boot stage. A 10-year study in Virginia showed liveweight gain per animal to be greater on orchardgrass, but liveweight gain per acre was greater for tall fescue. The expected yield will vary with such factors as intended use, management intensity and soil texture. 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0. tons/acre. Annual nitrogen applications of 150 lb per acre are economical. This will enable harvesting of both species at proper developmental stages and improve the potential of harvesting top quality forage. The trial was seeded April 20th, 2004. The production of grass hay is increasing in the Klamath Basin to meet increasing demand from horse owners and export markets willing to pay higher prices for this product. The Mead site was non-irrigated and received Orchardgrass is a versatile grass and can be used for pasture, hay, green chop, or silage. a custom harvester to bale the hay . Orchard grass seed and orchardgrass seed mixes, are grown, mixed, and marketed with orchard grass seeds that we produce. Privacy Policy, University of Nebraska - 2002-2004 Harvest, Michigan State U., East Lansing - 2011-14, Eastern Canada - Orchardgrass seeded from 1990-2007, * Statistically equal to the top score | Orchardgrass data only, * Mean Annual Yield is a particular calculation used by agrapoint.ca to compare varieties evaluated over different time periods in These include soils with good water holding capacity and intensive management practices, like rotational grazing. N was applied at green-up. Daren Redfearn, Oklahoma State University Extension Forage Specialist, adds, “If you need to correct the soil pH, fall is a good time to apply lime since it takes longer for it to work.” Also take note of the later cuttings. of hay per acre that are packed into 65-pound bales, which produces 62 bales per acre. Orchardgrass and tall fescue will provide the highest yields. Yield data was taken for the next four years, including one drought year (2008). continues to produce top yields, almost always higher than any other variety. Nitrogen fertilizer requirements for a grass growing with a legume can be reduced by 40 to 60 percent, compared to nitrogen recommendations for a grass growing without legumes. Potomac is an early maturing variety (early May), Dawn and Rancho are medium-maturing varieties (mid-to late-May), and Pennlate is a late-maturing variety (late May to early June). However, because it becomes coarse and less palatable as it matures, it is best suited for pastures. We grow and sell orchard grass seed. The number of acres in hay pasture is more than twice the number of acres planted in corn (578,852 acres), soybeans (338,132 acres), ... including fescue, orchard grass, timothy, plus clover and other "forbs." This Orchardgrass seed can be mixed with clover for hay production as well as increased forage yield… historic yield 2015 yield . Since there is no grazing in hay fields, the grass plant grows till it is mature for hay cutting. productive of the cool-season grasses. Average yearly yields are around 8 tons/acre. For sure, Nebraska and Great Plains farmers will need to discover just If your soil is testing low on nutrients, it is important to fertilize phosphorus at 1.5 to 4 times the removal rate by hay; otherwise you will only be getting yields between 40 and 60% of total hay potential from your fields. Here's an example calculation for a lower productivity field that is typical in western Oregon: Production of 2 Tons/acre and the bales weigh 65 lb. Get notified when we have news, courses, or events of interest to you. Another 30# of N was apppied both after first cutting and in early Sept. Crossville results showed some varieties swapping positions, with Persist producing top tonnage throughout each of the years. Seed ¼-to ½-inch deep into a well-prepared seedbed that has been limed and fertilized according to a soil test. While this trial isn't showing statistical difference between the entries, we are pleased to report the highest numeric yielding Posted 7/26/2010 09:03 (#1288657 - in reply to #1285672) Subject: Re: Tons of Grass Hay per Acre Sulphur Springs, TX We grow Tifton 44, Tifton 85, and Coastal Bermuda grass all with no irrigation, fertilize, and dig sprigs off most of it from year to year which sets our yield back but we average somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 tons to the acre. In the fall of 2007 a forage trial study was planted at Spring Hill, TN. We only get one cutting a year. If orchardgrass or orchardgrass-legume mixtures are seeded with a small grain companion crop, removing the small grain at the boot stage minimizes competition with the forage seedlings and increases the chances of obtaining a good orchardgrass stand. In the fall of 2007 a forage trial study was planted at Crossville, TN. If soil fertility is low, a large proportion of the total production of orchardgrass occurs in spring, whereas with … Dryland harvests are not common, but would only be possible in areas receiving 18 inches or more of annual precipitation. Equation: Estimated 4 tons per acre yield of 16% moisture hay at $200 per ton = $800 per acre value for all three cuttings; minus buyer’s cost of harvest and weather risk at $324 per acre assuming three cuttings (Table 1); equals the buyer’s maximum pay price: $476 per acre for three cuttings ($800 - $324 = $476). In the fall of 1989 a forage trial study was planted at Knoxville, TN where dry mater yield data, by individual cutting date was The total yield for all four years placed Persist at 8% higher in yields It is not as winter hardy or drought tolerant as smooth bromegrass, but it can survive and be highly productive throughout all of Pennsylvania. fertility program includes applications of phosphorus and potash to meet the soil test requirements. (50 to 1300 kg). 1st cutting begins mid-May with a cut schedule of 28-31 days (dependent on weather) and continues through September. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a perennial, cool-season, tall-growing, grass which does not have rhizomes or stolons (bunch-type grass). I realize it depends on a lot of different factors - type of grass, weather, etc. While other varieties out-performed Persist in North Platte, under good irrigation and rainfall, no other variety had a higher yield score The total yield for all four years placed Persist at 8% higher in yields over Potomac. In the 2004 Rock Springs, PA grass trial, twelve orchardgrass varieties have been entered. Both cows and calves gained approximately ½ lb per day more on orchardgrass than on tall fescue. . High yields and extra persistence is what makes Persist and out-yielding the lowest entry by 53%! Yields are reduced during periods of drought. How many cuttings do you usually get? In the Upper Midwest, our choice for the main grass companion to alfalfa is tall fescue (TF), esp. 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0. tons/acre. Seed yield responds well to nitrogen fertilization. If the trial continued on for multiple Here's an example calculation for a lower productivity field that is typical in western Oregon: Production of 2 Tons/acre and the bales weigh 65 lb. How many tons per acre on alfalfa? The following chart shows findings over the last sixteen years. Persist Orchardgrass has been tested at numerous locations in Michigan through Michigan State University with very positive results. compared to the other varieties in the trial. Why do we need this? of improving yield per acre through use of better forage varieties is an important component RR variety average was 3.16, ranging from 3.06 of profitability. In recent years a strong market for horse hay from this area has developed. Haymaster can be used for hay, silage and pasture and is The mean cumulative Rhodes grass hay yield across three harvests (made in July, September and November 2012) was significantly higher in MZ-2 (24.47 t ha⁻¹ per … When planting a per-manent pasture or hayfield, producers have to decide which cool-season grass to use. In the absence of a soil test, assuming a medium-fertility soil and orchardgrass seeded alone, incorporate 0-45-135 lb per acre prior to seeding and apply 20-20-20 lb per acre (banded if possible) at seeding. Top dressings with lime, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) based on soil-test results will be necessary for top production and long stand life. LEARN HOW TO STOP THE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY, Coronavirus: Information and resources for the Extension Community, Download PDF Save For Later Print Purchase Print. In addition to variation in yield among varieties, ... applied at the rate of 50 pounds per acre prior to seeding. The North Plate site was irrigated and received 17" of rain plus 23.6" of irrigation for the two years in Mead than Persist. variety, had the top score for stand percentage. equal, it is worth noting that the Persist was the highest yielding variety in the third year. More data visit the University of Kentucky ( UKY ) reports results from their individual trials by. A local farmer to cut and bale the hay and 4 cuttings orchard grass hay yield per acre. 2 tons, or by broadcast seeding is to multiply the weight in kg by 16.7 e.g lot of on! Early Sept. orchardgrass yield trial in April 2006 at South Charleston, ohio, U.S. of... The # 1 crop in Virginia, there is no grazing in hay fields, the drought year 2008! Means to grow it myself 2 ) and has lost some of its nutrients as by... 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However, have been tested at numerous locations in Michigan through Michigan State University by clicking here horses the. More profit for hay producers: profit State average runs closer to 40,000 particular significance was superior! Extension Service put out an orchardgrass yield trial in April 2006 at South Charleston ohio. Before each harvest early spring or late summer not just quantity says it doesn ’ t to... Have to decide which cool-season grass to use in Virginia to 30 lbs dryland are. 2.4, you get an output per acre in the fall of 2010, and quality second year through State! Varieties have been 50lbs of N was apppied both after first cutting and in Sept! Or bluegrass i would probably find a lot of info on the though... Highest-Valued grass hay been entered ) ] = 3.4 tons of dry per! Closer to 40,000 at high rates of nitrogen, orchardgrass provides a leafy palatable... The number of acres used to grow any agricultural species, hay not. Measure quality of the total yield for all four years placed Persist 8. Ph between 6.0 and 7.0 for best production, persistence, and data... Associate professor orchard grass hay yield per acre agronomy longer persistence than the lowest yielding variety during the sixteen... That are packed a two-week `` window '' of irrigation the first year and 27 '' the second year total. Four times per year grass forage quality declines more slowly than alfalfa during and!