Forage Winter Wheat Production for Grazing or Hay Production in Eight Montana Counties

Final Report for FW05-012

Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 2005: $19,795.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2005
Region: Western
State: Montana
Principal Investigator:
George Reich
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Project Information

Abstract:

Many agricultural operations in Montana consist of integrated crop and livestock enter­prises (primarily small grains and cow-calf). On these ranches, efficient forage production and use is key for winter feed programs and long-term economic stability. Alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixes are widely grown on over 2 million acres in Montana. Annual forages such as hay barley, sorghum sudan­grass and millet are also important hay sources, both as emergency roughages during drought and as rotation crops when alfalfa or perennial pastures are renovated. The use of these crops has in­creased; since 2000, cereal hay was harvested on about 300,000 acres in Montana, valued at $34.5 million annually. Hay barley, such as ‘Haybet’, accounts for most of the cereal hay, but many produc­ers are interested in winter cereals.

Introduction

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Project Objectives:

This project examined the agronomic characteristics of ‘Willow Creek’ awnless forage winter wheat that will be available in limited supplies for planting in 2007. The project allowed producers across the State of Montana (map 1) to look at grazing potential and hay production of this
variety and decide how it will fit in their specific environments. Producers and technical advisors were able to increase awareness in the agriculture community of winter forage enterprises and Sustainable
Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) project funding.

Cooperators

Click linked name(s) to expand
  • Ron Carlstrom

Research

Materials and methods:

None provided

Research results and discussion:

This grant was spread across Montana and included 11 on-farm demonstration sites, 8 cooperating producers, 14 county agents and researchers. Fourteen workshops and field demonstrations educated 759 producers about the project and forage winter wheat as a hay crop. If Montana State Univeristy had seed available for distribution, 102 producers have stated they would be interested in seeding 9,100 acres.
This project has been a great catalyst for future projects that involve producers, county agents and researchers from across Montana.

Participation Summary

Educational & Outreach Activities

Participation Summary

Education/outreach description:

This grant included 11 on-farm demonstration
sites, 8 cooperating producers, 14 county agents and researchers. Fourteen workshops and field demonstrations educated 759 producers about the project and forage winter wheat as a hay crop.

Project Outcomes

Project outcomes:

See Outcomes

Recommendations:

Potential Contributions

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Future Recommendations

If Montana State Univeristy had seed available for distribution, 102 producers have stated they would be interested in
seeding 9,100 acres.

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Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.