Recent studies have focused on identifying appropriate forage management, particularly for perennial grasses, to enable high milk production while at the same time allowing for an environmentally and economically sustainable farm system. With corn grain prices expected to continue to rise due to the massive expansion of ethanol production, high forage quality will become even more critical to the profitability of livestock operations. New York State and most of the Northeastern USA must rely on grass and corn silage forage sources for dairy cattle, as much of the land base is not well suited to alfalfa production. Even when alfalfa is sown, almost 90% of the alfalfa is sown in mixture with a perennial grass in NYS. Over the past 10 years grass forage acreage in NY has increased almost 40%, according to NASS statistics. Based on extension surveys, the acreage of alfalfa that is sown in mixture with perennial grass has increased over the past 15 years from 70% to almost 90%. This shift in increased emphasis on grass for dairy cattle indicates that farmers are adopting forage management suggestions that have resulted from Dr. Cherney’s research and collaborative research with other forage researchers.

The $25 billion U.S. dairy industry is under pressure to lessen water and air pollution, while at the same time struggling with low milk prices and increasing costs of production.
Efficient use of forages is seen as a critical component of maintaining an economically and environmentally healthy dairy industry, as the typical dairy ration includes 30 to 70 percent forage. While grasses offer many advantages when incorporated into nutrient management schemes, dairy producers in New York do not typically manage grasses for optimum quality or nutrient management.
Mismanagement of animals, including excessive addition of nutrients to rations, can negatively impact the environment. If grasses are to be used effectively in the rations of dairy cows, factors affecting grass nutritive value and resulting milk production must be thoroughly understood and developed into information of use to dairy producers. Improved grass management in the field and in the cow will have a very positive effect on whole farm nutrient management as well as farm profitability for New York dairy producers. Environmental concerns and interest in sustainable agriculture are trends that will grow even stronger in the future, and forage crop production is one of the best means for responsible stewardship of our land resources.

Cornell animal nutritionists and agronomists have collaborated on a number research studies during the past 10 years to identify management strategies which optimize grass production and quality, while minimizing negative environmental impacts. A number of studies with lactating cows have identified the role of grass in dairy cattle nutrition and feeding strategies to optimize the use of grass in dairy cattle rations. A reference text on grass for dairy cattle was published. In addition, a website (www.forages.org) has been developed to provide NY farmers with information on forage species selection, and site-specific management.

The percentage of alfalfa acreage actually sown to alfalfa-grass has increased from approximately 70 percent to over 85 percent in the past 10 years, indicating that farmers are adopting our forage management suggestions. There is a growing demand by producers for information on grass management and feeding strategies.

Hatch