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Check forage crop planting windowsBy David G. Hallauer Meadowlark District Extension Agent With forage supplies tight, and some stands damaged by continued drought, you might be giving thought to reseeding, overseeding, or new seedings of a forage crop. The following is a list of some of our more commons species and recommended planting windows: --Spring oats: Feb. 20 to March 15 (plant early to maximize forage production). --Alfalfa: April 10 to May 10 (requires some fertility correction in most cases so plan ahead, soil test, and correct ahead of time to ensure a good stand). --Red clover: March 1 to 15 (there are a number of different ways to interseed red clover that can be successful). --Cool-season grasses (fescue/brome): Feb. 15 to March 15 (not as "finicky" as alfalfa from a soil fertility standpoint, but low fertility sites could be an issue; if you haven't planted brome in a while, seed could be in short supply). --Summer annual forages (e.g., pearl millet, forage sorghum): when soil temperatures reach 70 to 75 degrees F. Prepare well in advance to ensure a successful seeding. For information on cultural practices for each of these crops, contact your Extension office. Date: 3/11/2013
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