Forage: Star of the north

Forages are important components of sustainable cropping systems in Minnesota. They provide many benefits to producers and agroecosystems. Forages are a primary source of protein and fiber for livestock rations and provide an economic value of about $800 million. Forage legumes contribute biologically fixed N that can be used by companion grasses and subsequent grain crops, and sustain the soil by reducing erosion and increasing soil organic matter levels. Unfortunately the acreage of forages on our rural landscapes is decreasing. For economic and environmental reasons, there is a great need to enhance use of forage crops. This can be accomplished through expanding use of forage species as cover crops, living mulches, and green manure crops and promoting their use as phytoremediators of N contaminated sites, feedstocks for renewable energy production, and producers of genetically engineered products.