Forage Alternative For Alfalfa Winterkill or Saturated Ground

Mar 23, 2021


Forage Sorghum

Forage Sorghum 

Each spring farmers face different challenges. One challenge is alfalfa failing to over winter, and another is wet acres. The answer to both of these challenges is forage sorghums. 

Benefits

Genetics

Improved plant genetics provide excellent nutrition and tonnage, with very high total plant digestibility and palatability.

Economics

Sorghums have an economic advantage over corn by producing more with less.

  • Sorghums can produce yields equal to corn silage and are extremely productive, even on marginal soils.
  • Sorghums have a higher tolerance to stresses such as drought, heat and salinity.
  • Sorghums use about 30 to 50 percent less water than corn to produce similar yields.
  • Sorghums do not require the same high level of soil fertility as corn — about 30 percent less nitrogen is needed to achieve tonnage yields for sorghums similar to those for corn.

Sorghum Plant Types

  • Forage sorghums — single-cut, best used for silage
  • Sorghum x sudangrass — multi-cut, best used for haylage, dry hay or grazing
  • Sudangrass — multi-cut, best used for hay and grazing
  • Pearl millet — multi-cut, best used for grazing, dry hay and for horses


forage-600x400.jpg

Fill out the form below to contact a Premier agronomist and learn more about how using forage sorghum could benefit your operation



Todd Beuthin

Location Manager

Recent Posts

Jan 02, 2026

Cow mineral and creep feed bookings start this month. With spring calving season approaching, now is a great time to evaluate your current mineral program for any gaps or opportunities to improve. A proper mineral program is crucial during calving to minimize issues and give calves the best start before heading to grass.

Jan 02, 2026
Once again, I find myself in the unenviable position of having my life being a warning to others. I slipped on some ice on December 1st and broke my ankle. After surgery and under x-ray, my ankle resembles the hardware section of the Do It Best Center. I’m hoping to be back on my feet in a couple of weeks with a great scar to help my street cred and a dull story to tell if anyone asks how I got it.
Jan 02, 2026
As we kick off the new year, preparation is the foundation for success. January is the perfect time to review last season, set clear goals, and position your operation for a strong 2026. Our agronomy team is here to help you make informed decisions that maximize yield and profitability. Here is a recap of some timely considerations and best practices. Please reach out to your agronomist to learn more about any of them:

Related Topics