Using Soybeans as an Alternate Forage Dr Mike

Using Soybeans as an Alternate Forage • Dr. Mike Hutjens Dairy Extension Specialist Jim Baltz Instructional Design Specialist University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Learning Objectives • After viewing this module you should be able to: – Identify the stages of soybean growth – Describe the key factors in harvesting soybeans as a silage – Evaluate the economics of using soybeans as a forage University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Stages of Soybean Growth • Growth staging: A growth stage for a field begins when at least 50% of the plants have reached or are beyond a certain stage and stages may overlap. – – Vegetative stages Reproductive stages University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Soybean Parts Trifoliate Leaf Cotyledons University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Growing Point Unifoliate Leaf

Reproductive Stages (WI and NC) • • R 1: Beginning bloom R 2: Full bloom R 3: Beginning pod development R 4: Full pod R 5: Beginning seed R 6: Full seed R 7: Beginning maturity R 8: Full Maturity University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Average number of days for each reproductive stage Stage Abbreviation R 1 -R 2 to R 3 Stage Title Average Number of Days Begin bloom to begin pod 10 R 3 to R 4 Begin pod to full pod 9 R 4 to R 5 Full pod to begin seed 9 R 5 to R 6 Begin seed to full seed 15 R 6 to R 7 Full seed to begin maturity 18 R 7 to R 8 Begin maturity to full maturity 9 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign adapted from Soybean Loss Instructions , National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) #6302 Soybeans, 91

Harvesting Soybean Silage • Harvest soybeans at R 3 stage, when one of the four top nodes with a fully-developed leaf has a 3/16 -inch-long pod. • Wilt forage to 35% to 45% dry matter before ensiling depending on storage unit. • Chop at 3/8 -inch theoretical length of cut (TLC). • Add an inoculant (similar to an effective alfalfa/legume inoculant) • Yields in drought year 1 to 2 tons/acre University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Soybean Silage by Dan Undersander, Kevin Jarvik, Tom Anderson, Nick Schneider, and Lee Milligan

Yield and quality of soybean forage as affected by harvest maturity University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Modified from Soybeans for Hay or Silage by Dr. Dan Undersander

Forage quality of soybean silage not mixed with other crops University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Soybean Silage by Dan Undersander, Kevin Jarvik, Tom Anderson, Nick Schneider, and Lee Milligan

Soybean Hay • Harvested at R 3 - when one of the top four nodes with a fully developed leaf has a 3/16 -inch long pod. • Limit leaf loss by limiting number of times it’s mechanically handled • Dries slow (may require 2 to 3 days) • Raking can lead to significant leaf loss University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Cautions before using soybeans as a forage • Check what herbicides and insecticides were used to ensure no restrictions • Contact a crop insurance agent before harvesting forage University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Economics of harvesting soybeans • As forage, assume 1 ½ tons of dry matter per acre valued at $200 a ton or $300 per acre. • As seed, $300 per acre / $15 per bushel, less than 20 bushels may be the break point • No harvesting charges were included with the soybean seed University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

In Summary • Soybean forage may an alternative forage for dairy and beef cattle • Consider economics of each alternative • Be aware of residue risks and treatments • Soybean forage will be similar to other legume forages, but not as palatable University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Check out our online dairy courses at http: //online. ansci. illinois. edu/ and Illini Dairy. NET at http: //www. livestocktrail. illinois. edu/dairynet/ Dr. Mike Hutjens Dairy Extension Specialist Jim Baltz Instructional Design Specialist University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign