Dr Mike Hutjens Dairy Extension Specialist University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign Jim Baltz Instructional Design Specialist Learning Objectives After viewing this module you should be able to ID: 708534
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Using Soybeans as an Alternate Forage
Dr. Mike Hutjens
Dairy Extension Specialist
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Jim Baltz
Instructional Design SpecialistSlide2
Learning ObjectivesAfter viewing this module you should be able to:Identify the stages of soybean growthDescribe the key factors in harvesting soybeans as a silageEvaluate the economics of using soybeans as a forageSlide3
Stages of Soybean GrowthGrowth 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
stagesReproductive stagesSlide4
Soybean Parts
Unifoliate
LeafTrifoliate LeafCotyledonsGrowing PointSlide5
Reproductive Stages (WI and NC)R1: Beginning bloomR2: Full bloom
R3: Beginning pod developmentR4: Full pod
R5: Beginning seedR6: Full seedR7: Beginning maturityR8: Full MaturitySlide6
Stage Abbreviation
Stage Title
Average Number of DaysR1-R2 to R3Begin bloom to begin pod10R3 to R4Begin pod to full pod9R4 to R5
Full pod to begin seed
9
R5 to R6
Begin seed to full seed15R6 to R7
Full seed to begin maturity
18
R7 to R8
Begin maturity to full maturity
9
Average
number of days for each
reproductive stage
adapted from Soybean Loss Instructions , National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) #6302
Soybeans,91Slide7
Harvesting Soybean SilageHarvest soybeans at R3 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/acreSoybean Silage by Dan Undersander, Kevin Jarvik, Tom Anderson, Nick Schneider, and Lee MilliganSlide8
Yield and quality of soybean forage as affected by harvest maturity
Modified from Soybeans for Hay or
Silage by Dr. Dan UndersanderSlide9
Forage quality of soybean silage not mixed with other crops
Soybean Silage by Dan Undersander, Kevin Jarvik, Tom Anderson, Nick Schneider
, and Lee MilliganSlide10
Soybean HayHarvested at R3 - 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 handledDries slow (may require 2 to 3 days)Raking can lead to significant leaf lossSlide11
Cautions before using soybeans as a forageCheck what herbicides and insecticides were used to ensure no restrictionsContact a crop insurance agent before harvesting for forageSlide12
Economics of harvesting soybeansAs 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 pointNo harvesting charges were included with the soybean seedSlide13
In SummarySoybean forage may an alternative forage for dairy and beef cattleConsider economics of each alternativeBe aware of residue risks and treatmentsSoybean forage will be similar to other legume forages, but not as palatableSlide14
Check out our online dairy courses at http://online.ansci.illinois.edu/
and Illini DairyNET at http://www.livestocktrail.illinois.edu/dairynet/
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Mike Hutjens
Dairy Extension Specialist
Jim Baltz
Instructional Design Specialist