Alfalfa Hay

Alfalfa is a perennial crop that is produced year-round in the Imperial Valley. The volume and quality produced is dependent upon weather conditions. The major harvest season for alfalfa begins in March and is completed in October, once the temperatures begin to cool down. Typically, premium alfalfa is produced between March and June, then again in October and November. Alfalfa is one of the most nutrient rich feeds used in agriculture. It is primarily used to feed dairy cattle because of its high protein content and highly digestible fiber.

Bermuda Hay

Bermuda was originally grown as a seed crop in the Imperial Valley. Over the past several years it has become increasingly more popular as a feeding option for cattle and horses in both the domestic and export markets. Bermuda is a perennial crop that thrives in warmer weather and is harvested between April and November.

Bermuda Straw

Farmers in the Imperial Valley have two harvesting options relating to Bermuda: seed production or hay production. For those that choose to produce seed, Bermuda straw is the byproduct remaining after the seed harvest is completed. The majority of this product is produced in mid summer, while a small portion is available in late autumn. Bermuda straw is sold both domestically and internationally to feed dry cows or beef cattle.

Klein

Klein is a relatively newer feed compared to other grass hay. It is mainly distributed in the export market, primarily for dry dairy cows and beef cattle. Klein is a warm season perennial crop that is harvested beginning in April and ending in November.

Sudan

Sudan grass is an annual crop that is a great source of fiber. A typical Sudan crop consists of one to three cuttings depending upon market conditions and field rotation. Sudan is viewed as a secondary crop, usually following vegetables or wheat. It is harvested from late May through November depending upon weather and market conditions.

ORPAC

Alfalfa Hay

Oregon has three to four cuttings of alfalfa per year.The majority of Oregon’s high quality alfalfa is grown in the eastern half of the state.The elevation is much higher and there is a slower growing season that produces excellent forage. This gives Oregon alfalfa an excellent feed value. Although there are fewer cuttings per year when compared to other regions, the quality of Oregon alfalfa is very high. First cutting generally begins in late May to middle of June depending on weather conditions and area. The last cutting can be as late as October but is usually finished by the end of September.

Grass Straw

Most grass in Oregon’s Willamette valley is grown for a seed crop.Over the years grass straw has become a valuable source of forage. Farmers began looking for a way to use the residual straw left in the field, from this the export market began.There is a large volume exported to provide a fiber source, many local livestock and dairy producers utilize this source of fiber as well. Oregon’s primary focus on seed production has resulted in some of the most weed free sources of straw that can be found anywhere. There is only one grass seed harvest per year.

Bent Grass

Bent grass is a fine stemmed soft grass that is grown for a wide variety of uses that range from hay to golf course greens. The soft stems and good palatability has made it a good source of hay for local horse markets. The crop is generally baled in late August or the first week of September after the seed has been removed.

Fescue Straw

Tall fescue seed harvest will start in early July and last until August. It is generally grown for seed; there are some limited quantities of hay harvested. Tall Fescue is mostly a forage crop that is well suited for the temperate growing conditions in Oregon. Fescue is usually a good green color that is desired by dairy producers in many countries along with domestic dairies.

Orchardgrass Hay and Straw

Orchardgrass is grown through out the state for hay production. There are up to two cuttings of Orchardgrass hay produced each year. The good orchardgrass hay is highly regarded forage for horses.

Orchardgrass straw is only available once a year after the seed is removed from the stem. Orchardgrass can have a slightly larger stem than tall fescue it is still a good source of endophyte free forage. Seed harvest is typically a little earlier than tall fescue and will continue into early July.

Perennial Ryegrass Straw

Perennial ryegrass is harvested from late July to the middle or end of August depending on variety. Once again there is only one seed harvest per year. Perennial ryegrass has smaller stems than annual ryegrass. Most Perennial ryegrass is used in beef production because of its low color and its unique texture.

Annual Ryegrass Straw

Annual ryegrass thrives in the Willamette valley. Probably the most abundant of all grass crops produced for seed in Oregon. Annual ryegrass is grown for a variety of uses from forage to cover crops. Harvest will start in early July and last until August. Stems vary in size but are usually not much lager than fescue stems. Although stems can range as large as pencil, they will still be quite soft. The stem size is related to the variety and most varieties have smaller stems.