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  September 6, 2010  
Livestock Feed Minimize

For decades, Oregon-grown annual ryegrass has been a primary source for flavorful and highly nutritious forage and hay for livestock. Since 1990, it has become part of a new recipe for successful farms when used as a cover crop, especially in no-till acreage. University research and extended farm trials have shown annual ryegrass to be effective over a wide range of soil types and farm crops.
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ResourcesHistory of Annual RyegrassProgression of Annual Ryegrass as a Cover Crop   
 

History of Annual Ryegrass as a Cover Crop

The study of annual ryegrass (ARG) began more than 30 years ago, during a time when cover crops were beginning to gain some followers. But only in the past 10 years has the study of annual ryegrass really yielded scientific answers and quantifiable results.

 Early 1990s

  • research cover crops in use in the Midwest region – Indiana, Illinois primarily

  • talk with Midwest university agronomists and farmers about no-till

  • work with Oregon grass seed growers and Oregon State Univ. extension on variety research

  • Sponsor university research (Purdue Univ., U of Kentucky, U of Missouri)

Mid 1990s

  • Start working with Mike Plumer, Univ. of Illinois extension educator on crop trials

  • Identify and begin work with farm “cooperators” to grow small test plots – IN, IL mainly

  • Oregon Ryegrass Commissioners and seed farmers commit more time to marketing ARG

  • Attend trade shows and farm expos to learn more and begin education on ryegrass

  • Conduct in-field test pit analysis for study and for education of others

Late 1990s

  • Expand the number of farm cooperators in Midwest

  • Expand the Midwest states for focus and education – Ohio, Missouri, Iowa

  • Begin similar research in southern states with peanut and cotton crops: Georgia primarily

2000 - 2010

  • Sponsor No-Till Conferences

  • Hire Midwest project coordinator – a career NRCS agronomist and soil science advisor

  • Seminars at a variety of trade shows and conferences

  • Conduct replicable variety trials in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio

    • winter hardiness
    • herbicide effectiveness
    • soybean cyst nematode suppression
    • mixing annual ryegrass seed with livestock manure application

  • Education outreach about the management aspects of annual ryegrass

  • New partnerships develop with universities, crop associations, conservation agencies and independent growers.
 
 
 

 

 

 
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