Choosing the Best Forage Crops for Kentucky Farms

By Blake Jackson

Forage crops cover nearly 7 million acres in Kentucky and serve as the primary feed source for beef cattle, dairy cows, horses, sheep, and wildlife. According to Garry Lacefield, David Ditsch, S. Ray Smith, Jimmy Henning, and Ken Johnson, forage systems also play an important role in soil conservation, water quality protection, and environmental sustainability.

Understanding forage species and their characteristics allows producers to make informed decisions about grazing, hay production, wildlife habitat, and land management.

Successful forage management begins with proper plant identification. Recognizing the structure and growth habits of grasses and legumes helps farmers select species that best fit their production goals and environmental conditions.

Legumes are valued for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through beneficial bacteria in root nodules, while grasses are often prized for erosion control and soil protection.

Among Kentucky’s most widely used forage legumes is alfalfa, a high-yielding perennial known for excellent forage quality, multiple harvests, and strong summer productivity. It is commonly used for hay, haylage, and pasture but requires fertile, well-drained soils and careful management.

Several important forage grasses are also widely grown. Bermudagrass is a drought-tolerant warm-season perennial that performs well for summer grazing and hay production.

Big bluestem, a native warm-season grass, provides valuable forage and wildlife habitat while tolerating dry conditions. Bromegrass offers highly palatable cool-season forage for hay and pasture, especially in northern Kentucky.

Caucasian bluestem is another drought-resistant warm-season grass that provides summer forage, though it can be difficult to establish.

Among other legumes, birdsfoot trefoil is valued as a non-bloating pasture species that performs well on lower-fertility soils, while crimson clover is commonly used for hay, silage, and soil improvement due to its nitrogen-fixing ability.

Each forage species offers unique advantages and limitations related to yield, quality, adaptability, and management requirements.

Selecting the right combination of grasses and legumes can improve livestock performance, enhance soil health, and support long-term farm productivity across Kentucky.

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