Extension Notes

by University of Missouri Extension

Ammoniating Low Quality Forages

By: Valerie Tate, Field Specialist in Agronomy for MU Extension in Linn County

Cool spring temperatures and dry soil conditions affected the production of cool season grasses like tall fescue, bromegrass, orchardgrass and timothy. The light hay crop means producers will be looking for alternatives for livestock feed this winter. Ammoniating wheat straw or low quality hay is an effective way to improve the nutritional value of these roughages. This is accomplished by applying anhydrous ammonia to a tightly covered stack of bales.

Begin by weighing several bales to determine the aver-