In appreciation to those that produce and utilize forages on their farms, provide forage-related inputs, and educate people about forages.
National Forage Week (June 16-22) is concluding this week. The leadership team of the Indiana Forage Council, a not-for- profit organization (www.indianaforage.org), decided it was important to share on the council’s Facebook page the contributions forage crops provide the world. There was a Challenge Contest this year that encourage individuals to share a picture on Facebook about the theme of the day. If you did not see the daily posts, they follow.
Celebrate every day with an appreciation for all that forages do for the world. Forage systems encompass a diverse array of grasses, legumes, and other plants, and connect many aspects of our lives. By managing healthy forages, we contribute to a healthy ecosystem:
- When forages cover a landscape, soil erosion is minimal, and water quality is improved.
- Thriving forages provide nutrition essential for optimal livestock health and performance.
- The end products of meat, milk and fiber provide necessities for a growing population.
- Forages offer a beneficial habitat to wildlife.
- Because legumes produce nitrogen, the addition of nitrogen fertilizer to enhance grass growth is not necessary on a field with legumes and grasses growing together.
- Someday, high-fiber forages could be converted to a fuel resource.
Have some ice cream and a cheese burger. It is a great indirect way to eat forages! Remember, forages have value to society beyond providing feed for livestock.
