Table 1. Yield and forage quality of alfalfa and corn grown at WBDC, Lanigan Saskatchewan in 2011. Alfalfa Corn Differencez Total yield t DM/ac 4.7 4.8 Crude Protein % 22.1 7.4 ** TDN % 63.4 69.4 ** Calcium % 1.45 0.20 ** Phosphorus % 0.36 0.22 ** Magnesium % 0.33 0.16 ** Potassium % 2.67 0.93 ** Acid Detergent Fiber % 31.8 33.4 Neutral Detergent Fiber % 37.3 56.7 ** Lignin % 5.9 2.8 ** Fat % 2.1 1.2 ** Ash % 9.7 3.6 ** Cost $/lb of hay or silage 0.042 0.052 z Statistically different by paired t test at 95% confidence. ** Asterisks in the difference column indicate statistically significant results in t-test comparison. Cost of Production comparison Comparing the cost of hay and standing corn for grazing can be challenging from several perspectives. Hay is frequently traded between farm units so a market price can be established but the value of corn grazing is less well known. WBDC valued hay at $85/ton because of prices paid for hay in 2014. Standing corn can be valued compared to the grazing days it provides to wintering beef cows (moderate frame size 1400 lb) based on the value of hay that it replaces. WBDC used that approach in this cost of production (COP) calculator (Table 2). WBDC costs were used in the costs” section of the calculator. Entering your “Our operation’s costs will allow you to compare your net returns for alfalfa hay vs corn grazing.
Table 1. Yield and forage quality of alfalfa and corn grown at WBDC, Lanigan Saskatchewan in 2011. Alfalfa Corn Differencez Total yield t DM/ac 4.7 4.8 Crude Protein % 22.1 7.4 ** TDN % 63.4 69.4 ** Calcium % 1.45 0.20 ** Phosphorus % 0.36 0.22 ** Magnesium % 0.33 0.16 ** Potassium % 2.67 0.93 ** Acid Detergent Fiber % 31.8 33.4 Neutral Detergent Fiber % 37.3 56.7 ** Lignin % 5.9 2.8 ** Fat % 2.1 1.2 ** Ash % 9.7 3.6 ** Cost $/lb of hay or silage 0.042 0.052 z Statistically different by paired t test at 95% confidence. ** Asterisks in the difference column indicate statistically significant results in t-test comparison. Cost of Production comparison Comparing the cost of hay and standing corn for grazing can be challenging from several perspectives. Hay is frequently traded between farm units so a market price can be established but the value of corn grazing is less well known. WBDC valued hay at $85/ton because of prices paid for hay in 2014. Standing corn can be valued compared to the grazing days it provides to wintering beef cows (moderate frame size 1400 lb) based on the value of hay that it replaces. WBDC used that approach in this cost of production (COP) calculator (Table 2). WBDC costs were used in the “Our costs” section of the calculator. Entering your operation’s costs will allow you to compare your net returns for alfalfa hay vs corn grazing.
Alfalfa%20as%20Feed%20Fact%20-%20Worksheet%20SASPDC.docx