Forages are grown on 2.982 million acres in Oregon, with hay alone ranking 3rd of all Oregon crops with a value of $585 million. Oregon’s most valuable forage crop is alfalfa hay, grown on 420,000 acres, a production of over 2 million tons and valued at $354 million. Other hay is grown on 680,000 acres and the 1.36 million tons is valued at $231 million. Cultivated pastures are grown on 850,000 acres, with the 2.5 million tons valued at $175 million. Hill-land pastures are grown on 1 million acres, with 3 million tons and valued at $150 million. Corn silage is grown on 32,000 acres, produces 864,000 tons and is valued at $43 million. In total, Oregon forages are valued at $1.184 Billion.
In addition to their financial value and support of Oregon’s livestock industries, forages protect and improve soils, promote less pesticide use, diversify income, and add beauty to the landscape.
Forages respond to good management, whether mechanically harvested for green-chop, hay, or silage or if they are to be grazed by livestock.
Forages are grown on 2.982 million acres in Oregon, with hay alone ranking 3rd of all Oregon crops with a value of $585 million.
Welcome to Oregon Forages, where you can find principles and practices to increase forage yield, quality, persistence, and profitability in an environmentally sustainable manner.
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Oregon State University
Crop Science Building Corvallis, OR 97331 Send Email |
