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What Are the Benefits of Forage Sorghum?

Forage Sorghum is a large grass that grows best in warm regions. It can be stored and used as feed (silage) for cattle, sheep and other livestock. It is often grown as an alternative to corn. Forage sorghum is more deer resistant than corn. In the 1850s, sorghum was initially grown for its sugar, according to the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service. By the mid 1900s it was more commonly grown in the United States for forage.

  1. Economical/Easy to Grow

    • Forage sorghum is more economical to produce than corn, and it produces the same amount of silage as corn. It grows to between six and twelve feet fall, and is a good choice in areas where there is insufficient rainfall or where the climate is too hot. It grows best in 75 to 80 degree temperatures.

    Feed Value

    • Forage sorghum has a similar protein content to corn, but higher fiber content and includes less grain. It may be grown and collected in conjunction with soybeans for a higher content of protein in the feed. Additional protein, vitamins and minerals are usually added for most livestock. In some cases forage sorghum is used for grazing.

    Weed/Insect Control

    • There are not as many herbicides available to control weeds in forage sorghum as there are for corn. However, after it has been established, weeds are not usually as much of a problem as it grows rapidly and shades them. Insects do not usually cause any substantive damage to forage sorghum, and its roots generate material that is harmful to corn rootworm larvae. This means that it may be planted after corn, and an insecticide for the soil is unnecessary.

    Pastures

    • It is important to be aware that there is a potential for the formation of prussic acid or nitrate toxicity when it is used for grazing. This typically occurs when the plants are young, shortly following a killing frost or when there is regrowth after a killing frost. Sorghum should not be grazed when it is less than 24 to 30 inches high to prevent poisoning livestock.

    Considerations

    • Because sorghum grows rapidly in warm weather, it serves to furnish a substantial amount of feed during the middle of summer. While it requires a warm and fertile soil, it is drought tolerant. It is relatively easy to grow and is generally harvested before diseases such as stalk and root rot can damage the plants.

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