Perennial Forage Species Selection Tool

This form is a decision tree to help you determine what is the best forages to grow in your specific situation within Minnesota. It will provide you seeding rate recommendations based on your approach to seeding. Note: if you are raising multiple animal classes or species you will have to submit the form with one class or animal in mind each time. Designed by Troy Salzer and Mercedes Moffett.

What is your soil drainage?

Well drained (no pooling occurs water infiltrates within one hour of rain)
Moderately drained (pooling occurs in low spots, water infiltrates within 6-12 hours post rain)
Poorly drained (pooling remains, water infiltrates in 3+ days)

What is your intended purpose for the forage produced?

Hay
Pasture
Both hay and pasture

What are you looking to grow in this field/pasture?

Grass
Legumes
A mixture of grass and legumes

What is your management approach to this area?

High Management (2 - 4 crops a year, annual fertility application, reseeding every 5 - 7 years)
Medium Management (1 - 2 crops a year, annual fertility application, reseeding every 8 - 15 years)
Low Management (1 - 2 crops a year, seldom fertilized, seldom reseeded)

What animals are you looking at feeding?

Cattle
Horses
Sheep/Goats

What production group of cattle are you raising?

Beef
Dairy

What class of cattle are you raising?

Cow/calf
Yearlings (including replacement heifers)
Grass finished

What class of cattle are you raising?

Cows in milk
Dry cows and Heifers