27 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | November/December 2023 sponse. Bottom line, all forages should get sulphur. Supplementary Question: Can I add this sulphur in the fall? Answer: I do not know. I cannot find any research that addresses this question for forages. Another good research project that could be looked at: Timing, rate, and source of sulphur on forages. There are some agronomists who believe adding sulphur in the fall is not only good, but the best way to do it. In the spring when sulphur is not available to plants, because of cold soils, it is often too wet to spring-apply sulphur. If you have fall-applied sulphur, it will be available in the spring. Question: What if the stand does not catch? Answer: There are a lot of questions to seed dealers about replacing forage seed because the stand did not catch due to dry soil conditions. Farmers would like to be reimbursed if the stand does not catch. Since this question comes up so often, growers should ask their seed supplier about their company’s policy on replacing seed because the stand did not catch due to dry weather. Many seed companies have some type of policy for a certain percentage replacement. Years ago, replacing seed because of dry weather was not an issue – it was just a fact of farming. Some years dry weather prevented establishment. I remember what one dealer said to his customer. Farmer: “My seed didn’t catch; I want my money back.” Dealer: “No problem – just bring the seed back and I will give you your money back.” Not sure if that dealer is still in business. Question: Any advice on fertilizer? Answer: I get many questions on what is the best fertilizer for a forage field. My first question, in return, is: Do you have a soil test? Invariably I get one of two responsAnswering Forage questions Forages need sulphur. Fall-applied sulphur will be available in the spring. Patrick Lynch photo
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