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Canadian Field Peas
The practice of using Canadian Field Peas as an emergency forage crop is
gaining in popularity. The field peas are generally mixed with oats, barley,
or triticale and harvested as haylage. The mixture will be nearly as high as
alfalfa haylage for protein content and will be higher in total energy. For
maximum protein content the mix should be cut when small grain is in the
boot stage. Cutting after the grain has headed out will result in more
tonnage but it will be lower in protein. These mixes are quite palatable and
are well liked by cattle. Dairy cows usually respond with good milk
production. If used as a nurse crop for alfalfa, the 1st crop can be cut for
haylage and the 2nd and 3rd crops can be cut for hay or haylage. Seeding
rate is 120 - 150lbs per acre when seeded alone and 100 - 120lbs. when
seeded as a nurse crop. |
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