Ohio Farmers Face Forage Quality Challenges in 2025

By Andi Anderson

Ohio farmers continue to adapt as 2025 brings another season of unpredictable weather and challenging forage production. After the record drought of 2024, heavy spring rains followed by scattered summer storms created difficult growing and harvesting conditions across the state.

While the extra moisture helped pastures and allowed for multiple hay cuttings, it also made proper drying harder, increasing the risk of mold, spoilage, and inconsistent forage quality.

To better understand the impact, the Ohio State University Extension Beef Team worked with 29 county Extension educators to collect and test 180 forage samples from farms across Ohio. The results reveal a mixed picture and highlight the importance of testing forage before winter feeding.

Spring-calving cows need about 49 percent Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) three months before calving, increasing to 60 percent TDN at peak milk production. Many samples did not meet these levels.

Grass hay tested as low as 25.3 percent TDN and only up to 59.0 percent, while haylage ranged from 42.8 to 58.0 percent TDN.

Mixed hay and legume hay performed better, with TDN values reaching 69.6 percent and 61.9 percent respectively, but results still varied widely. Protein content also ranged from 5.83 to 21.7 percent, when cows typically need at least 7 percent before calving and 11 percent at peak lactation.

The figures represent only basic maintenance needs and do not account for stress from weather or poor body condition.

Experts recommend testing all hay and haylage and planning supplements to fill nutritional gaps. Without proper energy and protein levels, cattle may lose weight, reduce milk production, and face health problems during the winter months.

The 2025 season shows how quickly weather extremes can change forage quality. By monitoring nutrient content and adjusting feeding programs, Ohio producers can protect herd health and maintain productivity, even when field conditions are far from ideal.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham