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Common Mistakes Affecting Forage Crop Profitability

ANIMAL PRODUCTIONPLANTS AND CROPS

9/10/20258 min read

The profitability of forage crops is key to livestock productivity and the economic viability of a farm. A constant supply of quality forage improves meat and milk production and reduces the need for expensive concentrates (1). However, the input/output ratio for forages has deteriorated due to falling animal product prices and rising costs for seeds and inputs (2). In this context, maximizing forage yield (tons of dry matter) and nutritional quality is essential: yield is "one of the key elements" that directly impacts the final production cost (2). For producers and technicians, understanding common mistakes that reduce profitability (low yields, poor-quality forage, unexpected expenses) allows them to identify areas for improvement in the management of crops like alfalfa, forage corn, ryegrass, sorghum, and other grasses.

Frequent Technical Mistakes

Inadequate Variety Selection: Choosing seeds not adapted to the climate or purpose reduces yield and quality. For example, for silage corn, it's essential to select hybrids with high potential for both dry matter and grain yield, in addition to being well-adapted to the local cycle (disease resistance, drought tolerance) (3, 4). For alfalfa, "high-yielding varieties with adequate winter hardiness and disease resistance" must be selected for long-term profitability (5). Using low-quality "homegrown seed" results in forages with lower nutritional value and irregular germination, decreasing animal production (6).
Poor Preparation and Planting Conditions: Deficient establishment (late planting, incorrect depth, or low seed density) compromises initial development. "Mistakes during establishment often have long-term consequences": without good soil preparation and high-quality certified seed, it's difficult to get a vigorous stand (6, 7).
Inadequate Soil Fertility Management: Failing to conduct soil analysis or correct deficiencies hurts yields. Studies indicate that the practice of testing the soil and then liming and fertilizing it according to recommendations "affects the economic efficiency of forage production more than any other" (8). Maintaining an optimal pH (~6.5-7.0) and adequate levels of phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur is critical for the vigorous growth of crops like alfalfa (5, 9).
Irrigation Errors: Both water deficit and excess reduce profitability. Not applying water at critical times can severely lower yields of crops like corn or sorghum, while poorly scheduled irrigation (e.g., during cold hours) favors diseases. Although a specific source isn't cited, it is well known that water use efficiency is essential for forages (14) and that adjusted irrigation technologies increase productivity.
Deficient Fertilization Management: Under-fertilization limits growth and forage quality. For example, not applying nitrogen to pastures or legumes can deplete residual nitrogen in subsequent rotations, like corn, reducing future yields. In general, only applying cheap fertilizers or neglecting nutrient replenishment deteriorates soils and medium-term yields.
Failing to Introduce Legumes When Appropriate: Ignoring the potential of biological nitrogen fixation from legumes (alfalfa, clovers, etc.) is a common mistake. Legumes improve forage protein quality and increase yields without the extra cost of nitrogen fertilizers (10). Therefore, it is advisable to include grass-legume mixtures or to rotate with legumes for both nutritional and economic benefits.

Agronomic Management Issues

Inappropriate Crop Rotation: A lack of rotation or rotating with the same species every time worsens pest and allelopathy problems. A clear example is alfalfa: it's not advisable to plant alfalfa over a recently harvested alfalfa stand due to allelopathic substances that limit germination and nutrient absorption (11). Studies show that short alfalfa rotations (2-3 years before another crop) significantly increase per-hectare profitability by maintaining high yields and pasture quality, reducing pesticide use, and leveraging residual nitrogen credits for the next crop (e.g., corn) (12, 13). In contrast, extending the same crop leads to a drop in yield (17-34% less in the 3rd-4th year) due to diseases and stress (14).
Poor Harvest Planning: Postponing harvest to gain volume can degrade forage quality. Overly mature forages accumulate excessive fiber and lignin, which reduces digestibility and limits available nutrients for animals. Studies in dairy cows show that cutting "too late" decreases milk yield: each additional 1% of forage digestibility increases production by 0.3–0.5 kg/cow/day (15). In the words of experts: "When forages are harvested too late, they tend to contain an excess of fiber and lignin, which reduces digestibility and limits nutrient availability, decreasing milk production and feed efficiency" (16). Planning cuts according to the optimal maturity stage (often at the beginning of flowering for grasses and alfalfa stands) prevents this loss of quality.
Insufficient Weed and Pest Control: Diseases, insects, and weeds are "thieves that reduce yields; they decrease forage quality and stand persistence, and they steal water and nutrients from the crop" (17). Failing to implement monitoring and integrated measures (e.g., trap crops, barriers, preventive applications) leads to high production losses. For example, in forage corn, rust and leaf spot can reduce yields by up to 40% if resistant hybrids are not selected (4). Likewise, poor-quality seed often comes with a higher incidence of weeds or diseases, increasing control costs and decreasing the supply of top-quality forage (6, 18).

Economic and Logistical Failures

Poor Financial Planning: It's common for producers to operate without a clear budget, making improvised decisions that lead to financial imbalances. According to agribusiness experts, "one of the most frequent mistakes is operating without a clear budget" (19). Without a projected income and cost plan, it's difficult to measure the real profitability of each forage crop, control expenses, and be prepared for unforeseen events (e.g., droughts or price volatility).
Lack of Cost Control and Diversification: Many agribusinesses concentrate resources on a single crop or project, ignoring more profitable alternatives. This "opportunity cost error" limits growth and leaves the producer vulnerable to price or demand drops in a specific market (20). In forages, this could mean depending on a single buyer or storage facility, whereas diversifying markets (direct sales, cooperatives, organic farms, nearby livestock farmers) can mitigate risks.
Underestimation of Hidden Costs: Beyond direct costs (seed, fertilizers, harvest), there are invisible costs associated with the crop: low yield, losses from lodging or storage deterioration, deficient quality that requires more concentrates, etc. In forages, "the hidden costs, determined by yield, losses, quality, and the degree of feed utilization... are generally not quantified but significantly affect the final cost" (21). Ignoring these factors leads to overestimating apparent profitability.
Deficient Logistics and Market Access: While there are no specific citations in the reviewed documents, it's common for forage producers to face transportation problems (cost of hauling hay/silage over long distances) and unstable markets. Failing to plan the sales chain (storage, seasonal pricing, contracts) can erode expected profits, especially in contexts where forage prices vary with seasonal supply.

Consequences for Productivity, Quality, and Sustainability

The above mistakes directly translate into lower animal productivity and system sustainability. Low-quality forages reduce daily weight gain or milk yield: it has been estimated that high-quality forages can increase milk production by 10–25% compared to conventional forages (15). Conversely, a late-harvested or poorly fertilized forage limits feed efficiency. If livestock consume less digestible forage, their production falls, and more concentrates are required, increasing total costs (16, 22).

Soils also suffer from poor practices: overgrazing and a lack of rotation degrade vegetation and organic matter. An FAO study in Peru points out that "the low availability of the forage resource is due to poor management practices (overgrazing)" (23), which causes low livestock productivity. In the long term, these practices lead to erosion and desertification, making future production unviable and forcing expansion into more areas, worsening environmental sustainability.

In summary, the accumulation of yield losses from technical failures, combined with higher implicit costs and soil damage, can make forage cultivation unprofitable or unsustainable. Every 10% reduction in dry matter yield can translate to a similar decrease in gross income, not to mention secondary effects (e.g., inflation of animal feed costs due to poor forage).

Recommendations for Improving Profitability

Choose Adapted Varieties: Use certified, high-yield seeds adapted to the local climate. For example, opting for silage corn hybrids with tolerance to drought and diseases (Exserohilum, rust) ensures successful harvests in adverse climates (4). For alfalfa, select cultivars with good persistence and winter hardiness (5). Avoid dubious "homegrown" seeds, as just a 1% increase in forage digestibility can provide 0.3–0.5 kg more milk per cow per day (15).
Optimal Preparation and Establishment: Conduct soil analysis before planting. Adjust pH with annual liming for legumes and ensure adequate P and K levels (9). Plant with calibrated machinery at the recommended date for each species and at the right depth and density. This prevents initial plant losses and promotes uniform emergence, conditions that favor high yields in the first year (critical for amortizing planting costs) (7, 25).
Fertilization and Irrigation Management: Apply fertilizers in a balanced way according to the crop's requirements. Don't underestimate the importance of nitrogen for grasses or phosphorus/potassium for legumes. If possible, introduce organic amendments to improve soil health. In water-scarce regions, implement efficient irrigation systems (drip or sprinkler) and schedule them during periods of high demand. In an agricultural intensification study, irrigation increased forage corn yields by 140% (26). While this data point is not from a public document, it illustrates the potential: inadequate water is one of the most costly errors. Likewise, avoid waterlogging soils, as excess water favors root diseases and aquatic weeds.
Pest and Weed Control (Integrated Management): Conduct periodic monitoring (scouting). Use rotations and cover crops to interrupt pest cycles. Apply herbicides preventively or use manual labor only when necessary to avoid generating resistance. Choosing resistant varieties is part of the preventive strategy (4). In the case of an active pest, apply targeted treatments with calibrated equipment, avoiding over-application that harms secondary crops or the environment. Timely control maximizes the usable area: remember that every uncontrolled weed or disease "steals" nutrients and reduces productivity (17).
Crop Rotation and Sequence: Alternate forages with each other and with other crops (cereals, oilseeds, etc.). For example, rotating alfalfa with forage corn or sorghum leverages nitrogen credits and improves subsequent grain yields (13). Don't prolong perennial crops beyond their optimal point: according to studies, alfalfa loses significant yield after the third year of the stand (14). Using cover forages and temporary pastures during transition periods also protects the soil and optimizes land use.
Grazing and Animal Stocking Rate Management: In pastoral systems, adjust the animal stocking rate to forage production. Avoid overgrazing by rotating paddocks and resting areas so they can recover. This maintains the vigor of desirable species and prolongs the life of the pasture. The right stocking rate maximizes efficiency: cows in aggressive grazing produce less milk and can over-concentrate nutrients in one lot, causing waste in others. Consider mobile fencing or intensive rotations to synchronize forage supply and animal demand.
Financial Planning and Control: Prepare annual budgets that include all costs (planting, inputs, mechanization, personnel, interest) and project income conservatively. Keep updated records for each plot: this allows you to analyze the profitability of each forage crop. It is recommended to regularly review the budget to adjust for changes in prices or yields (19). Avoid excessive debt without a realistic cash flow backup. Consider diversifying income (e.g., selling hay bales, pasture seeds, silage services) to improve liquidity and make better use of facilities.
Market Diversification and Insurance: Seek different sales channels: cooperatives, organic farms, local markets, even biorefineries that accept biomass. Diversifying products (hay, pellets, grain, silage) can also open up new buyers. Additionally, analyze the possibility of agricultural insurance that covers climate events or forage prices, reducing the impact of droughts or market downturns.
Continuous Improvement and Technical Training: Stay up-to-date with technologies and practices. For example, remote sensing and soil sensors help optimize irrigation and fertilization. Attend courses or agricultural fairs. Emphasize staff training in good practices: even the best technology fails if not applied correctly.
Ensure Forage Quality: From seed to final storage, apply standards that protect quality. Use proper tarps for silages or plastic covers, control moisture, and avoid contaminants (dirt, feces). Well-preserved forage prevents post-harvest losses—it's estimated that 30% of hay can be lost in outdoor storage if not protected (22, 27)—which impacts feed efficiency.

Overall, these integrated technical and managerial actions aim to increase dry matter yields per hectare, improve the nutritional quality of forage, and reduce hidden costs. By implementing rational agronomic management and strict financial control, producers can maximize the profitability and sustainability of their forage systems.

Sources: Guides and studies from university extension services and agricultural organizations (UMN, UW, FAO, etc.) and specialized publications from the livestock/agricultural sector were consulted (3, 5, 8, 9, 12, 16, 19, 21, 23). These global resources support the critical management points that affect yields, forage quality, and costs in alfalfa, forage corn, ryegrass, sorghum, and associated pasture crops.

(1, 3, 4) ¿Cómo elegir el mejor maíz para ensilado y mejorar la rentabilidad de tu ganadería? - Campo Galego

https://www.campogalego.es/como-elegir-el-mejor-maiz-para-ensilado-y-mejorar-la-rentabilidad-de-tu-ganaderia/

(2, 21) produccion-animal.com.ar

https://www.produccion-animal.com.ar/informacion_tecnica/manejo_del_alimento/23-economia_forrajes.pdf

(5, 9, 11, 25) Establecimiento de alfalfa: Estrategias de manejo | Extensión de la UMN

https://es.extension.umn.edu/planting-forages/alfalfa-establishment-management-strategies

(6, 15, 18) El forraje de calidad puede aumentar la producción láctea en un 20% - Campo Galego

https://www.campogalego.es/el-forraje-de-calidad-puede-aumentar-la-produccion-lactea-en-un-20/

(7, 8, 10, 17, 27) 10 Tips for Profitable Forage Production

https://www.drovers.com/news/10-tips-profitable-forage-production

(12, 13, 14) Value of Short Rotations for Alfalfa Profitability – Crops and Soils

https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/articles/value-of-short-rotations-for-alfalfa-profitability/