Begun in 2007 in response to a member survey, which revealed that forage-related research was the top priority among members, the MFRP continues to address issues deemed by its members as research priorities. In January, MFA distributed its request for proposals to forage agronomists and extension personnel at the land grant universities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
The request for proposals called for the submission of one-year, forage-related research proposals, which specifically addressed one or more of MFA’s research priorities. Projects were funded based upon a number of factors including industry need, cost effectiveness and partnership.
The board of directors distributed funding to the following six proposals:
- On Farm Evaluation of Annual Forage Crops for Cover Crop Forage – Jim Paulson, University of Minnesota
- Seeding Rates and Plant and Stem Density as Tools to Estimate Forage Yield in Glyphosate Tolerant Alfalfa – Marisol Berti, North Dakota State University
- Assessment of Corn Silage Kernel Processing Score via Digital Image Processing Techniques – Brian Luck, University of Wisconsin
- Strategies to Reduce Damage from Aphanomyces Root Rot on Alfalfa – Deb Samac, USDA-ARS
- Wisconsin Alfalfa Yield and Persistence Project – Mike Rankin, University of Wisconsin
- Optimizing Establishment Success and Persistence of Alfalfa When Seeded with Corn Silage – Mark Renz, University of Wisconsin
The MFRP is critical in maintaining an infrastructure intended to address the priority research needs of MFA’s forage producers. It is hoped that with continued focus on the benefits and results of these projects both funding and participation in the program will continue to grow. FG
—From Midwest Forage Association news release
