The MFRP was begun in 2007 in response to a member survey that revealed that forage-related research was the No. 1 priority among members. Now in its seventh year, the MFRP continues to address issues deemed by its members as research priorities.

Since its inception, MFRP has distributed more than $95,000 to research projects across Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

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 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 eight proposals:

  • Legume-Grass Mixtures for Improved Horse Pastures by Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota
  • On-Farm Evaluation of Five Cool Season Grasses and Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures by Jim Paulson, University of Minnesota
  • Fall Harvest Management of Alfalfa Cultivars with Different Fall Dormancy by Marisol Berti, North Dakota State University
  • Evaluating Twin-Row Corn Silage Production by Kevin Jarek, University of Wisconsin
  • Effect of Foliar Fertilizers and Foliar Fungicides on Alfalfa Yield and Quality by Lori Nagel, University of Wisconsin – Extension
  • Wisconsin Alfalfa Yield and Persistence Project by Mike Rankin, University of Wisconsin
  • Evaluation of Silicone Surface-Based Hay Preservative for Large Square Bales by Kevin Shinners, University of Wisconsin
  • Application of Dairy Slurry on Alfalfa Fields and Effect on Nutritive Value and Silage Fermentation Characteristics of the Harvested Forage by Wayne Coblentz, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center

MFA funds distributed to these projects represent either full funding or partial funding in cases where the researcher was able to leverage other matching funds to complete the project.

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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.

For full reports of previous year’s projects, visit the “Members Only” research tab on the MFA website.  FG

—From Midwest Forage Association news release