Arizona Forage Producers Association Weblog

Saturday, May 10, 2003

Shiwasuaoba, whose name means "December flower" in Japanese, is a leafy, annual ryegrass that produces early spring yields comparable to those of other ryegrass cultivars. What makes it unique is that it matures extremely early, allowing its use for livestock grazing or haying up to three weeks sooner than annual ryegrass cultivars currently in use. As a result, farmers have use of a cool-season forage grass that can be quickly rotated with no-till summer crops such as vegetables and melons.
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"Forages return more money directly to Arizona producers than any other crop, including cotton and produce. The value of all hay alone produced in Arizona was $183 million in 2001(according to USDA figures), about twice value as much as cotton, while farmers themselves realize only a minor portion of the value of the produce crop. The value of our silage crops adds to the Arizona forage total value. And, forage production is increasing! I urge every Arizona forage producer to give this new organization your support with both membership and participation. Go get a neighbor to join up, too. Let's take charge of our futures by defining our products, supporting common objectives and sharing information." -- Lee Banning President

Copyright 2003 Arizona Forage Producers Association