Ohio Department of Agriculture Program Producer Agreement and Program Details
FSM LEWLB-WD helps reduce nutrient and sediment run-off with a combination of perennial forage species which also produce a profitable hay crop. Alfalfa takes up significant amounts of phosphorus making it an important asset for the program. FSM Brand alfalfas have proven yield punch, winter-hardiness, outstanding disease and pest resistance as well as fine-stems and numerous leaves. The minimum of 50% cool season grass components include endophyte free tall fescue, late maturing orchardgrass, and Italian ryegrass.
FSM LEWLB-PD combines densely-rooted grasses with moisture tolerant legumes to accomplish the dual goals of reducing sediment and nutrient run-off and productive, quality, cool season grass hay. In addition to Italian ryegrass, late-maturing timothy, and endophyte-free tall fescue, FSM Brand LEWLB-PD contains trefoil and red clover. Trefoil is a legume that thrives in soils too wet for alfalfa. When given adequate nutrients, it will contribute yield and protein to hay produced on these soils. Low-pubescence Freedom red clover can last up to 3 years without reseeding. It is the best choice to maximize the legume component of hay on poorly drained soils with minimal dust and mold issues.