Organic livestock and dairy producers must maintain high forage yields and quality to sustain animal health and productivity. Successful forage production depends on species selection, soil health, nutrient cycling, and best grazing practices. Increasing climate volatility, inadequate research investment, and declining university expertise in forage production make forage management more challenging. The goal of this planning project was to establish a research agenda to address forage management challenges, enhance farm resilience, and maximize on-farm forage production and quality.

Three virtual focus group meetings were held in April 2021 (total 24 farmers and other dairy industry reps). A survey of organic dairy and forage producers received 165 responses identifying current practices, weather-related challenges, and technical assistance needs. Scientists met in 2022 to review survey and focus group findings, establish research and outreach priorities, and launch research proposal development. Farmer-identified needs include:
(1) Pasture renovation with reduced or no-tillage.
(2) Forage species, varieties and mixtures that meet animal nutrition needs, extend the grazing season, and improve resilience to weather extremes, pests, and diseases.
(3) Cost-effective pasture fertility management, manure, composting, and micronutrients.
(4) Research into improving forage nutritional quality through best harvest timing, storage methods, and forage plant breeding for organic systems.