Part 1, Section 8: Forages
Forages
The forage industry is the major agricultural enterprise in Pennsylvania and in the northeastern United States. Nearly 60 percent ($1.9 billion) of the total cash receipts from the sale of agricultural products in Pennsylvania is derived from meat and milk sales. In Pennsylvania, there are 1,600,000 head of cattle and 100,000 sheep. Forage crops constitute the major feed component in these animals' diet, making forages the backbone of Pennsylvania's agriculture and rural economy.
Pennsylvania is the tenth largest producer of hay in the United States, producing 5.1 million tons of hay annually on nearly 1.7 million acres. Alfalfa is the state’s largest single forage crop, comprising slightly over 800,000 acres and more than one-half of the total hay production. Pastures make up over 3 million acres of Pennsylvania forage production land.
Forages are environmentally friendly in that they can reduce soil erosion, pesticide usage, and fertilizer application. In addition, forages can improve soil structure, increase soil organic matter levels, and enhance agricultural profitability. Pennsylvania agriculture is synonymous with forages and their production and use. You can find more information about Pennsylvania forages at http:// www.forages.psu.edu/ on the World Wide Web.