How early can I cut greenfeed?

[Ron]

My barley is burning up but it is barely headed out, should I wait or cut it? What happens to the protein and ADF if cut early? Will all the leaves drop if I wait? thanks

[dfarms11]

If you can cut it do it! If per chance you get a rain you will probably get a second cut. the protein will be higher now than later. the more mature it is, the less protein there is but you get more energy.

[jmillang]

Dfarms11 you are exactly right cutting before you loose all the leaves will produce a better quality product that you could then mix off and stretch out with other feed sources should you be able to find any. By waiting you give up quality in the hope for tonnage, and a higher energy value. You can always add barley (or corn) to increase energy (grains are almost always a cheaper source of energy than anything else).

Also by loosing leaves you increase ADF of the feed as well.

Also there is the chance that there will be regrowth of some kind, even the stubble could be grazed if it had to be by cows.

[chalmers]

Due to the drought stress on your greenfeed there is a possibility of nitrates so make sure you test it prior to feeding so you can mix it off if nitrates are an issue.

[andersoj]

If the barley has headed but there is nothing in the head, should we cut it? Will there be regrowth if it is cut after it has headed out?