The fourth edition of the Forage Field Guide from Purdue University Extension is now available for purchase on the Extension Education Store website. Created for livestock producers and the agricultural industries that serve them, the pocket guide is a valuable resource on navigating forage management.

Notable guide updates include higher quality photographs, added information to the soil fertility section, new information related to corn production and when it is to be used as silage, and new pages on tar spot disease and the sugarcane aphid.

“The Purdue Forage Field Guide is a 324-page pocket-size resource that should be in every forage-livestock producer’s work vehicle and on every agriculture industry professional’s desk or counter where business is done," said Keith Johnson, professor of agronomy and guide co-author. "If guidelines are followed, forage management practices should improve.”

The guide was co-authored by faculty and Extension specialists who work with the Crop Diagnostic Training and Research Center, as well as external institutions and organizations. A complete list of authors can be found in the guide.

“If you have forages for pasture or hay, or you plan to grow forages, this guide contains invaluable information to make informed decisions," said Ronald Lemenager, professor of animal sciences, Extension beef specialist and guide co-author.