Forage Identification Guide
A field guide for identifying common forage plants, with features to note for each, used by graziers learning what is growing in their pastures. Work through the steps in order, and keep notes on what you decide for future reference.
GuideForages, Pasture & GrazingFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Collect a whole plant sample
- Note growth habit
- Check leaf shape and arrangement
- Look at the stem and nodes
- Examine seed head or flower
- Check roots or runners
- Compare with an extension key
- Record species and location
How to use this guide
Walk a new hand through the steps once, then let them use the page on their own. Add your own notes as you learn what works.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA NRCS.
For more in this area, see the ranch beef reference. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Dairy One Forage Lab Rates Hay “Adequate”; Farmer Rates Its Price “Catastrophic”, and farming farm stories.