New Forage Budgets Help Farmers Plan Alfalfa and Corn

By Blake Jackson

Farmers planning to seed alfalfa, harvest corn silage or explore native warm season grasses now have updated financial planning tools available. The newly revised 2026 forage budgets from University of Missouri Extension are designed to support informed decision-making, according to MU Extension agricultural business and policy field specialist Katie Neuner.

Neuner says the Extension provides budgets for numerous forage options, including alfalfa, fescue seed and corn silage. Cool-season grass budgets both for establishment and hay production continue to be among the most frequently used resources in Missouri.

This year’s updates include current estimates for seed, fertilizer and herbicide costs, as well as custom hire rates, machinery expenses and realistic yield assumptions.

“The budgets can help you make real decisions, whether that’s figuring your break-even selling price or comparing the cost of production for different forage systems,” said Neuner. She encourages producers to “Use MU budgets as a starting point and customize them for your situation.”

A notable improvement for 2026 is the inclusion of sensitivity tables within the downloadable Excel files. “When prices or yield drop, it’s easy to lose sight of where you stand,” Neuner explained. “The sensitivity tables make it simple to see right away how those changes affect your returns.”

The new budget set includes comparisons of Roundup Ready and conventional alfalfa systems and estimates income for small square bales, round bales and baleage. For example, the small square bale alfalfa budget projects $343 per acre in net income after expenses.

Interest also continues to grow in native warm-season grasses. “The 2026 budgets include five NWSG planting options,” Neuner said. Once established, returns could reach about $200 per acre.

Cool-season grass establishment is estimated at $330 per acre.

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