Spring 2023 was no ‘Goldilocks’ spring to be sure. Whether too dry or too wet, too slow to warm up, or simply slammed with the time crunch of annual crop planting, there were geographic areas that didn’t get the opportunity to plant newly seeded alfalfa...
For many of us, in this first half of 2023, we have either seen the drought of 2022 be relieved, or we have continued to suffer. Regardless, it’s a sure bet that hay is hard to find – whether it be on your farm or...
It’s that time of year when we’re all itching to get out into the field – whether it’s to do that all-important first cut of alfalfa or determine if an alternative crop should be rotated in. Evaluating alfalfa stands is an important factor in crop...
March has certainly come in like a lion this year! The winter brought above average precipitation in the form of snow in many areas across the USA. Our winter precipitation may continue as rain during spring if current weather patterns are any indication. What does...
Determine the herbicide classes you’ve been using in your normal rotation, then strive to use different herbicide classes when you rotate to alfalfa. Herbicide rotation has become a key part of most farmers’ battle against resistant weeds. The most notorious and perhaps most wide-spread weed...
Take advantage of late summer alfalfa seeding to get a jump on next year’s yield. Slow initial growth during the 6-8 week establishment phase of alfalfa cuts off a significant portion of the growing season when alfalfa is planted in spring. For that reason, establishment...
Benefits of choosing to plant alfalfa: Nutritional- Lower fiber, high calcium, more protein per acre. Economic- Increased profits from alfalfa, alfalfa benefits cropping systems, higher yields per acre. Reduced risk- Reduced risk, better production under drought conditions, dependable grazing crop. Conservation- Reduced soil erosion & runoff, added manure management options,...
Hay Is In Short Supply The Northeast is not immune to short hay supplies. Western areas of the country hit by drought in 2021 are experiencing the same environmental growing conditions in 2022, short on moisture going into the planting and growing season. Hay stocks have...
A Good Year to Emphasize Glyphosate Resistance Management Given the Supply Chain Challenges with Glyphosate. If you’ve grown used to glyphosate as your front line weed control for alfalfa establishment, this is a good time to consider making a change. Many experts are suggesting that 2022...
Alfalfa’s nitrogen value is skyrocketing along with fertilizer prices. Alfalfa is known as the “Queen of Forages” because of its high yield of high protein forage with a relatively fast ruminal digestion rate. Alfalfa should also be dubbed the “King of Nitrogen Fixation” because alfalfa makes...