Alfalfa

Alfalfa Harvest Delayed? Adjust Cutting Height

June 1, 2016

Two weeks of intermittent rains have delayed alfalfa harvest for many producers. As of Sunday, May 29, first cutting had been taken on 31% of the state's alfalfa crop, ahead of last year's 19% and the five-year average of 27%. If you weren't one of the lucky growers who got theirs cut and put up before more more rains came, you may want to consider adjusting your cutting height.

Potato Leafhoppers Feeding in Alfalfa Earlier than Normal

May 25, 2016

Potato leafhoppers have been reported in alfalfa in southeastern and northeastern Nebraska. This is somewhat earlier than usual and growers should be alert to potential damage and protecting their alfalfa where numbers indicate treatment thresholds would be met.

Assess Condition of Alfalfa Fields at First Harvest

May 19, 2016

First cutting of alfalfa is here or approaching rapidly and presents a good time to evaluate field conditions and plan management.

Biological control insects and alfalfa aphids

Aphids Active in Nebraska Spring Alfalfa

May 6, 2016

Examination of an alfalfa field in northeast Nebraska this week revealed some alfalfa weevil larvae (under threshold at just over one larvae/sweep) and a surprisingly high population of pea aphids. This was somewhat unexpected due to the recent winds and rain which often dislodge aphids from plant stems, resulting in reduced pea aphid numbers. See story for biocontrol information and aphid scouting and treatment recommendations.

Scout for Alfalfa and Clover Leaf Weevils

May 5, 2016

Guide to identifying and managing alfalfa and clover leaf weevils in alfalfa. While research in northeast Nebraska has shown that clover leaf weevil larva feeding does not cause yield reduction to first cutting alfalfa, alfalfa weevil feeding can cause severe losses to yield and quality of the first cutting. This is why it's important to correctly identify the type of weevil feeding causing damage.

Postemergence Weed Control in Alfalfa

May 4, 2016

With all the recent moisture, alfalfa is growing well — as are broadleaf and grassy weeds in the alfalfa. Here are a couple methods for controlling weeds before they affect alfalfa yield.

How Early Can Alfalfa be Cut?

April 28, 2016

First cutting often is the most important cutting of the year. It usually produces the most yield and its forage quality changes fastest from day to day. Alfalfa started growing like gangbusters this spring, is almost knee high in some places, and could be ready to cut soon.

Preseason Hay Equipment Maintenance

April 22, 2016

Take advantage of these rainy days to maintain your haying equipment and prevent costly downtime later. Listed tasks can help ensure you cover the essentials.

Explore Tags