October Alfalfa Harvest Considerations
September 30, 2020
With droughty conditions across the state and late season moisture regenerating stands of alfalfa, is there still an opportunity to take October alfalfa cuttings? And which stands could handle a late season cut?
Evaluating Alfalfa Stands Part II - Renovation Options
August 12, 2020
Typically, alfalfa’s autotoxicity makes planting into established stands impossible. However, in new stands that are less than 12 months old, there is a chance that reseeding alfalfa in areas that are extremely thin or void of alfalfa may see success.
Evaluating Alfalfa Stands Part 1 - Using the Hay Square Method
August 5, 2020
Were you expecting more from your alfalfa yields? Is it time to renovate, start over, or move on? Typically, evaluating stands occurs in the spring, but evaluating this fall will give you a better idea going forward and allow more time for future options.
Estimating a Fair Value for Standing Forage
July 29, 2020
Several things need to be considered when deciding what value to place on standing forage. Forage prices reflect current inventories, demand, expected current season production and associated yield risk, and quality characteristics.
How Summer Heat Affects Forage Growth
July 18, 2019
High heat can stress forage growth, especially with cool-season varieties. Adjusting management to allow increased time for recovery may be needed.
Seed Supply of Summer Annual Forages May be Short
May 22, 2019
Several factors this spring may be limiting alfalfa and hay production, making summer annual forages a good option to ensure livestock feed is available later. If you're consider this, be sure to obtain the seed you want before supplies tighten.
Summer Annual Forages Following a Failed Wheat Crop
May 10, 2019
With a good soil moisture profile but a failing wheat crop, planting summer annual forages may be a good alternative. The summer annual forage that is the best fit will depend on the production system and goals of the producer.
Native Warm-Season Grass Management and Planting Decisions for Alternative Forages
January 9, 2019
One of the most important drivers of productivity and cost effectiveness of annual forages is planting date. Having realistic planting date expectations is one key to proper species selection.