Articles tagged under: alfalfa
Alfalfa Navigates Relentless Rains
Published July 19, 2024
There's a big hay crop this year if growers can put up the crop between the rains. “People that are taking high moisture hay are taking the third crop right now,” said Jeff Jackson, forage and alfalfa specialist, CROPLAN. “People…Alfalfa Variety Selection Should Not be Ignored
Published March 21, 2024
Insects and diseases continue to evolve. According to Land O’Lakes Alfalfa & Forage Specialist Jeff Jackson, seed treatments and new chemistries can help, but variety selection also has a role. "If you're not paying attention to variety selection and finding…Winterkill Possible This Month
Published March 1, 2024
A lack of winter snowpack shouldn’t be a huge issue for alfalfa stands in the Northern Plains yet. University of Minnesota Extension Forage Agronomist Craig Sheaffer foresees bigger problems if drastic temperature fluctuations continue."Watch out for March, March is a killing…Alfalfa Approved for Conservation Crop Rotation in MN
Published January 22, 2024
NRCS has added a short-term perennial option to the list of crops approved for a conservation crop rotation in Minnesota and Michigan. The National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance has been working with USDA and Congress to incentivize the use of…Pasture Conditions Improve in SE North Dakota
Published July 11, 2023
At Monango, North Dakota, pastures have greened up after the late-June rains. “The last week of June most of the area caught anywhere from 3.5-to-5.5 inches of rain," said Mark Wagner. "The second cutting of alfalfa is coming on strong…Dealing With Hail-Damaged Forage Crops
Published July 7, 2023
University of Minnesota Extension Forage Agronomist Craig Sheaffer says it is important to assess the damage done to the alfalfa crop after a hail event before deciding how to proceed. “If alfalfa is within two weeks of harvest and has…First Crop Alfalfa is Maturing
Published May 31, 2023
Early spring weather was a back and forth warm and cold pattern. CROPLAN Alfalfa and Forage Specialist Jeff Jackson says the weird early weather pattern means alfalfa could mature before flowering. "If you don't get the first cutting off, you…Reasonable Alfalfa Prices
Published March 2, 2023
The cold start to the winter depleted hay stocks. NDSU Extension Forage Crops Specialist James Rogers says hay prices are sitting at a reasonable rate. "Alfalfa prices are fairly reasonable for beef quality hay. It looks like alfalfa hay might…Alfalfa Crop is Close to Blooming
Published June 20, 2022
North Dakota State University Extension Forage and Crop Specialist James Rogers says cutting a quality forage is a balancing act. "The highest quality alfalfa is when that plant is in the vegetative stage, but that's also the lowest quantity. We…