Forage timeline II: Utilize each cutting as a chance to improve
The first crop of Midwest forage has largely been described as “average” in 2015. Employ the correct forage assessment tool for each cut timeline to fine-tune your forage quality.
View ArticleRaise cutting height when first harvest is delayed
Rain has delayed many folks from cutting alfalfa. If you haven’t taken first cutting yet, it might help if you slightly changed the way you cut this crop.
View ArticleAlfalfa SDI field days scheduled in California’s Central Valley
Many California alfalfa growers are looking to subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) as a solution to produce high-yielding alfalfa. A series of in-field events will feature SDI demonstrations and...
View ArticleManaging alfalfa stands damaged by waterlogging
We are receiving reports and have personally observed fields of alfalfa injured by the excessive soil wetness the first half of this growing season. Generally, waterlogging injury appears as stunting...
View ArticleUSDA Crop Production report has yield surprises
USDA released its latest Crop Production report, surprising trade expectations with higher yield forecasts for corn and soybeans. Of additional interest to dairy farmers, alfalfa and other hay yields...
View ArticleAlfalfa harvest management at Miner Institute
The summer wouldn’t be complete without a discussion of alfalfa harvest management. Most alfalfa grown in NY and New England (probably eastern Ontario and Quebec as well) is seeded with grass, but the...
View ArticleConsider nutritional value when buying hay
"Producers should look at the quality of the feed in storage to ensure they have enough bales to create a balanced ration which meets the nutritional requirements of their cow herd, through each...
View ArticleAlfalfa seeding year management
With today's modern varieties capable of yielding 6 to 7 tons per acre and alfalfa hay prices ranging from $195 to $295/ton, there is an incentive to develop management practices that not only improve...
View ArticleJuly alfalfa hay prices mostly lower
U.S. alfalfa hay prices continue to trend lower, in some areas as much as $90/ton less than a year ago, according to USDA’s monthly Ag Prices report. Sharpest year-to-year declines were in Arizona and...
View ArticleAugust alfalfa hay prices lower
U.S. alfalfa hay prices continue to trend lower, in some areas as much as $100/ton less than a year ago, according to USDA’s monthly Ag Prices report.
View ArticleU.S. alfalfa, other hay exports still feeling 2014
U.S. alfalfa and other hay exports improved in August. However, some of the challenges facing hay exporters in 2014 continue to impact markets in 2015.
View ArticleUSDA updates 2015 crop outlooks
With the harvest season winding down, the 2015-16 dairy feedstuffs supply picture is coming into focus.
View ArticleSoutheastern Hay Contest attracts record entries
Of the 375 entries, alfalfa hay from McGee Ranch, of Idalou, Texas, was judged best in terms of its composition, including protein, total digestible nutrients and relative feed quality scores.
View ArticleSeptember alfalfa hay prices, exports dip
With a few exceptions, U.S. alfalfa hay prices continue to trend lower, in some areas as much as $65-$75/ton less than a year ago. September alfalfa hay exports totaled 150,322 metric tons, the lowest...
View ArticleAlfalfa research projects gain funding
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently awarded more than $1.2 million in Alfalfa and Forage Research Program funding. Research projects will include IPM recommendations for aphids,...
View ArticleNAFA publishes 2016 Alfalfa Variety Ratings
The National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA) released the 2016 edition of its “Alfalfa Variety Ratings – Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistant Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties.”
View ArticleUSDA: November outlook forecasts a $16.40 2016 milk price
USDA’s November dairy outlook reduced 2015-2016 U.S. milk production estimates compared to a month ago, but provided a mixed outlook concerning prices.
View ArticlePractical application of feeding forages
It is now winter 2015. The forage supply for most farms is set in both quality and amount. Feed costs are moderate but margins are still tight. How do we make the best use of this year's forage supply...
View ArticleThe need and how of breeding alfalfa for salt tolerance
As more salt-tolerant alfalfa varieties are developed, managing high soil salinity should become increasingly achievable for forage producers in the western U.S. Highly saline soils have been a thorn...
View ArticleOffense vs. Defense in the crop field
If you’re convinced that you don’t need a trait, don’t spend the extra money on it, because if the threat isn’t present you shouldn’t expect any yield increase.
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