Depending on region, livestock type, and forage source, it is safe to say many livestock producers could be planning to augment forage stands as soon as possible this spring. Having a better understanding of what alfalfa stands might look like in a couple of months will help guide those decisions. Alfalfa injury or death (from winter weather OR overall plant hardiness) occurs because of a myriad of factors:
Read MoreLate Summer Alfalfa Management Considerations
I’ve started to receive a lot of questions from our dealers and farmers about fall management in alfalfa stands and how dry soil conditions and a shortage of available forage might be cause for us to re-assess our normal plans for this year’s situation. Here are my thoughts on the top two questions I have received.
Read More
The Time is Now to Scout Alfalfa Fields
Two recent articles published by the Agronomic Crops Network, Ohio State University Extension - highlight the importance of scouting alfalfa fields. One article touches on NDF while the other highlights a common pest, the weevil. Check out the links below.
Time to Check Out Your Forage Legume Stands
The Ohio State University has published a couple of nice pieces encouraging us all to check out our forage legume stands. The links are below.
Be on the Lookout for Alfalfa Weevils
Indiana has had enough warm, spring days for alfalfa growers to start seeing alfalfa weevil emerging in their fields. So producers should be scouting for the pest now instead of waiting to see obvious damage before doing anything about it, a Purdue Extension entomologist says.
The early season pest is active in both adult and larval forms in the spring, and heavy infestations can be destructive to the alfalfa crop.
Read More