I like brassica plots that build up lots of tonnage in August and September. Brassicas can be a little bitter while they are growing and the deer leave them alone; however, after they get nice and tall in October / November, they become much sweeter and are a tremendous draw after a hard freeze. At that point, they start to smell like rotten cabbage, which attracts the deer from far and wide – that smell is sweet to them.
Read MoreVirtual Cover Crop Tour - Spring 2024
Conditions were wetter than ideal, but I was fearful of planting into a “zombie” cover crop. Zombie cover crops are alive enough to block the sun from drying out the ground, but dead enough not to use any water.
Read MoreFighting Hard to Handle Weeds with Alfalfa
Alfalfa may be a great way to control hard-to-handle weeds. Check out this Hay & Forage Grower Magazine article.
Read MoreFall-Planted Triticale / Balansa Clover Update - Spring 2024
You may be thinking about planting some fall triticale, balansa clover, or hairy vetch in the fall. What might things look like the following spring in April?
Read MoreAlfalfa Weevil
When scouting for alfalfa weevil, begin by looking at the newest leaves on the plant. Feeding damage from alfalfa weevil begins as very small pin holes in the newest leaves and damage around the leaf margin. Inspect the plant buds where the new leaves are unfurling and look for a very small green caterpillar with a black head and faint white stripe.
Read More