However, including both doesnt fully explain the yield gap. A table of values comparing hay prices at various moisture levels to a standard hay lot at 85% moisture. UW Extension Bulletin A3325, Sampling Hay, Silage, and Total Mixed Rations for Analysis Theres a direct relationship between stand establishment and seeding depth. Maintaining soil pH between 6.7 and 6.9 is extremely important because nutrients are most available (i.e., widest bars) to the alfalfa roots within that range (Figure 3). by Mark Renz, UW-Extension Weed Management Specialist. A spreadsheet designed to evaluate the autotoxicity risk of seeding alfalfa fields back into alfalfa. However, we should remember that every trip over the field does some damage and reduces yield. Applyfertilizer in either spring or fall if soils are not sandy. by Dr. Dan Understander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, How to Get a Good Stand of Alfalfa or Grass by Jeanie Katovich and Roger Becker, Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, and Jerry Doll (emeritus), Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin. Inoculant Effects on Alfalfa Silage: Fermentation Products and Nutritive Value HarvXtra Alfalfa with Roundup Ready Technology is enabled with Technology from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. As you can see below, using USDA & extension averages along with current market data, alfalfa may be up to $100 more profitable per acre than corn and even more so when compared to soybeans. UW Extension Bulletin A3414. Boron fertilizers should never be applied to germinating seed. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Keith Kelling (emeritus), John Peters (retired), Mike Rankin, and Dan Undersander. UW Extension Bulletin A3671, When and How to Apply Aglime Hay yield. Crop Inputs (Fertilizer, Pesticides, Herbicides, etc). This spreadsheet, developed by former Waukesha County Agriculture Agent, Rob Fox, offers users the ability to evaluate the economic return of varying lengths of alfalfa stands. Figure 5. 2008 WI Crop Management Conference, Potato Leafhopper Presented at the 2001 Forage Teaching and Technology Conference. Countywide yields typically include seeding- and production-year alfalfa, thereby reducing yield expectations. Potash fertilizer recommendations should be based on a realistic yield goal and the results of the analysis of a soil sample for K. *Pounds K2O/acre for alfalfa production in Minnesota based on K soil test reported in parts per million. Producers have been using Relative Feed Value (RFV) widely for ranking alfalfa for sale, inventorying and allocating forage lots to animal groups according to their quality needs, as well as determining when to harvest. Haul manure? Because of the low rates of B needed, this nutrient should be broadcast with phosphate or potash fertilizers forbest results. Accumulated or stockpiled forage can be an excellent source of forage for animals. Alfalfa grass is a perennial plant from pea family that is cultivated as an important forage crop in various countries. This soil test has no value for medium and fine textured soils. by Dr. Ron Schuler (emeritus), UW Extension Ag Engineer. powerpoint presentation by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Frost Damage to Alfalfa by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, New Disease-Causing Organisms in Alfalfa:Aphanomyces EuteichesRace 2 and Phytoplasma by Mark McCaslin and Dave Whalen, Forage Genetics, Potato Leafhopper Damage to Alfalfa Understanding NDF Digestibility of Forages, Enhanced Forage Evaluation: NDF Digestibility, Interpretation and Use of Silage Fermentation Analysis Reports, Silage Quality After Applying Liquid Dairy Manure to Alfalfa Stubble, Crop and Soil Management Issues Related to Forage Cation Levels, Feeding Strategies When Alfalfa Supplies are Short, Feedout Losses from Forage Storage Systems, Milk2016 (ALFALFA-GRASS): Index Combining Yield and Quality, Equivalent Purchase Price/Ton of Hay & Haylage at Various Moisture Levels, 2023 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, Non-Discrimination Policy & How to File a Complaint. Different species of animals and forage quality needs. Along with protein, it is also major source of mineral and calcium. Factors to Consider When Marketing Hay The changes in forage nutritive value over time were related to declines in alfalfa proportion rather than effects due to grass species. There are more than 1 million acres of alfalfa in Minnesota, but the goal of maximizing yield isnt always realized. The variability in alfalfa proportion is a result of several different factors including alfalfa and grass seeding rate, soil moisture and temperature, and grass species and variety. Several parameters and nutrients are critical for optimal stand health, although here well focus on soil pH, potassium and phosphorus. If a mixed stand of grass and alfalfa is cut at a 2-inch height, grasses wont grow back as quickly as the alfalfa and will be more prone to die-back. In the spring, when the soil is dry and the plants are ready to be transplanted, the fertilizer can be applied at the same time as the planting of the seedlings. Low legume persistence is also a concern with using alfalfa in pastures. Most fertilizer spreaders cannot be adjusted to apply these low rates. Ideal soil conditions should be smooth, firm and clod-free for optimal seed placement using drills and brillion seeders. However, meadow fescue demonstrated the greatest compatibility with alfalfa by maintaining the highest alfalfa proportions after three years, resulting in the highest ADG and gain per acre. by Victor Cabrera, Lou Armentano and Randy Shaver, UW-Madison dairy scientists. (1993) developed a method for estimating milk per ton of forage dry matter (DM) as an index of forage quality of alfalfa and grasses. Liming materials are not used to supply Ca. In pure Italian ryegrass stands, the yield range across all locations and years has been as low as 1 ton per acre and reached nearly 10 tons per acre in other environments. by Dan Undersander and Tim Wood, University of Wisconsin, and William Foster, Consultant. A Focus on Forage Fact Sheet. Despite these concerns, alfalfa-grass mixtures have great potential for pastures in the Midwest because of the superior quality and yield of alfalfa-grass mixtures. You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 7 days. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Wayne Coblentz, Dan Undersander, and Michael Bertram. The graph at the right indicates that average losses run about 10% for silage and 20 to 25% for hay harvested. When harvested at the appropriate time, alfalfa can provide excellent quality feed. Getting the Most From the Mower-Conditioner Publication A4075, Alfalfa Grass Mixtures|PowerPointPresentation | by Scott Reuss, Marinette Co. *Pounds of P2O5 suggested to apply per acre for alfalfa production based on either the Bray-P1 or Olsen soil methods test reported in parts per million (ppm). Agricultural Agent and Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, Influence of Alfalfa Brown Root Rot on Winterkill by Dr. Richard Muck, USDA Dairy-Forage Research Center, et al. Estimating the Weight of Forage in a Forage Wagon Figure 3. 03/31/23 US farmers expect to plant more corn and soybean acreage. Do full wagons have to be hauled the length of the field? As the growing season progresses, the difference moisture makes is becoming abundantly clear. Smooth brome and meadow bromegrasses showed the typical slower establishment expected in bromegrass. by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Frost Seeding Legumes and Grasses into Established Pastures For the most part, this was achieved. Over 2015 and 2016, mixtures differed by year, with slightly reduced crude protein (CP) in alfalfa-tall fescue and alfalfa-orchardgrass pasture in 2016, although all mixtures had excessively high CP, averaging around 21% for both years. Find out why here. Height: 15-36 inches. Feeding Strategies When Alfalfa Supplies are Short Another critical aspect of managing grasses in alfalfa stands is to watch the cutting height. This cool-season grass is a viable forage choice for alfalfa-grass mixtures. We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. Please click here to continue without javascript.. Texas veteran pays gift of 'Old Glory' forward, Managing silage inventories: What to do if you find yourself short, [Podcast] Being proactive about mental health with Jason Medows. UW Extension Bulletin A2240, Choosing Between Liming Materials A Focus on Forage Fact Sheet. What is the Cost of Seeding Low-Cost Alfalfa Seed? Integrated Management of the Potato Leafhopper in Alfalfa | Paper | Presentation | In 2016, mixtures varied slightly, with alfalfa-meadow fescue and alfalfa-tall fescue producing nearly 5 tons per acre compared to 4.4 tons per acre for alfalfa-orchardgrass. by Dr. Ron Schuler (emeritus), UW Extension Ag Engineer. A PowerPoint presentation developed by Mark Sulc, Ohio State University Extension Forage Specialist, Aphanomyces Root Rot in Alfalfa Unlike corn and other grass crops, alfalfa can obtain nitrogen from the air. Alfalfa is a tap-rooted crop and can last five years and longer under proper management. by Dr. Dave Combs, Dairy Scientist, UW-Madison, Variability of Bypass Protein in Forages How do I submit an idea for an article? For these fields, it may be more practical to double the suggested broadcast rate and apply on alternate years. Sta., Ken Barnett, Farm Management Specialist., and Mark Feuerstein, former Agriculture Agent Door Co. A Focus on Forage fact sheet. UW Extension Bulletin A3620, Assessing Alfalfa Stand Condition in the Spring Both seeding dates have pros and cons (Table 2). Alfalfa proportion in the mixture was the most influential factor on forage quality and performance of grazing cattle, even greater than the companion grass species. Once youve prepared the field and properly calibrated the seeder, the number one cause of poor stand establishment is seeding depth. It is suggested that 15-25 pounds of sulfur per acre should be applied to medium and fine textured soils with organic matter concentrations less than 3.0% if the producer suspects a sulfur deficiency. When lime is used to raise the soil pH to this level and above, alfalfa growth is improved because there is a more favorable environment for the growth and development of rhizobia bacteria. Find the right products and services for your farm, ranch or operation. by Pat Hoffman (emeritus),UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station, et al. A MS Power Point presentation by John Peters and Keith Kelling, UW Extension Soil Scientists. by Daniel Wiersma, former Asst. Don't use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer when alfalfa is seeded in medium or fine-textured soils. Therefore, alfalfa proportions of 40% or greater maximized Holstein steer performance and gain per acre. The effectiveness of liming materials is reported as pounds of ENP per ton. Red clover tends to be one of the most popular legumes because it can be frost-seeded in early spring, helping to mitigate issues with low legume persistence. Temperature and Moisture Effects on Forage Quality Establishing Alfalfa During Late Summer Supt and Brian Holmes (emeritus) ,UW-Extension Ag Engineer. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. Calculating Alfalfa Optimum First Cut Date Spreadsheet It requires making sure that alfalfa has the soil pH and fertility it needs, harvesting in a timely manner, minimizing wheel traffic, cutting close to the ground, reducing field losses, and turning over stands in a timely manner. Each day corn planting is delayed results in about 1 bu/a lost yield at a value of $2.5 to $3.00 per acre. Written by Mike Rankin, Extension Crops and Soils Agent Fond du Lac County. Calculating Alfalfa Optimum First Cut Date Spreadsheet Tests to characterize alfalfa cultivars: From the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. by Wayne Coblentz, US Dairy Forage Research Center, and Pat Hoffman (emeritus),UW Extension Dairy Scientist. Typically, you wont need to re-apply lime during alfalfas lifecycle. To better understand alfalfa-grass mixtures, researchers assessed forage yield, quality and species compatibility of alfalfa-grass mixtures vs. alfalfa monocultures on Minnesota farms. Figure 2. A Focus on Forage fact sheet. A Focus on Forage Fact Sheet. Heaving in Alfalfa Fields Figure 5. Calculating Optimal Length of a Stand of Alfalfa Annually sample soils to mitigate soil nutrient deficiencies. When walking on soil prior to planting, the heel of your shoe shouldnt sink more than 3/8ths of an inch into the soil. An application of 10-15 pounds of sulfur per acre may be necessary under high yielding alfalfa production systems when organic matter concentration is greater than 3.0%. Apply in spring for sandy soil. Click here. How much space does 100 bales of hay take up? Alfalfa regrows from the crown, which is belowground. The approximate recommendations for the use of Ag lime (crushed limestone) can be used when soil testing laboratories report lime recommendations in terms of tons per acre instead of pounds of ENP per acre. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. 2023 This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Boron is also mobile in soils and should be applied each year. by Limin Kung, University of Delaware, and Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist. A presentation given by Craig Grau (emeritus), UW-Madison Dept. How do I get my company listed in your Buyers Guide? 2012 WI Crop Management Conference. Economic Impact of Forage Quality In vitro NDF Digestibility of Forages: The 30 vs 48 hr debate A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by John Peters (retired), UW Extension Soil Scientist, Applying Manure to Alfalfa Several reasons explain the lower county yields. Potassium (K) may be the most limiting nutrient for alfalfa production in central, east-central, and southeastern Minnesota. It allows you to customize your query by commodity, location, or time period. Home Crop production Forages Planting forages Establishing alfalfa-grass mixtures Alfalfa fields continue to dominate the forage landscape across Midwestern states. Sulfur is mobile in soils, especially sandy soils. 1.) But, with knowledge of digestible fiber, we have learned that the fiber of grass is more digestible than that of alfalfa. a NPM fact sheet to help growers monitor and make potato leafhopper treatment decisions, Potato Leafhopper Alfalfas #1 Insect Pest | Paper | Presentation | The recently signed agreement between the groups is part of an initiative to increase conservation efforts. Contract Feed Production Arrangements Use the following equations to calculate phosphate fertilizer guideline for specific expected yields and specific soil test values for P: No phosphate fertilizer is suggested if the soil test for P is greater than 20 ppm (Bray) or 15 ppm (Olsen). Written by Mike Rankin, Extension Crops and Soils Agent Fond du Lac County. Wisconsin Alfalfa Yield and Persistence (WAYP) Program, 2018 Summary Report This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser doesnt support. Dairy Feed: A New Cash Crop | Paper | Presentation | An MS Excel spreadsheet that automatically adjusts hay price based on moisture and quality. The trial showed smooth bromegrass, meadow brome and timothy can yield well, especially in spring, but may not tolerate a four-cut system as well. In summary, alfalfa can be a high-yielding profitable crop if managed as such. A Focus on Forage fact sheet. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. These suggested rates should be adequate for the seeding year. Comparing Forage Drydown Rates Using a Super Conditioner in Wisconsin Effect of Wheel Traffic on Alfalfa Hogg, J.L. by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Ice on Alfalfa by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), UW Biological Systems Engineering Dept., and The differences in percent of total yield among cuttings is more dramatic as the number of cuttings per year decreases from four to three. Site selection is important because alfalfa prefers well-drained, deep soils that dont follow alfalfa. Big Bale Storage Losses; how different options stack up However, this lifespan is similar for all grazed legumes, with the exception of Kura clover, in which 20-year stands are still productive at the University of Wisconsin Lancaster Research Station. The annual applications of S fit easily with annual applications of phosphate or potash. by Pat Hoffman (emeritus),UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station and David Combs, UW Dairy Scientist. Alfalfa field crop trials results: From the University of Minnesota, M. Samantha Wells, Extension agronomist; Doug Holen, former Extension educator and Craig Sheaffer, agronomist, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. Bloat occurs when rapid consumption of legumes causes gases to accumulate in foam in the rumen, which can lead to death. Therefore, keep a close eye on crop growth since temperature and moisture can affect plant maturity quickly (see Figs. by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist. With a proper seedbed, the choice of planter type, when operated correctly, doesnt impact alfalfa yield (Figure 4). by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, and Nancy M. Brehm, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Dairy Science. When selecting fields, try to avoid hilltops, shallow and highly eroded soils and fields with low spots where water is known to pool (Picture 1). by Pat Hoffman (emeritus),UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station, et al. Does Forage Quality Pay? Website: https://ask.usda.gov/s/, June Turner, Director Email: / Phone: (202) 720-8257, Find contact information for Regional and State Field Offices. Department of Agronomy Smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis) is a cool-season grass introduced into the United States from Hungary in 1884. Prescribed seeding rates are designed to provide several times the seed needed to achieve optimal yield under ideal growing conditions. This could be another benefit of contract harvesting. The application of fertilizer N or manure will stimulate the growth of both. If Mg is needed, the use of dolomitic lime will provide enough Mg for production. A Focus on Forage fact sheet. All rights reserved. Plant seeds no more than a half-inch deep. A Focus on Forage fact sheet. Removal of Roundup Ready Alfalfa: What can we learn from 2012, Costs and Benefits of Roundup-Ready Alfalfa in the Establishment Year, Controlling Weeds in a Grass-Legume Mixture, Potato Leafhopper Resistant Alfalfa Varieties, An Update on Potato Leafhopper Resistance in Alfalfa, Alfalfa Potato Leafhopper Resistance Update. This grazing study took place from 2014 to 2016 with 550-pound Holstein steers rotationally grazing from May until October. Many pastures will have accumulated forage this fall due to the generally good late season rainfall and temperature patterns. May 08, 2018, First cutting alfalfa has historically been the highest-yielding cutting of the year. Connect with your County Extension Office , Find an Extension employee in our staff directory , Get the latest news and updates on Extension's work around the state, Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: info@extension.wisc.edu | 2023 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System Privacy Policy | Non-Discrimination Policy & How to File a Complaint | Disability Accommodation Requests. USDA Dairy Forage Research Center. High proportions of alfalfa can overshadow differences caused by grass species in alfalfa-grass pastures, which then results in minor differences in forage nutritive value, ADG and gain per acre due to grass species. Soils in Minnesota contain adequate amounts of copper, manganese, iron and zinc for optimum alfalfa production. Northern and central IL Alfalfa 12-15 Alfalfaa Smooth . A Quick Guide to Understanding Forage Test Results A spreadsheet for calculating the optimal first cutting date and net return per acre based on yield and RFV. Split applications for alfalfa are a good management practice. Soil particles hold the water needed for germination. by R.D. NFTA Forage Analysis Procedure Varieties offer high quality, fast recovery and persistence. Forage quality of most cool-season grasses can complement alfalfa by moderating soluble protein concentration and adding greater amounts of digestible NDF. Repeat the application that was used for the seeding year for the first full year of production. In addition, it appeared to tolerate the cutting intensity of a four-cut system. Use a cultipacker to firm the soil for good soil covering. View the FARM Team web site for current forage budgets and other resources related to forage economics. Soils in Minnesota contain ample calcium (Ca) for crop growth. Alfalfa is a legume that provides an excellent blend of fiber, protein and energy. Why can I only see so many articles before I have to register for the site? Silveira, Departments of Entomology and Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Alfalfa Blotch Leafminer Crop and Soil Management Issues Related to Forage Cation Levels Written by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Seeding Rate of Different Alfalfa Seed Lots 2008 WI Crop Management Conference, Potato Leafhopper Resistant Alfalfa Varieties Research about neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility shows many benefits to feeding ruminants grasses. I recommend the following seven areas that allfarmers should consider if they want high alfalfa yields. A small amount of N may be applied when alfalfa is seeded with a nurse or companion crop. However, north of St. Soils must be limed to a pH of 6.8 to 7.0 for optimum alfalfa yield. Rain Damage to Forage During Hay and Silage Making Alfalfa-grass and alfalfa forage yields for 3 years after seeding in central MN. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. High alfalfa proportions in 2014 resulted in pastures that were too bloat-provoking for grazing; therefore cattle only grazed these pastures in 2015 and 2016. FeedVal 2012| YouTube Demo | Alfalfa Autotoxicity Risk Spreadsheet MS Excel A certain amount of driving over alfalfa is obviously necessary to harvest it. This cutting height will also help to reduce soil contamination in forage as well. Land, machinery, and most other operating costs stay the same whether harvesting 3 tons per acre or 6 tons per acre. Seventy-five years after having demonstrated the need for lime through research, only slightly more than half the required lime is applied in Wisconsin. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Wayne Coblentz and Richard Muck, US Dairy Forage Research Center, Field Drying Forage for Hay and Haylage This spreadsheet developed by Extension Educator Ken Barnett, helps to determine ceiling and floor prices to pay for standing forage. The alfalfa variety used in this study was alfalfa cultivar Ameristand 403TPlus sown at 7 pounds per acre with the companion grasses. Alfalfa is the most productive legume for Missouri, with potential yields exceeding six tons of hay per acre on good soils. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Table 1 shows the seeding rates. In these situations, application of N fertilizer may reduce nodulation. by UW-Extension Agents Ted Bay and Rhonda Gildersleeve, and Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist. The mixture containing 'AC Saltlander' continued to outperform the other mixtures through the next two years of sampling. 4), yield summaries (n=19) were based on a three-cut systems. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. Sandy soils are a bit more forgiving, but its a good idea to limit planting depth to a 1/2 inch regardless of soil type (Figure 5). Mark Renz, Extension Weed Scientist, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Costs and Benefits of Roundup-Ready Alfalfa in the Establishment Year | PowerPointPresentation | per ton is an average value for Ag lime (crushed limestone) in Minnesota. Profitable forage production depends on high yields. When making the decision, the following economics should be kept in mind: When put in these economic terms, the decision should be clear. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by John Peters (retired) and Keith Kelling (emeritus), UW Extension Soil Scientists. 06/29/23 United States hog inventory up slightly.
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