In many situations, it may be better to cut alfalfa and take some risk of rain rather than to wait and realize the surety of forage quality decline. by Dan Undersander and Dan Wiersma, University of Wisconsin Forage Agronomists. In addition to locating well-drained, deep soils, following alfalfa in the rotation with newly seeded alfalfa is not advisable due to autotoxicity. A Focus on Forage fact sheet. It only takes a few seconds! Therefore, alfalfa proportions of 40% or greater maximized Holstein steer performance and gain per acre. Integrated Management of the Potato Leafhopper in Alfalfa | Paper | Presentation | The amounts of phosphate or potash needed for the second and third production years can be based on the results of this test. Presented at the 2002 Wisconsin Forage Symposium. Heat Damaged Forages: Effects on Forage Energy Content Marshfield Ag Res. Avoid unnecessary trips across the field when harvesting, Mowing and conditioning in a single operation. 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. by Dan Undersander and Tim Wood, University of Wisconsin, and William Foster, Consultant. by Wayne Coblentz, US Dairy Forage Research Center, and Pat Hoffman (emeritus),UW Extension Dairy Scientist. Provides current soil test and fertilizer recommendations for all field crops (including alfalfa). Sulfur is mobile in soils, especially sandy soils. Leaves: Pinnately trifoliolate (three leaflets per leaf); serrations on tip of leaflets; stipules have teeth, lobes and sharp pointed tips. It is a perennial plant and can supply fodder for 3-4 year in same growing. Alfalfa has nutrient requirements that must be met for good yield. Generally dairymen have perceived grasses to be too high in fiber for high producing dairy cows. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Keith Kelling (emeritus), John Peters, Mike Rankin, and Dan Undersander. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, Minimizing Wheel Traffic Damage to Alfalfa When seeding alfalfa in Minnesota, there are two options for timing: Spring and summer. Therefore, about 10 lb per acre of this mixture should be adequate under ideal conditions, but it was seeded at 20 lb per acre to provide greater assurance of successful establishment. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. Silage inoculants: What the research tells us about when and how to use them. Relative Forage Quality It grows, Grazing Stockpiled Forage However, it did become very prevalent in the second year. The average U.S. dry hay yield (all types) jumped from 2.34 tons per acre in 2018 to 2.46 tons per acre in 2019. Award-winning coverage of in-depth news and analysis to make your business more profitable. In 2016, gain per acre in alfalfa-meadow fescue was maintained around 1,000 pounds per acre, while alfalfa-tall fescue and alfalfa-orchardgrass averaged around 680 pounds per acre. Alfalfa Autotoxicity Risk Spreadsheet MS Excel *Suggestions are approximate based on the average ENP value of Ag lime. How do I submit an idea for an article? Research about neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility shows many benefits to feeding ruminants grasses. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. Prevent Hay Mow and Silo Fires Use the following equation to calculate potash fertilizer guideline for specific expected yields and specific soil test values for K: Apply fertilizer annually, based on the results of a soil test, to produce high-yielding alfalfa. Pricing Standing Hay Height: 15-36 inches. Hogg, J.L. USDA Dairy Forage Research Center. Yield and Management of Roundup Ready Alfalfa | PowerPointPresentation | by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Measuring the trade-off between alfalfa yield and quality across four harvest periods Soils in Minnesota contain adequate amounts of copper, manganese, iron and zinc for optimum alfalfa production. Silage inoculants: What the research tells us about when and how to use them. by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Diagnosing and Managing Winter Injury The USDA announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin applying for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) sign-up starting April 17 through May 26, 2023. Alfalfa Upper Midwest average price in 2012 per ton; USDA 2011 for Corn and Soybean; USDA NASS Quick Stats - 2012 US average Alfalfa Tons per acre; USDA 2012 harvest forecast in bushels per acre; US Midwest States Extension Services; Alfalfa seeding costs are averaged over 4 years, includes tech fee for Genuity Roundup Ready varieties. Alfalfa yields in Nevada have averaged approximately 4.5 tons per acre annually over the past several years. the PEAQ system was developed by agronomists at theUniversityof Wisconsin-Madison. All rights reserved. In Minnesota, boron (B) is the only micronutrient that might be needed in a fertilizer program for alfalfa. al. After the selecting the field, soil sampling and analysis will identify soil nutrient deficiencies. by Ron Wiederholt, former Clark Co. Crops and Soils Agent, et. Planting Corn for Silage After a First-cut Alfalfa Harvest A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Dennis Cosgrove and Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomists, How to Manage Hail Damaged Alfalfa and Red Clover Good soil-to-seed contact is the critical factor for successful establishment. Collect soil samples again in the fall of the first full year of production. Factors to Consider When Marketing Hay *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). A Focus on Forage fact sheet, AglimeKey to Increased Yield and Profits Figure 5. Prescribed seeding rates are designed to provide several times the seed needed to achieve optimal yield under ideal growing conditions. Alfalfa is a tap-rooted crop and can last five years and longer under proper management. by Matt Hansen, former Dodge County Crops and Soils Agent. As shown in figure 5, on the average over the last 20 years, yields in the UW alfalfa variety trials have been highest in the first and second production years and then began to decline. Lucerne also known as "alfalfa" or "rijka" in northen India is a protein rich fodder and considered as "queen of fodder crop". Liming to a pH of 6.5 increases the availability of both soil and fertilizer P to plants. A table of values comparing hay prices at various moisture levels to a standard hay lot at 85% moisture. A Focus on Forage fact sheet. by Dr. Ron Schuler (emeritus), UW Extension Ag Engineer. A good rule of thumb is that about 10 percent of the seeds should be visible on the soil surface. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. In Minnesota, the soil test for S is only reliable for sandy soils. 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. Nutrient Application Guidelines for Field, Vegetable and Fruit Crops I recommend the following seven areas that allfarmers should consider if they want high alfalfa yields. Developed by Bill Lazarus, University of Minnesota, and Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist . Alfalfa grass is a perennial plant from pea family that is cultivated as an important forage crop in various countries. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Comparing Forage Drydown Rates Using a Super Conditioner in Wisconsin 2023 Wisconsin Alfalfa Yield and Persistence (WAYP) Program, 2018 Summary Report In these situations, application of N fertilizer may reduce nodulation. When using split applications, apply fertilizer in early spring and repeat after the first cutting. 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. Calculator 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. Recovering Flooded Forages by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist. Figure 1 also shows the rapid decrease in alfalfa proportions due to low persistence and competition with the companion grass species. The old clich, you never get over a good or bad start, is very true for the forage crop of alfalfa. With today's alfalfa seed prices above $5 per pound, reducing seeding rates by two or three pounds can save growers $10 to $15 per acre. Because of tremendous demands on alfalfa, it is not reasonable to expect stands to last for a long time. Redesigning alfalfa: Can we reduce protein loss in alfalfa by introducing traits from red clover? 5), yield summaries (n=9) were based on three-cut systems. Cultivar/Variety Selection Greater digestibility allows for greater forage intake. May 08, 2018, First cutting alfalfa has historically been the highest-yielding cutting of the year. In 2016, alfalfa-meadow fescue pastures maintained high cattle gain, while ADG in alfalfa-orchardgrass and alfalfa-tall fescue pastures was 1.2 pounds per day. powerpoint presentation by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Frost Damage to Alfalfa Many times, weeds and grasses appear as the alfalfa stand ages. Quick Stats Lite provides a more structured approach to get commonly requested statistics from our online database. Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: Yield and Management of Roundup Ready Alfalfa, Roundup Ready, Low Lignin and Other New Traits in Alfalfas Future. Interpretation and Use of Silage Fermentation Analysis Reports 2012 WI Crop Management Conference. Alfalfa produces toxins that reduce germination and impair the development of taproots, limiting the uptake of water and nutrients. by Dan Undersander, Forage Agronomist, UW Extension, Propionic Acid Preservatives for Hay Presented at the 2001 Forage Teaching and Technology Conference. Foliar Fungicides on Alfalfa: Is it worth it? A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by John Peters (retired) and Carrie Laboski, UW Extension Soil Scientists. by UW-Extension Agents Ted Bay and Rhonda Gildersleeve, and Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist. Alfalfa yields for 2020 averaged 4.0 tons per acre dry matter (1.0 tons less than in 2019), red clover yields averaged 2.7 tons per acre dry matter (1.4 tons per acre less than in 2019), and perennial forage grass yields averaged 2.4 tons per acre dry matter (1.8 tons per acre less than in 2019). This can be seen in the graph at the right which depicts economic data from the Green-Gold program (a third party verified measured yield and quality program) the Wisconsin Forage council used to run. The University of Minnesota Alfalfa Variety Trials reported average yields in the range of 6 to 7 tons per acre (dry matter) across all locations in recent years. make silage from higher yielding fields, hay from lower yielding fields). Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Alfalfa Silage or Perennial Ryegrass Silage In this study, alfalfa-grass yield was relatively high, with similar yields across binary mixtures in 2015 averaging around 4.2 tons dry matter per acre. by K.A. Figure 2 illustrates how Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) relates to nutrient needs for different species and classes of livestock. Several parameters and nutrients are critical for optimal stand health, although here well focus on soil pH, potassium and phosphorus. Consider using larger equipment (there is some question about this because while less area is affected by wheel traffic, the affected area has greater weight applied to it). Sulfur is mobile in soils, especially sandy soils. This spreadsheet, developed by UWEX Research Specialist, Jim Leverich, offers dairymen the opportunity to compare expense and income for producing and feeding different amounts of corn silage and alfalfa. A Focus on Forage fact sheet. of Plant Pathology, at the 2000 Wisconsin Fertilizer, Ag Lime, and Pest Management Conference, Aphanomyces Race 2 in Alfalfa Agricultural Agent. With the cost of fertilizer around 50 cents per pound, grass-legume mixtures can result in substantial cost savings. 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. Agricultural Agent and Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist. Hay Price Calculator (2014) Espaol version:Inoculantes Microbiales para ensilaje. How do I get my company listed in your Buyers Guide? In summary, alfalfa can be a high-yielding profitable crop if managed as such. A presentation given by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, at the 2005 Wisconsin Fertilizer, Ag Lime, and Pest Management Conference. Lime should be applied several months before seeding for the best effect. by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Ice on Alfalfa All rights reserved. With a proper seedbed, the choice of planter type, when operated correctly, doesnt impact alfalfa yield (Figure 4). A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Mike Rankin, Extension Crops and Soils Agent Fond du Lac County. 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. by Dr. Ron Schuler (emeritus), UW Extension Ag Engineer. by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Seeding Rate and Date for Forages in Wisconsin by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, and Ken Barnett, UW-Extension Educator. Moldy Hayfor Horses Inoculant Effects on Alfalfa Silage: In Vitro Gas and Volatile Fatty Acid Production Bloat occurs when rapid consumption of legumes causes gases to accumulate in foam in the rumen, which can lead to death. Soils should be sampled to 6-8 inches. Dr. Undersander has found that high alfalfa seeding densities actually provide too much competition among the young alfalfa seedlings. Alfalfa regrows from the crown, which is belowground. Click here. Tests to characterize alfalfa cultivars: From the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. al. UW Extension Bulletin A2809. Machinery Designs and Adjustments for Minimized Field Losses Recommended late-summer seeding dates are Aug. 1 to 15 for southern Minnesota and July 20 to Aug. 1 for northern Minnesota. For the first production year, producers may need to focus on strategies to best manage cattle on bloat-provoking pasture or consider alternative uses such as hay or silage. A Focus on Forage fact sheet by Matt Digman, former USDA DFRC Ag Engineer, Effect of Wheel Traffic on Alfalfa Yield Several reasons explain the lower county yields. Plant seeds no more than a half-inch deep. by Wayne Coblentz, US Dairy Forage Research Center, and Pat Hoffman (emeritus),UW Extension Dairy Scientist. Alfalfa-grass and alfalfa forage yields for 3 years after seeding in central MN. by Richard Proost, UW-Extension NMP Program. You can enrich this article by leaving a comment or photo of your alfalfa harvesting methods and yields. Preserving Baled Hay With Organic Acids What is the Cost of Seeding Low-Cost Alfalfa Seed? By University of Wisconsin Extension, Effects of Rain Damage on Wilting Forages Great strides have been made in improving alfalfa stands persistence however yield still tends to decline after the second production year due to damage from wheel traffic, winter and diseases in older stands reduce yield. by Daniel Wiersma, former Asst. Alfalfa Grass. The fourth area farmers should consider to maximize yield is to minimize wheel traffic on the field and select wheel traffic tolerant varieties. Economic Impact of Forage Quality Economics of Alfalfa and Corn Silage Rotations Percent of yearly yield x cutting, Lake City, MSU Alfalfa Yield Summaries 2015-2017. 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. The fertilizer is applied in the fall, after the seeds have been removed from the ground. In Minnesota, lime recommendations are given in pounds of ENP (Effective Neutralizing Power) per acre. The goal of providing a proper seedbed is to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Cloud, later planting dates (May 1 to 30) are advised. Create an account and see website content tailored to your operation. by Damon L. Smith Extension Field Crops Pathologist and Quinn Watson Hilldale Undergraduate Scholar,, University of Wisconsin, Foliar Fungicides on Alfalfa: Is it worth it? The plots containing Shaw alfalfa and 'Trailhead' basin wildrye produced 0.89 tons DM/ acre, while the plots with Shaw alfalfa and 'AC Saltlander' green wheatgrass produced 3.20 tons DM/ acre in 2010. Low legume persistence is also a concern with using alfalfa in pastures. Each day alfalfa harvest is delayed results in 5 pts RFV loss at a value of $9.00 per acre (assuming $0.90 per pt RFV on 2-ton yield of first cutting). Alfalfa requires 58 lbs. 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 Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), UW Biological Systems Engineering Dept., and As this year when soils are wet and spring field work difficult, decisions often must be made between planting another crop or harvesting alfalfa. Arizona and California continued to dominate the average alfalfa yield category in 2019 . 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%. 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. Over 90% of the Montana hay crop is fed onsite, but its value per acre is higher than our other widely grown crops. Each location will typically have unique growing environments for both temperature and rainfall. Cost-share programs require that they be planted between April 15 and . Crop Inputs (Fertilizer, Pesticides, Herbicides, etc). Figure 4. Due to the decline in percentage of alfalfa in the sward, all alfalfa-grass mixtures increased in neutral detergent fiber digestibility from 56% in 2015 to 65% in 2016. by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, and Nancy M. Brehm, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Dairy Science. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. A Focus on Forage fact sheet. When comparing percent of total yield by cutting at the Chatham Research Station in the Upper Peninsula (Fig. Do You Have Poisonous Weeds in Your Pastures and Forages? dReed canarygrass is an invasive species. A PowerPoint presentation developed by Mark Sulc, Ohio State University Extension Forage Specialist, Aphanomyces Root Rot in Alfalfa If you have questions or need further information, please send us an email or call Customer Service at 1-800-406-7662. Most fertilizer spreaders cannot be adjusted to apply these low rates. Regents of the University of Minnesota. by Mike Rankin, Crops and Soils Agent Fond du Lac Co., Joe Lauer, UW-Extension Corn Agronomist, and Jerry Doll (emeritus), UW-Extension Weed Management Specialist. Most soils have optimum amounts of magnesium (Mg) for alfalfa production. Mark Renz, Extension Weed Scientist, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Costs and Benefits of Roundup-Ready Alfalfa in the Establishment Year | PowerPointPresentation | Sainfoin has 6 to 14 pairs of pinnate, alternate leaves that are oblong. UW Extension Bulletin A3325, Sampling Hay, Silage, and Total Mixed Rations for Analysis Typical management involves the seeding year and three to four production years. of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, Getting Low Potassium in Forages Different species of animals and forage quality needs. Wet soils not only reduce diffused oxygen (O2 (g)), but also benefit diseases and increase the risk of ice sheeting. However, including both doesnt fully explain the yield gap. For alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures, the average yield declined from 3.45 tons per acre in 2016 to 3.32 tons per acre in 2017. by Dr. Dan Understander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, How to Get a Good Stand of Alfalfa or Grass by D.B. UW Extension Bulletin A2458, How to Take a Tissue Sample in Alfalfa Check out the Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program! Why can I only see so many articles before I have to register for the site? Another critical aspect of managing grasses in alfalfa stands is to watch the cutting height.