Struggling alfalfa fields: Consider temporary forage options

An April freeze damaged spring alfalfa regrowth across the state. These stands were weakened and are recovering slowly. Late April rainfall has led to an abnormally high incidence of leaf and stem diseases in areas of southern and western Iowa. Growers are encouraged to review their forage inventories and needs and to take a close look at the stand density and health of taproots and crowns in their existing fields. If the taproots and crown tissue still appear normal, and stand densities are adequate, producers are encouraged to plan to harvest the remainder of the haying season

Frost/freeze on alfalfa

Pinning down precise air and tissue temperatures in a standing alfalfa crop, and then predicting the impact on growth (or death) is not an exact science. The air temperature reported on the weather report or on your local thermometer may not be what the alfalfa crop is experiencing. Topography of the site (cold air flows into low-lying areas), wind, and the moderating influence of the warmer soil mass greatly influence the microclimates in the standing alfalfa canopy and from site to site in the field. My descriptions here should be considered subjective, with an appropriate amount of acceptable variability that reflects real-world conditions

Management Tips for Drought-stressed Forages

The Midwest has seen some of the most extreme drought conditions of recent memory. Some rain has come recently for most of this area, but not enough for most of us to feel comfortable. Pastures may still be in poor condition. Many hayfields are showing enough recovery to maybe yield at least one more cutting. Regionally, hay supplies are tight and prices are high. Forage management considerations are many. Here are some things to think about as you prioritize your options

Late-summer seeding of forage crops

Late summer can be an excellent time to establish forage crops, provided there is sufficient moisture for germination and good seedling growth. It is also a good time to seed in bare or thin spots in forage stands established this spring. The following steps will improve the chances for successful forage stand establishment in late summer

Harvesting High-Quality Corn Silage

Proper harvest management is critical for high-quality corn silage, and it starts with harvest timing. This ensures that the harvested crop is at the optimum moisture for packing and fermentation. Silage that is too wet may not ferment properly and can lose nutrients through seepage. If silage is too dry when harvested, it has lower digestibility because of harder kernels and more lignified stem fiber. In addition, dry silage does not pack as well, thus increasing the potential for air pockets, excessive heating, and mold

Wet Spring Forage Planting Considerations

Spring hay and pasture seedings are normally done from late February through late April in Iowa. The extended period of wet weather and possible flooding in 2010 has many producers wondering when they can get their forages planted

Indicators point to hay supply deficits in Iowa

Livestock producers are encouraged to regularly assess their forage inventories. This year there are several indicators that point to localized or even statewide hay deficits

When is it Too Late Plant Forages?

Spring hay and pasture seedings are normally done from late February through late April in Iowa. The extended period of wet weather in 2008 has many producers still waiting to get their forages planted

Fall Frost Effects of Forage

The first frost of the autumn generally brings a flurry of forage related questions centered around three general topics: toxic prussic acid potential and management of frosted sudangrass and sorghum sudangrass hybrids; is frosted alfalfa toxic to grazing animals; and now that we\u27ve had frost, should I harvest the last alfalfa cutting