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

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

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

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

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

Avoid Alfalfa Winter Injury – Next Time

There have been reports of localized areas of winterkill and winter injury to forage and winter cereal grain crops this past winter in Iowa. The reports indicate damage on sites across the state, but the most extensive areas are in northeast Iowa. There are reports of damage to alfalfa, orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass, winter wheat and winter triticale

Cold Injury to Alfalfa and Forage Crops

Most of Iowa alfalfa fields have broken winter dormancy. A few early April nights with temperatures in the low 20 degrees F or below will pose a risk of cold injury to alfalfa and other forage species. Low temperatures, whether visible frost is present or not, may affect the growth of both established forage plants and newly emerged seedlings

Managing CRP for Hay or Pasture

The extensive flooding in the Midwest U.S. and its effect on forage and livestock enterprises have prompted our government officials to permit haying and grazing on land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) through several ‘emergency use’ programs. One permits haying or grazing after August 1 with a nominal ‘administration fee’. The other permits only grazing - sooner, but at a cost of 25 percent of the annual CRP rental payment. If you are considering the use of CRP land for haying or grazing there are some considerations and important first steps that you need to follow