Balancing Agronomics and Economics of Alfalfa Hay Production

Alfalfa has high-yielding, high-quality, persistent, and profitable potential if given adequate management and a balance of several agronomic and economic considerations. How can we account for the differences among producers who have the average alfalfa yields of 3.0 tons/A with the top hay producers who average approximately 5.0 tons/acre and the producer who has achieved the record yield of 10.13 tons/acre? Is the answer “luck”, better soils, moisture and growing conditions? The answer may certainly be yes, but. Yes, the factors above are important and can explain some differences; however, we believe the overall difference is the management of research-based farmer-proven “agronomic and economic practices.

Why Should I Improve My Grazing Program?

Grazing represents the cheapest way to feed ruminants on a cost per pound of nutrient basis. Stored feed is usually the single largest item in livestock budgets and cost or amount of stored feed is usually the best prediction of potential profitability in most beef cattle operations

Forage Legumes vs. Fertilizer Nitrogen

A few weeks after I started to work as a Forage Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky, I heard my mentor and forage idol, Mr. Warren Thompson, speak on forage legumes. Warren, along with Dr’s. Tim Taylor and W.C. Templeton had pioneered the “Pasture Renovation Program” in Kentucky. In addition, Mr. Ed Smith had joined the team and collectively they developed the “Power-til Pasture Renovator.” Warren began his presentation by talking about Kentucky Forages pointing out we were so fortunate to have a good grass base and the opportunity to grow lots of legumes. He also talked about all the good things legumes could do once established into grass dominant pasture and hay fields. He stated “Pasture renovation is the most important pasture improvement practice in Kentucky”. At that time, corn was under $2.00 per bushel, gas was 69 cents/gal, and nitrogen was readily available as ammonia nitrate and less than twenty cents per pound. Since that time, a lot of things have changed, especially corn, nitrogen and fuel prices; however, Warren’s statement about the important of legumes is still valid. In fact, considering the merits of forage legumes and change in nitrogen and other input costs, forage legumes are more important today than ever

Kentucky\u27s Forage Resources

Kentucky is a FORAGE state with approximately one-half of the total farmland occupied by forage grasses and legumes. We are very fortunate that we can grow many different species successfully. We have the natural resources and climate to grow most cool-season and warm-season species. We are fortunate that we usually have a relatively long growing season. We are usually blessed with rain, especially in spring (2007 was a major exception) with our annual rainfall approximately fifty inches. We are also fortunate that we have some of the absolute best forage-livestock producers in the World

Requirements for Successful Alfalfa Establishment

Establishing a good stand of alfalfa is expensive and time consuming, but the success rate is high if you give attention to the important factors. The following steps won’t insure success, but will increase greater likelihood

Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue

“Novel” endophyte is a term used to describe a “good” or “friendly” fungus (endophyte) in tall fescue as opposed to the endophyte that’s present if over eighty-five percent of the tall fescue in the Fescue Belt of the USA. This endophyte is costing beef producers an estimated $1 Billion dollars in losses from animal gains, reproduction and overall performance

Alfalfa for Grazing

High grain prices, increasing nitrogen prices, droughts, need for higher quality pasture plants and improved alfalfa varieties have all contributed to a greater interest in and opportunity for alfalfa as a grazing crop

Kentucky Alfalfa Conference Reflections After 35 Years

This event today marks the 35th consecutive year we have come together for a full day’s conference featuring Alfalfa - Queen of the Forages as the theme and focal point. Only one other state (California) in the U.S. has such an annual event

Foreword [1990]

This is the front matter of the proceedings

Alfalfa Establishment

Alfalfa Queen of the Forage Crops is the most important forage legume grown in the United States. It is grown over a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. Alfalfa has the highest yield potential and the highest feeding value of all adapted perennial forage legumes. It is a versatile crop which can be used for pasture, hay, silage, green-chop, soil improvements and soil conservation. As a result. of this crops many merits; especially yield, quality and versatile use, it can be used successfully in many animal feeding programs