alfalfa 
Wisconsin Alfalfa Yield and Persistence (WAYP) Program, 2017 Summary Report
Wisconsin Alfalfa Yield and Persistence (WAYP) Program 2017 Summary Report PDF Version Program Objectives: To verify the yield and quality of alfalfa harvested from production fields over the life of the stand beginning with the first production year (year after seeding). To quantify decreases in stand productivity of alfalfa fields as they age. 2017 Overview: […]
Read More...Change in RFV and RFQ of Alfalfa During the Spring Growth
Change in RFV and RFQ of Alfalfa During the Spring Growth by Dan Undersander We have used RFV to determine when to harvest first cutting for consistent quality for over 20 years. Alfalfa quality declines at a constant rate near harvest in the spring. However, as shown in figure 1, the lines of quality decline differ […]
Read More...Temperature and Moisture Effects on Forage Quality
Alfalfa Maturity Stage is Only Part of the Forage Quality Story by Mike Rankin Extension Crops and Soils Agent – Fond du Lac County “Cut alfalfa at late bud for optimum quality.” We’ve heard this statement, or a similar one, many times over the past 10 to 15 years. Although forage quality is strongly correlated to morphological […]
Read More...Does Forage Quality Pay?
Does Forage Quality Pay? by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706 email: djunders@wisc.edu Does forage quality pay? Absolutely, it pays in many ways for different situations. It may help produce the maximum return through high milk or meat production; it may increase breeding success; it may help a producer allocate different […]
Read More...Aphanomyces Root Rot in Alfalfa
Aphanomyces Root Rot in Alfalfa by Dan Undersander and Paul Esker Aphanomyces root rot (Aphanomyces euteiches) is an important alfalfa disease. It occurs all over the Midwest U.S. The pathogen that causes Aphanomyces root rot is an oomycetous fungi that are especially present in wet and poorly drained soils (Schneider et al. 2008). Aphanomyces stunts and kills seedlings. […]
Read More...Alfalfa Yield and Stand
Alfalfa Yield and Stand by Dan Undersander, Forage Agronomist University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension The single factor most affecting profitability of alfalfa is yield. 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 […]
Read More...Diagnosing and Managing Winter Injury
Diagnosing and Managing Winter Injury by Dan Undersander Winter Injury occurs someplace in Wisconsin every year. Being able to diagnose and manage winter damaged stands may help prolong stand life and increase production. Below is a brief discussion on diagnosing and managing winter damaged alfalfa. Diagnosing Winter Injury Slow Green Up One of the most evident […]
Read More...Alfalfa Grass Mixtures in Dairy Rations
Alfalfa Grass Mixtures in Dairy Rations by Dan Undersander Benefits of mixing grass with alfalfa: 30 to 40% grass mixed with alfalfa gives equal or higher yields than pure stands of alfalfa Improved yield in seeding year. Better yield in later years if alfalfa injured by winter, insects, disease. Alfalfa grass mixtures provide stand and yield […]
Read More...Understanding Autotoxicity in Alfalfa
Understanding Autotoxicity in Alfalfa by John Jennings Extension Forage Specialist University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Specialist Alfalfa can remain productive in stands from four to ten years or more, but as plant population declines renovation eventually becomes necessary. Alfalfa is commonly grown in rotation with grain crops, however continuous production is desirable in many areas, particularly […]
Read More...
