Ramblings from an Old Scissors-cutter by Mike Rankin, Crops and Soils Agent  Fond du Lac County – UW Extension Getting old has its disadvantages. With each passing day there are aches and pains in new places resulting in more visits to the doctor than ever seemed possible or desired. Change becomes increasingly more difficult but necessary to keep […]

Change in Yield and Quality of Alfalfa by Dan Undersander, Extension Forage Agronomist Many growers are asking about the tradeoffs in alfalfa yield and quality as they enter quality pricing contracts for hay or haylage. This is difficult to assess since both alfalfa growth and forage quality vary considerably depending on environmental conditions. The USDA-Dairy Forage Research […]

Seven Unique Factors of First-Cut Alfalfa by Mike Rankin, University of Wisconsin Extension The uniqueness of alfalfa spring growth has been a core factor for many discussions, research trials, media articles, debates, and flat-out arguments among forage brethren. Generally, the conversation centers around when to cut and the best method to determine forage quality of the […]

Heaving in Alfalfa Fields by Dan Undersander University of Wisconsin Heaving is a problem in some alfalfa stands each year in the Midwest. Heaving occurs on heavy soils that have high moisture contents. Repeated freezing and thawing causes soil expansion and contraction that pushes the tap-rooted plants (and fence posts) out of the soil. The need […]