When alfalfa production is considered, major emphasis should be devoted to. The importance of first cutting alfalfa: Quality versus yield Email: askusda@usda.gov Soils that have either marginal or deficient levels of B are limited to the state's east-central and northeastern regions. Getting the Most From the Mower-Conditioner Second, if we want anything to grow we need to feed it. Each day soybean planting is delayed results in about 0.5 bu/a lost yield at a value of $2.5 to $3.00 per acre. The seventh and final major area for yield improvement comes in planning on keeping alfalfa in the field for shorter times. A spreadsheet for calculating the optimal first cutting date and net return per acre based on yield and RFV. Alfalfa requires 58 lbs. Therefore, the quality will have a significant impact on how the animals respond, e.g., producing pounds of milk for dairy cows, pounds of gain for growing heifers or steers, or maintaining body condition for lactating beef cow. by Dan Undersander, Forage Agronomist, UW Extension, Propionic Acid Preservatives for Hay Average yields were 59 percent and 1.85 tons dry matter per acre for first cutting; 29 percent and 0.90 tons dry matter per acre for second cutting; and 12 percent and 0.36 tons dry matter per acre for third cutting. Big Bale Storage Losses; how different options stack up al. Without atrazine 0 pounds of yield per acre; Wth atrazine 4940 pounds of yield per acre; 1 Mead, Nebraska Time of seeding. Update on Predicting Harvest Time for Alfalfa Change in Yield and Quality of Alfalfa Harvest too late and the consequences are poorer quality with higher yields. Thirdly, farmers who grow alfalfa profitably also harvest at the proper time for high quality forage. Apply in spring for sandy soil. PDF Dryland Alfalfa - OSU Extension Service Both seeding dates have pros and cons (Table 2). Estimating the Weight of Forage in a Forage Wagon To better understand alfalfa-grass mixtures, researchers assessed forage yield, quality and species compatibility of alfalfa-grass mixtures vs. alfalfa monocultures on Minnesota farms. Crop Inputs (Fertilizer, Pesticides, Herbicides, etc). by Dr. Richard Muck, USDA Dairy-Forage Research Center, et al. Generally dairymen have perceived grasses to be too high in fiber for high producing dairy cows. A Wisconsin Farm Facts publication, Getting the Most from Drought Stressed Forages A Focus on Forage fact sheet. Profitable alfalfa production starts with a consideration of soil pH and lime needs. Italian Ryegrass as a Companion Crop for Alfalfa Seeding Liming materials are not used to supply Ca. FeedVal v6.0 Hay yield. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by John Peters (retired) and Keith Kelling (emeritus), UW Extension Soil Scientists. Straight Alfalfa or Alfalfa Grass Mixes | Pioneer Seeds byDan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist. Phosphorus promotes rapid root growth, strong seedling development and high yields. Grasses need to regrow from aboveground stubble left in the field. by Craig Saxe, Juneau County Agricultural Agent. These data clearly show that profitability was strongly related to yield. Despite these concerns, alfalfa-grass mixtures have great potential for pastures in the Midwest because of the superior quality and yield of alfalfa-grass mixtures. by Ron Wiederholt, former Clark Co. Crops and Soils Agent, et. University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. by Pat Hoffman (emeritus),UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station and David Combs, UW Dairy Scientist. 2010 WI Crop Management Conference. Quick Stats Lite provides a more structured approach to get commonly requested statistics from our online database. Sulfur is mobile in soils, especially sandy soils. What happens next? It more accurately estimates the feeding value of alfalfa and grass than past versions. Over 90% of the Montana hay crop is fed onsite, but its value per acre is higher than our other widely grown crops. Greater digestibility allows for greater forage intake. High alfalfa proportions in 2014 resulted in pastures that were too bloat-provoking for grazing; therefore cattle only grazed these pastures in 2015 and 2016. PDF Alfalfa Management Guide - Agronomy In this case, all alfalfa proportions, as shown in Figure 1, started equally high in the first year, 77% in 2014, but by 2016 alfalfa proportions were much lower, around 40% for alfalfa-meadow fescue and only 20% in alfalfa-orchardgrass and alfalfa-tall fescue. Integrated Management of the Potato Leafhopper in Alfalfa | Paper | Presentation | Removal of Roundup Ready Alfalfa: What can we learn from 2012, Costs and Benefits of Roundup-Ready Alfalfa in the Establishment Year, Controlling Weeds in a Grass-Legume Mixture, Potato Leafhopper Resistant Alfalfa Varieties, An Update on Potato Leafhopper Resistance in Alfalfa, Alfalfa Potato Leafhopper Resistance Update. When harvested at the appropriate time, alfalfa can provide excellent quality feed. It is a perennial plant and can supply fodder for 3-4 year in same growing. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin set out to test cattle performance on three binary alfalfa-grass mixtures: alfalfa with meadow fescue, tall fescue or orchardgrass. This is especially true when soils are sandy. Figure 4. Alfalfa has nutrient requirements that must be met for good yield. Calculator As you can see below, using USDA & extension averages along with current market data, alfalfa may be up to $100 more profitable per acre than corn and even more so when compared to soybeans. Seeding rates reflect seed size and the number of seeds per pound. Alfalfa establishment: Steps to maximize yield What you need to know Select fields with deep, well-drained soils. The approximate recommendations for the use of Ag lime (crushed limestone) can be used when soil testing laboratories report lime recommendations in terms of tons per acre instead of pounds of ENP per acre. by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Seeding Rate and Date for Forages in Wisconsin Undersander, and K.G. Collect soil samples again in the fall of the first full year of production. Figure 5. Sulfur, particularly, is a nutrient that was not lacking in the past and now often needs to be applied for optimal growth. The average yield in the United States was estimated at a record high 177.0 bushels per acre, 5.6 bushels above the 2020 yield of 171.4 bushels per acre. Grau, Dept. Cabrera, P. Hoffman and R. Shaver. Producers have been using Relative Feed Value (RFV) widely for ranking alfalfa for sale, inventorying and allocating forage lots to animal groups according to their quality needs, as well as determining when to harvest. 2020 Wisconsin Alfalfa Yield and Persistence (WAYP) Program Summary, 2019 Wisconsin Alfalfa Yield and Persistence (WAYP) Program Summary, 2018 Wisconsin Alfalfa Yield and Persistence (WAYP) Program Summary, Alfalfa Management Guide Boron is also mobile in soils and should be applied each year. PDF 6 Hay and Pasture - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign by Mark Renz, UW-Extension Weed Management Specialist, May 2013, Controlling Weeds in a Grass-Legume Mixture With today's alfalfa seed prices above $5 per pound, reducing seeding rates by two or three pounds can save growers $10 to $15 per acre. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. The University of Minnesota Alfalfa Variety Trial seeds all alfalfa in the spring, mainly due to the available soil moisture and better overall growing conditions compared to summer seeding dates. In some situations, the recommended rate of phosphate can be blended with the recommended rate of potash and the mixture can then be spread with available equipment. Proper seedbed preparation is essential for providing adequate seed-to-soil contact and controlling perennial and annual weeds. When comparing percent of total yield by cutting at the Chatham Research Station in the Upper Peninsula (Fig. Unlike corn and other grass crops, alfalfa can obtain nitrogen from the air. Arizona and California continued to dominate the average alfalfa yield category in 2019 . USDA Dairy Forage Research Center. 2023 Warm-season grasses are best established during April and May. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. Wisconsin Alfalfa Yield and Persistence (WAYP) Program, 2018 Summary Report Steps to Successful No-till Establishment of Forages by Bryan Jensen, Integrated Pest Management Program, UW Madison, Alfalfa Potato Leafhopper Resistance Update The sixth area farmers should pay attention to is minimizing field losses during harvest. Hay Pricing Spreadsheet A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Nick Schneider, Winnebago Co. Silage inoculants: What the research tells us about when and how to use them. byDan Undersander The same economic considerations should be kept in mind when considering whether to cut if rain is threatening. A second concern with using alfalfa in pastures is the threat of bloat. It is important to remember thatthe top yields in the Green-Gold programalways exceeded 7 tons/acre and often approached 10 tons per acre. 2008 WI Crop Management Conference, Potato Leafhopper Resistant Alfalfa Varieties Low legume persistence is also a concern with using alfalfa in pastures. Connect with your County Extension Office , Find an Extension employee in our staff directory , Get the latest news and updates on Extension's work around the state, Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: info@extension.wisc.edu | 2023 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System Privacy Policy | Non-Discrimination Policy & How to File a Complaint | Disability Accommodation Requests. Estimated Costs of Pasture and Hay Production | Ag Decision Maker (Easy & Clear Answer) 18 to 20 pounds per acre should be planted for pure alfalfa stands. However, the statewide average during that time hovered around 3 tons per acre of dry matter (Figure 1). This grazing study took place from 2014 to 2016 with 550-pound Holstein steers rotationally grazing from May until October. (note that yields from a new seeding at Lancaster in figure 2.) Some varieties have a multifoliate charactersitic as seen in the following image. by Dan Undersander and Keith Kelling, University of Wisconsin, Understanding Autotoxicity in Alfalfa Alfalfa has received some undue criticism forlow yield. by John Jennings, Extension Forage Specialist, University of Arkansas, Effect of Seeding Year Stress on Future Alfalfa Yields Tests to characterize alfalfa cultivars: From the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. The average total yield is 20-35 tons per hectare (or 8-14 tons per acre) per year (distributed in 5-6 cuts). Ramblings From an Old Scissors-cutter Heat Damaged Forages: Effects on Forage Energy Content This spreadsheet developed by Extension Educator Ken Barnett compares how much a producer needs to get for their hay compared to what they could get from corn production with varying corn prices. All rights reserved. 06/30/23 Corn planted acreage up 6% from 2022. Seventy-five years after having demonstrated the need for lime through research, only slightly more than half the required lime is applied in Wisconsin. PDF Crop Production 2021 Summary 01/12/2022 - Cornell University Soil particles hold the water needed for germination. Pricing Standing Hay The three companion grasses were Pradel meadow fescue sown at 22 pounds per acre, Bariane tall fescue sown at 16 pounds per acre and Satin orchardgrass sown at 3 pounds per acre in mid-August 2013. Therefore, keep a close eye on crop growth since temperature and moisture can affect plant maturity quickly (see Figs. How do I submit an idea for an article? Much like other legumes, alfalfa proportions are difficult to predict and vary widely based on several factors. by Dr. Kevin Shinners, UW Ag Engineer. This spreadsheet developed by Extension Educator Ken Barnett, helps to determine ceiling and floor prices to pay for standing forage. A spreadsheet for calculating the optimal first cutting date and net return per acre based on yield and RFV. Pea and Small Grain Mixtures However, including both doesnt fully explain the yield gap. Each location will typically have unique growing environments for both temperature and rainfall. Contact a specialist. Effects of spontaneous heating on fiber composition, fiber digestibility, and in situ disappearance kinetics of neutral detergent fiber for alfalfa-orchardgrass hays by Dan Undersander and Tim Wood, University of Wisconsin, and William Foster, Consultant. UW Extension Bulletin A3620, Assessing Alfalfa Stand Condition in the Spring Table 1 shows the seeding rates. Developed by Bill Lazarus, University of Minnesota, and Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, Equipment to Rake and Merge Hay and Forage Establishing alfalfa-grass mixtures | UMN Extension Varieties offer high quality, fast recovery and persistence. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Mike Rankin, Extension Crops and Soils Agent Fond du Lac County. NDF Digestibility: Reference Values for Forages, Byproducts and Total Mixed Rations Advertisement Grasses & Legumes Alfalfa-grass: Know the risks, know the benefits Christine Nieman, Ken Albrecht, and Daniel M. Schaefer October 29, 2019 Grass-legume mixture yields are similar to grass monocultures fertilized with upward of 100 to 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre. Written by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Seeding Rate of Different Alfalfa Seed Lots This A table of values comparing hay prices at various moisture levels to a standard hay lot at 85% moisture. A soil test for B is available, but this test is recommended for use only in the two areas just mentioned. Wet soils not only reduce diffused oxygen (O2 (g)), but also benefit diseases and increase the risk of ice sheeting. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist. Potassium (K) may be the most limiting nutrient for alfalfa production in central, east-central, and southeastern Minnesota. Hay Price Calculator (2014) by Dr. Ron Schuler (emeritus), UW Extension Ag Engineer. The most popular legumes for grazing in the Midwest are red clover and white clover, with only a few producers utilizing alfalfa in their pastures. How do I get my company listed in your Buyers Guide? by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, and Ken Barnett, UW-Extension Educator. Once youve prepared the field and properly calibrated the seeder, the number one cause of poor stand establishment is seeding depth. For alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures, the average yield declined from 3.45 tons per acre in 2016 to 3.32 tons per acre in 2017. Alfalfa is the most extensive crop in Nevada with approximately 250,000 acres devoted to its production. A presentation developed by Brian Holmes (emeritus), UW Extension Ag Engineer. Red clover tends to be one of the most popular legumes because it can be frost-seeded in early spring, helping to mitigate issues with low legume persistence. Effect of Wheel Traffic on Alfalfa Consider using larger equipment (there is some question about this because while less area is affected by wheel traffic, the affected area has greater weight applied to it). These suggested rates should be adequate for the seeding year. Northern and central IL Alfalfa 12-15 Alfalfaa Smooth . This article serves as an introduction to the design andusageof the MILK2016 (for alfalfa and grass) spreadsheet. Peters and C.R. This information is for educational purposes only. Understanding NDF Digestibility of Forages This cool-season grass is a viable forage choice for alfalfa-grass mixtures. Relative Forage Quality by Dan Undersander. Most fertilizer spreaders cannot be adjusted to apply these low rates. Award-winning coverage of in-depth news and analysis to make your business more profitable. A Fact Sheet describing the effects of silage inoculants under various management and conditions. NFTA Forage Analysis Procedure Great strides have been made in improving alfalfa stands persistence however yield still tends to decline after the second production year due to damage from wheel traffic, winter and diseases in older stands reduce yield. Forage Economics and Budgets Forage Variety Test Reports for 2015-2017, Comparison of Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) to Relative Feed Value (RFV), 1998 Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Seeding year yields with differing ryegrass varieties had a range of 77 to 138% of the total trial mean, which has been between approximately 3 to 5 tons dry matter per acre. by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Effect of Drought on Alfalfa and Managing for Next Growing Season |PowerPoint Presentation | Phosphorus and potassium levels, according to soil test, need to be in the upper medium to high range at the time of seeding. UW Extension Bulletin A3681, Getting a Good Forage Stand May 08, 2018, First cutting alfalfa has historically been the highest-yielding cutting of the year. A Fact Sheet discussing research aimed at modifying the alfalfa plant so that less protein is degraded during ensiling and in the cows rumen. A seeding rate of 12 to 15 pounds per acre will provide 23 plants per square foot during the first production year, assuming best management strategies were observed. Application of appropriate rates of phosphate, potash, sulfur and boron. I recommend the following seven areas that allfarmers should consider if they want high alfalfa yields. Forage mixtures of alfalfa with perennial cool-season grasses offer whole-system (i.e., soil, crop and livestock) advantages over alfalfa monocultures. by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist. Height: 15-36 inches. Enter your own yield and related expenses to help determine your profitability. The Census Data Query Tool (CDQT) is a web based tool that is available to access and download table level data from the Census of Agriculture Volume 1 publication. (1993) developed a method for estimating milk per ton of forage dry matter (DM) as an index of forage quality of alfalfa and grasses. Sainfoin has 6 to 14 pairs of pinnate, alternate leaves that are oblong. Several research trials have clearly demonstrated that the use of sulfur (S) in a fertilizer program will increase the production of alfalfa grown on sandy soils. A Focus on Forage Fact Sheet. Alfalfa grass is a perennial plant from pea family that is cultivated as an important forage crop in various countries. For each system, both the initial cost per acre and the annual maintenance cost per acre are presented. Presented at the 2001 Forage Teaching and Technology Conference. Special Tabulations and Restricted Microdata, 06/30/23 Corn planted acreage up 6% from 2022, 06/29/23 United States hog inventory up slightly, 05/23/23 Last chance to complete the 2022 Census of Agriculture, One week left to return the questionnaire, 03/31/23 US farmers expect to plant more corn and soybean acreage, 03/30/23 United States hog inventory up slightly, 06/30/23 NASS Acreage report released on-time; Quickstats data delayed, 12/13/22 NASS to publish milk production data in updated data dissemination format, 11/28/22 USDA-NASS Crop Progress report delayed until Nov. 29, 10/28/22 NASS reinstates Cost of Pollination survey, 09/06/22 NASS to review acreage information, 05/06/22 Respond Now to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, 08/05/20 The NASS Mission: We do it for you, 04/11/19 2017 Census of Agriculture Highlight Series Farms and Land in Farms, 04/11/19 2017 Census of Agriculture Highlight Series Economics, 04/11/19 2017 Census of Agriculture Highlight Series Demographics, 06/30/23 Acreage Grain Stocks Rice Stocks (June 2023), 06/29/23 Quarterly Hogs and Pigs (June 2023), 04/19/23 National Hemp Report (April 2023), Talking About NASS - A guide for partners and stakeholders, USDA and NASS Anti-Harassment Policy Statement, REE Reasonable Accommodations and Personal Assistance Services, Safeguarding America's Agricultural Statistics Report and Video, Agriculture Counts - The Founding and Evolution of the National Agricultural Statistics Service 1957-2007, Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday - Friday, except federal holidays Toll-Free: (800) 727-9540, Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time Monday - Friday, except federal holidays Toll-Free: (833) One-USDA Because alfalfa removes significant amounts of P and K (Table 1), fall soil sampling and analysis are needed on an annual basis to identify any P and K deficiencies. Sandy soils are a bit more forgiving, but its a good idea to limit planting depth to a 1/2 inch regardless of soil type (Figure 5). In vitro NDF Digestibility of Forages: The 30 vs 48 hr debate Cost-share programs require that they be planted between April 15 and . Alfalfa Fertilizer Recommendations - Extension at the University of Average yields were 49 percent and 1.66 tons dry matter per acre for first cutting; 34 percent and 1.18 tons dry matter per acre for second cutting; and 17 percent and 0.63 tons dry matter per acre for third cutting. However, mixing an alfalfa variety with grass species to create hay fields is increasingly popular in Eastern U.S. dairy regions. University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Schmitt, Professor and Extension Scientist, Dept. Do You Have Poisonous Weeds in Your Pastures and Forages? Alfalfa management programs are designed to ensure highly productive alfalfa stands throughout the course of production. by Wayne Coblentz, US Dairy Forage Research Center, and Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist. UW-Extension. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Keith Kelling (emeritus), John Peters (retired), Mike Rankin, and Dan Undersander. Create an account and see website content tailored to your operation. This paper, written by Extension Educator Ken Barnett, looks at the economics of various rotation options using alfalfa and corn silage. Small amounts of a N fertilizer may enhance establishment when alfalfa is seeded in a coarse-textured soil. Calculating Optimal Length of a Stand of Alfalfa of Entomology, at the 2000 Wisconsin Fertilizer, Ag Lime, and Pest Management Conference, An Update on Potato Leafhopper Resistance in Alfalfa The annual applications of S fit easily with annual applications of phosphate or potash. Planting Corn for Silage After a First-cut Alfalfa Harvest Estimating Alfalfa RFV in the Field using PEAQ (chart & directions for use) Attempting to grow alfalfa with less than optimum pH will restrict growth so that yields are reduced by up to 40%. A Focus on Forage Fact Sheet. The University of Minnesota Alfalfa Variety Trials follow these guidelines, which have ensured optimal yield year after year. It allows you to customize your query by commodity, location, or time period. This is particularly true for tall fescue and orchardgrass varieties. Accumulated or stockpiled forage can be an excellent source of forage for animals. by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), UW Biological Systems Engineering Dept., and Annually sample soils to mitigate soil nutrient deficiencies. Custom Harvesting Spreadsheet Pest Management in Wisconsin Field Crops A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by John Peters (retired)and Keith Kelling (emeritus), UW Extension Soil Scientists. by R.D. Forage quality will continue to decline while waiting for good weather. It more accurately estimates the feeding value of alfalfa and grass than past versions. Avoid unnecessary trips across the field when harvesting, Mowing and conditioning in a single operation. Figure 3. Apply fertilizer as needed, using soil test results as a guide. 05/23/23 Last chance to complete the 2022 Census of Agriculture, One week left to return the questionnaire. In the University of Minnesota Alfalfa Variety Trials, we seed at 13 pounds per acre, which achieves the needed 23 to 25 plants per square foot in the first production year, maximizing yield. When comparing percent of total yearly yield by cutting at the Lake City Research Station (Fig. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by John Peters (retired) and Carrie Laboski, UW Extension Soil Scientists. FAQs about Liming in Wisconsin Click here. Effects of bale moisture and bale diameter on spontaneous heating, dry matter recovery, in vitro true digestibility, and in situ disappearance kinetics of alfalfa-orchardgrass hays
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alfalfa grass yield per acre
