In many situations, it may be better to cut alfalfa and take some risk of rain rather than to wait and realize the surety of forage quality decline. How Much Alfalfa Seed Per Acre? (Easy & Clear Answer) Does Forage Quality Pay? Percent of yearly yield x cutting, Lake City, MSU Alfalfa Yield Summaries 2015-2017. With a proper seedbed, the choice of planter type, when operated correctly, doesnt impact alfalfa yield (Figure 4). We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. 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. Schmitt, Professor and Extension Scientist, Dept. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by John Peters (retired) and Carrie Laboski, UW Extension Soil Scientists. Thirdly, farmers who grow alfalfa profitably also harvest at the proper time for high quality forage. Grasses need to regrow from aboveground stubble left in the field. Alfalfa is the most productive legume for Missouri, with potential yields exceeding six tons of hay per acre on good soils. How many hay bales per acre? - Rainbow Run Farm Too much focus is often put on a forages crude protein content and not its digestibility. Leaves: Pinnately trifoliolate (three leaflets per leaf); serrations on tip of leaflets; stipules have teeth, lobes and sharp pointed tips. It makes sense to harvest with an end goal in mind for quality and yield, according to the type of livestock fed. Because of the low rates of B needed, this nutrient should be broadcast with phosphate or potash fertilizers forbest results. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Rhonda Gildersleeve, Extension Grazing Specialist, Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, and Tim Wood,retired Superintendent Lancaster Ag Research Station, Seeding Alfalfa Fields Back Into Alfalfa Application of appropriate rates of phosphate, potash, sulfur and boron. by Pat Hoffman (emeritus),UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station and Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. The amounts of phosphate or potash needed for the second and third production years can be based on the results of this test. Quick Stats Lite provides a more structured approach to get commonly requested statistics from our online database. Figure 2. Percent of yearly yield x cutting, East Lansing, MSU Alfalfa Yield Summaries 2015-2017. Marshfield Ag Res. The trial showed smooth bromegrass, meadow brome and timothy can yield well, especially in spring, but may not tolerate a four-cut system as well. Don't use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer when alfalfa is seeded in medium or fine-textured soils. by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist. 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. Website: https://ask.usda.gov/s/, June Turner, Director Email: / Phone: (202) 720-8257, Find contact information for Regional and State Field Offices. Soil Fertility Influences on Cation Levels in Forages An application of 10-15 pounds of sulfur per acre may be necessary under high yielding alfalfa production systems when organic matter concentration is greater than 3.0%. Profitable alfalfa production starts with a consideration of soil pH and lime needs. by Richard Proost, UW-Extension NMP Program. A spreadsheet for calculating the optimal first cutting date and net return per acre based on yield and RFV. This saves the farmer money, but also represents a tremendous . Recommended late-summer seeding dates are Aug. 1 to 15 for southern Minnesota and July 20 to Aug. 1 for northern Minnesota. Because alfalfa has both perennial (e.g., aglime) and annual fertilizer (e.g., potash) needs, yearly soil sampling will provide detailed information on available nutrients. Tests to characterize alfalfa cultivars: From the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. Not only will alfalfa reduce your nitrogen fertilizer needs by 100-150 pounds over the next couple years, much research has shown that corn after alfalfa often yields 10 to 20 bushels more per acre than it will even with extra fertilizer. Developed by Bill Lazarus, University of Minnesota, and Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist . Each location will typically have unique growing environments for both temperature and rainfall. (Easy & Clear Answer) 18 to 20 pounds per acre should be planted for pure alfalfa stands. Is Sulfur Needed for Alfalfa in Wisconsin? Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: Yield and Management of Roundup Ready Alfalfa, Roundup Ready, Low Lignin and Other New Traits in Alfalfas Future. Liming materials are not used to supply Ca. Generally dairymen have perceived grasses to be too high in fiber for high producing dairy cows. A pH of 6.5 or higher is desired for optimum alfalfa yields. The importance of first cutting alfalfa: Quality versus yield Crop Inputs (Fertilizer, Pesticides, Herbicides, etc). This spreadsheet, developed by UWEX Research Specialist, Jim Leverich, offers dairymen the opportunity to compare expense and income for producing and feeding different amounts of corn silage and alfalfa. Figure 1 also shows the rapid decrease in alfalfa proportions due to low persistence and competition with the companion grass species. Agricultural Agent and Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist. Collect soil samples again in the fall of the first full year of production. USDA's 2020 hay theme is . . . marginally down If bales are dropped and collected can this be done with less driving? A MS Power Point presentation by John Peters and Keith Kelling, UW Extension Soil Scientists. Because buffering soil pH can take time, its advised to perform soil tests and apply and incorporate Ag-lime 12 months prior to alfalfa seeding based on soil reports. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Dennis Cosgrove and Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomists, How to Manage Hail Damaged Alfalfa and Red Clover Guide to Evaluating Hay Cattle grazing and data collection began in spring 2014 and continued through to fall 2016 at the University of Wisconsin Arlington Agricultural Research Station near Arlington, Wisconsin. In addition, it appeared to tolerate the cutting intensity of a four-cut system. Alfalfa grass is a perennial plant from pea family that is cultivated as an important forage crop in various countries. by Limin Kung, University of Delaware, and Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist. Plant seeds no more than a half-inch deep. Orchardgrass, G4511 | MU Extension Do full wagons have to be hauled the length of the field? This is especially true when soils are sandy. Dr. Richard Muck, USDA Dairy-Forage Research Center. The average total yield is 20-35 tons per hectare (or 8-14 tons per acre) per year (distributed in 5-6 cuts). It is important to remember thatthe top yields in the Green-Gold programalways exceeded 7 tons/acre and often approached 10 tons per acre. Hay yield. A Focus on Forage Fact Sheet. Figure 3. Additionally, alfalfa growth is reduced with low pH it is also more prone to diseases and, therefore, has shortened stand life. by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Measuring the trade-off between alfalfa yield and quality across four harvest periods ~ Providing Timely, Accurate and Useful Statistics in Service to U.S. Agriculture ~, County and District Geographic Boundaries, Crop Condition and Soil Moisture Analytics, Agricultural Statistics Board Corrections, Last chance to complete the 2022 Census of Agriculture, One week left to return the questionnaire, US farmers expect to plant more corn and soybean acreage, NASS Acreage report released on-time; Quickstats data delayed, NASS to publish milk production data in updated data dissemination format, USDA-NASS Crop Progress report delayed until Nov. 29, NASS reinstates Cost of Pollination survey, Respond Now to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, 2017 Census of Agriculture Highlight Series Farms and Land in Farms, 2017 Census of Agriculture Highlight Series Economics, 2017 Census of Agriculture Highlight Series Demographics, Acreage Grain Stocks Rice Stocks (June 2023), NASS Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan, Statement of Commitment to Scientific Integrity, USDA and NASS Civil Rights Policy Statement, Civil Rights Accountability Policy and Procedures, Contact information for NASS Civil Rights Office, International Conference on Agricultural Statistics, Agricultural Statistics: A Historical Timeline, As We Recall: The Growth of Agricultural Estimates, 1933-1961, Safeguarding America's Agricultural Statistics Report, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Seasonal Summary of Crop Progress and Condition/All Crops and All States, Economics, Statistics and Market Information System (ESMIS). 2023Forage Genetics International, LLC. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, John E. Moore, University of Florida, and Nick Schneider, former Winnebago Co. UWEX Agriculture Agent. Figure 2 illustrates how Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) relates to nutrient needs for different species and classes of livestock. 06/30/23 Corn planted acreage up 6% from 2022. A Focus on Forage Fact Sheet. Use a cultipacker to firm the soil for good soil covering. of Plant Pathology, at the 2000 Wisconsin Fertilizer, Ag Lime, and Pest Management Conference, Aphanomyces Race 2 in Alfalfa Silage Quality After Applying Liquid Dairy Manure to Alfalfa Stubble So let's begin with a 15 pound per acre seeding rate (Figure 1). Soil Fertility Influences on Cation Levels in Forages, Silage Quality After Applying Liquid Dairy Manure to Alfalfa Stands. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist and Craig Saxe, UWEX Juneau County Agriculture Agent, Forging a Partnership with a Custom Operator A presentation given by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, at the 2005 Wisconsin Fertilizer, Ag Lime, and Pest Management Conference. A presentation given by T.J. Davis, Dave Hogg, and John Wedberg (emeritus) UW Dept. Use a regular grain drill with a small seed attachment or an alfalfa drill for planting. This might have been due to the seeding year, as 2012 was a drought year. by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Alfalfa Yield and Stand A youtube video by University of Wisconsin Integrated Pest and Crop Management. Many pastures will have accumulated forage this fall due to the generally good late season rainfall and temperature patterns. Crop and Soil Management Issues Related to Forage Cation Levels Liming to a pH of 6.5 increases the availability of both soil and fertilizer P to plants. Rain Damage to Forage During Hay and Silage Making Alfalfa has nutrient requirements that must be met for good yield. Alfalfa field crop trials results: From the University of Minnesota, M. Samantha Wells, Extension agronomist; Doug Holen, former Extension educator and Craig Sheaffer, agronomist, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. Using NDF Digestibility in Ration Formulation by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, Redesigning alfalfa: Can we reduce protein loss in alfalfa by introducing traits from red clover? A spreadsheet for calculating the optimal first cutting date and net return per acre based on yield and RFV. UW Extension Bulletin A3620, Assessing Alfalfa Stand Condition in the Spring PDF Alfalfa Management Guide - Agronomy by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist. Estimating the Weight of Forage in a Forage Wagon Repeat the application that was used for the seeding year for the first full year of production. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by John Peters (retired) and Keith Kelling (emeritus), UW Extension Soil Scientists. However, the statewide average during that time hovered around 3 tons per acre of dry matter (Figure 1). 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. Predicted dairy feed prices and rankings for January 2016 Calculated from protein (RUP & RDP), energy contained in milk produced (NEL), fiber (peNDF), and general wholesale FOB Midwest input prices. 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. This could be another benefit of contract harvesting. Milk2016 for Alfalfa and Grass USDA: Nearly everything is up | Hay and Forage Magazine The fertilizer is applied in the fall, after the seeds have been removed from the ground. Find the right products and services for your farm, ranch or operation. You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 7 days. Factors to Consider When Marketing Hay Big Bale Storage Losses; how different options stack up What did these farmers do different to get the high yields? Alfalfa Upper Midwest average price in 2012 per ton; USDA 2011 for Corn and Soybean; USDA NASS Quick Stats - 2012 US average Alfalfa Tons per acre; USDA 2012 harvest forecast in bushels per acre; US Midwest States Extension Services; Alfalfa seeding costs are averaged over 4 years, includes tech fee for Genuity Roundup Ready varieties. This spreadsheet, developed by former Waukesha County Agriculture Agent, Rob Fox, offers users the ability to evaluate the economic return of varying lengths of alfalfa stands. When comparing percent of total yield by cutting at the Chatham Research Station in the Upper Peninsula (Fig. 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. by K.A. That equates to 75 seeds per square foot. To illustrate the yield differences between cuttings, Michigan State University Extensions Forage Variety Test Reports for 2015-2017 were summarized for East Lansing, Lake City and Chatham. In this study, alfalfa-grass yield was relatively high, with similar yields across binary mixtures in 2015 averaging around 4.2 tons dry matter per acre. Potassium (K) may be the most limiting nutrient for alfalfa production in central, east-central, and southeastern Minnesota. A Focus on Forage Fact Sheet. Average yields for first cuttings were 41 percent of the total years production and 2.2 tons dry matter per acre; 22 percent and 1.21 tons dry matter per acre for second cutting; 21 percent and 1.16 tons dry matter per acre for third cutting; and 17 percent and 0.91 tons dry matter per acre for fourth cutting. Italian Ryegrass as a Companion for Alfalfa Seeding Meadow fescue and improved orchardgrass varieties also performed well. Many times, weeds and grasses appear as the alfalfa stand ages. Alfalfa has nutrient requirements that must be met for good yield. Top yields (intensive farming) can exceed 40 tons per hectare or 16 tons per acre per year. A certain amount of driving over alfalfa is obviously necessary to harvest it. However, each species had greater survival rates when part of a three-species mixture compared to a pure stand. Apply fertilizer as needed, using soil test results as a guide. Seven Unique Factors of First-Cut Alfalfa Without atrazine 0 pounds of yield per acre; Wth atrazine 4940 pounds of yield per acre; 1 Mead, Nebraska Time of seeding. Statewide, average alfalfa hay yields on dryland are about 1.2 tons per acre, and 3.4 tons per acre under irrigation. 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. Proper seedbed preparation is essential for providing adequate seed-to-soil contact and controlling perennial and annual weeds. Sta., Ken Barnett, Farm Management Specialist., and Mark Feuerstein, former Agriculture Agent Door Co. A Focus on Forage fact sheet. Haul manure? dReed canarygrass is an invasive species. Matching stage of maturity with alfalfa, especially in the first cutting, can be challenging with certain species. In addition, the cost of production goes up on the older fields with thinner stands because, either lower quality forage is produced due to inclusion of harvested weeds or expense goes up, due to the need for additional herbicide. All economic analysis would clearly indicate that it is more profitable to plan on shorter rotations and replant alfalfa fields oftener than to attempt to keep a low yielding field for another year or two. Silveira, Departments of Entomology and Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Alfalfa Blotch Leafminer Alfalfa yields in Nevada have averaged approximately 4.5 tons per acre annually over the past several years. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). Avoid unnecessary trips across the field when harvesting, Mowing and conditioning in a single operation. by Quinn Watson, Plant Pathology, UW-Madison and Damon Smith, UW-Extension Plant Pathologist, Aphanomyces Races in Alfalfa Split applications of K can also reduce the incidence of high K concentrations in forage that can cause reduced forage quality for some classes of livestock. There are more than 1 million acres of alfalfa in Minnesota, but the goal of maximizing yield isnt always realized. Enhanced Forage Evaluation: NDF Digestibility NDF Digestibility: Reference Values for Forages, Byproducts and Total Mixed Rations For more than eight years, researchers established stands and conducted harvests and collected and analyzed data. Seeding rates above 15 pounds per acre have no positive impact on yield (Table 3). Because of tremendous demands on alfalfa, it is not reasonable to expect stands to last for a long time. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. This link takes you to results from the most recent UW alfalfa variety testing information. The N rate should be held to 25 pounds per acre or less. The bulletin is updated annually. A presentation given by Mike Rankin, Fond du Lac Co. UW-Extension Crops and Soils Agent, at the 2006 Fertilizer, Ag Lime, and Pest Management Conference. by Bryan Jensen, Integrated Pest Management Program, UW Madison, Alfalfa Potato Leafhopper Resistance Update Alfalfa is a tap-rooted crop and can last five years and longer under proper management. A good rule of thumb is that about 10 percent of the seeds should be visible on the soil surface. Here, well cover six management strategies for optimal alfalfa establishment: In addition, its important to select alfalfa varieties that have adequate fall dormancy and disease resistances, and purchase high-quality, pure alfalfa seed. 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. Small amounts of a N fertilizer may enhance establishment when alfalfa is seeded in a coarse-textured soil. USDA: There's less hay | Hay and Forage Magazine Alfalfa regrows from the crown, which is belowground. of potash per ton of forage produced. How do I get my company listed in your Buyers Guide? by Dr. Dave Combs, Dairy Scientist, UW-Madison, Variability of Bypass Protein in Forages In the north-central United States, theres growing interest in the potential of using perennial forage grasses to complement alfalfa for high-quality forage production. Microbial Inoculants for Silage 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. Theyre better suited to a two- or three-cut system and also do well in a managed pasture system. by Mark Renz, UW-Extension Weed Management Specialist. Much like other legumes, alfalfa proportions are difficult to predict and vary widely based on several factors. In 2016, gain per acre in alfalfa-meadow fescue was maintained around 1,000 pounds per acre, while alfalfa-tall fescue and alfalfa-orchardgrass averaged around 680 pounds per acre. A Focus on Forage fact sheet by Dan Wiersma, former Marshfield Ag Research Station Asst. 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. Its very important to use improved varieties within species of grasses to attain the higher-quality forage. Inoculant Effects on Alfalfa Silage: In Vitro Gas and Volatile Fatty Acid Production Cool-season grasses grown with alfalfa mixes. Attempting to grow alfalfa with less than optimum pH will restrict growth so that yields are reduced by up to 40%. by Dr. Richard Muck, USDA Dairy-Forage Research Center, et al. by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station 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. by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Identifying and Managing Soil Compaction in Field Crop Production Profitable forage production depends on high yields. UW Extension Bulletin A3646. In summary, if producers are harvesting their first cutting alfalfa for quality, remember the largest yield of the season is historically from first cutting. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. Big Bale Storage Losses; how different options stack up, Alfalfa Profitability by Year and Fertilizer Cost Calculator, Value of Short Rotations for Alfalfa Profitability, Economics of Alfalfa and Corn Silage Rotations, Calculating Optimal Length of a Stand of Alfalfa, Heat Damaged Forages: Effects on Forage Energy Content, Heat Damaged Forages: Effects on Forage Quality, Using NDF Digestibility in Ration Formulation, A Quick Guide to Understanding Forage Test Results, The Effect of Maturity on NDF Digestibility, NDF Digestibility: Reference Values for Forages, Byproducts and Total Mixed Rations, In vitro NDF Digestibility of Forages: The 30 vs 48 hr debate. Low legume persistence is also a concern with using alfalfa in pastures. A Focus on Forage fact sheet, AglimeKey to Increased Yield and Profits Italian Ryegrass as a Companion Crop for Alfalfa Seeding, Determining the Optimum Alfalfa Seeding Rate, How to Get a Good Stand of Alfalfa or Grass, Seeding Rate and Date for Forages in Wisconsin, Identifying and Managing Soil Compaction in Field Crop Production, Considerations When Applying Manure to Alfalfa, Effect of Seeding Year Stress on Future Alfalfa Yields, Frost Seeding Legumes and Grasses into Established Pastures, Assessing Alfalfa Stand Condition in the Spring, Applying Manure to Alfalfa: Pros, Cons and Recommendations for Three Application Strategies. Lower rates usually are used in arid regions. 2008 WI Crop Management Conference, Potato Leafhopper 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). Effective management in both the seeding and production years is critical for optimal yield, quality and persistence. The annual applications of S fit easily with annual applications of phosphate or potash. Potash is particularly required in large amounts relative to other crops. The University of Minnesota Alfalfa Variety Trials follow these guidelines, which have ensured optimal yield year after year. Bloat can occur on all legumes but is a concern for alfalfa because alfalfa proportion can be high, particularly in the first year. This Developed by Bill Lazarus, University of Minnesota, and Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, View Wisconsin Alfalfa Scissor Cut Results, Predicting Pre-Harvest Alfalfa Quality Using PEAQ As this year when soils are wet and spring field work difficult, decisions often must be made between planting another crop or harvesting alfalfa. Prescribed seeding rates are designed to provide several times the seed needed to achieve optimal yield under ideal growing conditions. This involves a series of practices such as using roller conditioners rather than flail conditioners, raking when hay has at least 40% moisture, turning and moving alfalfa as little as possible prior to harvesting and harvesting hay at the highest moisture content possible to avoid spoilage in storage. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Jerry Clark, Chippewa Co. Crops and Soils Educator, Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), UW Biological Systems Engineering Dept., and Dr. Richard Muck, USDA Dairy-Forage Research Center. Alfalfa Grass. Extension Forage Program - Montana State University