Optimizing the alfalfa harvest for dairy success
Alfalfa is a nutritious feed for dairy cows, especially when it’s harvested at the right time — when the crop is at a level of quality and yield potential that meets the needs of both the cow and the farm business. Since 1997, Extension has collaborated with farmers in multiple regions on the Alfalfa Harvest Alert program to alert growers in their area to start the first cut of alfalfa. By cutting and analyzing samples, then sharing the data, Extension can encourage growers who are busy with management of other crops to be more strategic about their own alfalfa harvest.
Jackie Estrem, Extension sustainable agriculture educator; Dana Adams, Extension dairy educator; Lily Dahler, Extension agriculture and natural resources intern, took samples in May.
Farmer Mark Skroch said: “Alfalfa is probably one of the best feeds to produce milk, as it is a natural product that digests well in the cow’s four stomachs.”
Highlights
- Benton County 4-H youth and families showed their creativity and community spirit during the 2025 National 4-H Week Promotion Challenge. Graham 4-H Club won for their outside display and Mayhew Lakers 4-H Club won for their inside social media video.
- A longstanding tradition in Benton County is the spring Mystery Meal, hosted by 4-H Ambassadors to show appreciation to parents and volunteers. The creative format turns the tables, with youth challenging adult volunteers on their goals through games and activities. This event provides a leadership opportunity for youth and a way for volunteers and youth leaders to get to know one another.
- U of M Farm Family of the Year: The Rahm family milks about 120 cows and raises roughly 280 steers. They manage 600 acres of crops and have recently begun integrating cover crops into their rotation.
- SuperShelf: Cross Center for Benton County
- A Master Gardener volunteer in Benton County devoted time and garden space to testing popular flower and vegetable varieties (six vegetable, two flower), including centaurea, cilantro and peppers, as part of the statewide Master Gardener Seed Trials to look for top performing plants. Each trial compares six different varieties of each plant.
- In collaboration with the Initiative Foundation, the Climate Adaptation Partnership enabled the creation of a new staff position focused on community preparedness and resiliency across the central Minnesota region.
Benton County office
Extension has 14 regional offices supporting all 87 counties in Minnesota.
Benton County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community. More about Extension in our county.
About the Minnesota 87 project
Spend time in any Minnesota county, and you will almost certainly encounter University of Minnesota Extension. Our faculty and staff, volunteers, participants, alumni and partners are woven into the fabric of rural, urban and suburban Minnesota life. This project showcases Extension in action through photos, stories and a sampling of the many ways Extension has touched the lives of people in every county.