Alfalfa Harvest Alert report for May 8 through 14

The Alfalfa Harvest Alert Scissor Cut project is in full swing. The first samples were taken last week, and 11 out of 14 cooperators have started sampling so far. Samples will continue to be taken until each field is harvested. With recent warm weather, alfalfa has been growing quickly. The goal of the Alfalfa Harvest Alert program is to alert growers to start the first cut of alfalfa when the crop is at a level of quality and yield potential that meets their specific needs. Because each field is unique, the goal of this project is not to try and name the exact day of harvest. For growers who are busy with the management of many crops, the data can be used to inform harvest timing and strategy.

The collection of fresh cut samples of alfalfa starts when the stand height reaches between 14 and 16 inches. Project cooperators will try to sample at least twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays until harvest. These samples are submitted to our lab sponsors to test for different quality parameters. Quality and maturity will also be estimated through an equation called the “Predictive Equation for Alfalfa Quality” (PEAQ).  This process uses the stage of maturity and height of the tallest stems to estimate Relative Feed Value (RFV).