Alfalfa Harvest Alert for May 13th

May 16, 2025

By Jackie Estrem

The Alfalfa Harvest Alert Project, also called Scissor Cut, continued this week with samples taken on May 12th. Over the weekend, alfalfa grew quickly thanks to warm weather. There was no alfalfa weevil feeding or plant disease reported. Farms with high forage quality goals may be cutting soon.

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. As a reminder, the goal is not to try and name the exact day of harvest. Rather the goal is to encourage growers who are busy with management of other crops to be more strategic with hay crop harvest as it relates to their needs.

How to get harvest alert data

The May 13th Alfalfa Harvest Alert data is available as a pdf. However, there is also a tool that contains this year’s data and all the data from every county and farm that has participated in the Alfalfa Harvest Alert Program since 1997. As an added bonus, this year we are also including data from University of Wisconsin Madison Extension! Go to z.umn.edu/AlfalfaHarvestAlert to view the data. You can also get the most recent information through email by signing up at z.umn.edu/QuadCountySignup and clicking the "Alfalfa Scissor-Cut and Harvest Alert" box.

Source : umn.edu

Video: What Is Remote Sensing In Precision Agriculture? - The World of Agriculture

What Is Remote Sensing In Precision Agriculture? In this informative video, we will dive into the fascinating world of remote sensing and its role in precision agriculture. Remote sensing technology allows farmers to gather critical information about their fields without the need for physical presence. By utilizing satellites, drones, and aircraft equipped with advanced sensors, farmers can monitor various aspects of their crops, from temperature and moisture levels to overall plant health.

We will explore how the data collected through remote sensing can empower farmers to make strategic decisions for their crops. With the ability to identify specific areas that require more water or nutrients, farmers can optimize resource usage, leading to healthier plants and improved yields.

Moreover, remote sensing plays a vital role in tracking crop growth over time. By comparing images taken at different growth stages, farmers can evaluate their crops’ development and adjust their management practices accordingly.