Alfalfa Harvest Alert for May 27

May 29, 2025

By Jackie Estrem and Taylor Herbert et.al

The Alfalfa Harvest Alert Project, also called Scissor Cut, continued this week with samples taken on May 26th and 27th. Recent cool weather has kept alfalfa growth slow, but as RFV’s near target range, many farmers are ready to cut. Windy conditions have resulted in varying amounts of lodging across the region. Aphid populations of note have been identified in southerly sample fields, but no significant levels of alfalfa weevil feeding or other disease have been reported. While not many weevils have been reported yet, be on the lookout for them, as it’s likely they will be hatching very 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.

Source : umn.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.