Forage producers across Minnesota are making important management decisions as the first alfalfa harvest is underway and grazing season ramps up. During the University of Minnesota Extension Strategic Farming: Field Notes webinar on June 3, Dr. Beatriz Bizzuti, Extension Forage Specialist, discussed factors to consider before first-cut alfalfa harvest, while Troy Salzer, Extension Educator, provided updates on pasture conditions and grazing management. Tim Gieseke, Extension Educator – Agricultural Water Management, joined the second half of the session to discuss precision drainage and emerging opportunities for managing water more efficiently across agricultural landscapes. The webinar was moderated by Eric Yu, Extension Educator – Integrated Pest Management.
Evaluating alfalfa stands before first harvest
As producers prepare for first-cut alfalfa, Bizzuti emphasized the importance of assessing stand health and winter survival. Stand evaluations conducted in early spring can provide valuable information for harvest timing and season-long management decisions.
Healthy alfalfa stands should generally have more than 40 stems per square foot or at least five plants per square foot. In addition to counting stems and plants, producers should dig several plants and examine crown and root tissue. Healthy crowns and roots should have a creamy white interior, while dark brown discoloration may indicate root rot and winter injury.
Understanding how well a stand overwintered, along with the age of the stand, can help producers determine the best management strategy for the season ahead. For additional information on identifying and evaluating winter injury in alfalfa, see the University of Wisconsin Crops and Soils article on alfalfa winterkill.
Source : umn.edu