alfalfa grass yield per acrealfalfa grass yield per acre

A spreadsheet for calculating the optimal first cutting date and net return per acre based on yield and RFV. What is the Cost of Seeding Low-Cost Alfalfa Seed? al. Dr. Richard Muck, USDA Dairy-Forage Research Center. Adapted from Undersander, University of Wisconsin. Alfalfa Seeding Rates Revisited | CCE North Country Regional Ag Team Blog However, north of St. Low legume persistence is also a concern with using alfalfa in pastures. Seeding rates above 15 pounds per acre have no positive impact on yield (Table 3). In this study, alfalfa-grass yield was relatively high, with similar yields across binary mixtures in 2015 averaging around 4.2 tons dry matter per acre. East Lansing has historically used a four-cut system for alfalfa and Lake City and Chatham utilize a three-cut system. Soil Fertility Influences on Cation Levels in Forages, Silage Quality After Applying Liquid Dairy Manure to Alfalfa Stands. When alfalfa production is considered, major emphasis should be devoted to. 2023 Have a specific question for one of our subject experts? It only takes a few seconds! It more accurately estimates the feeding value of alfalfa and grass than past versions. Countywide yields typically include seeding- and production-year alfalfa, thereby reducing yield expectations. Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Alfalfa Silage or Perennial Ryegrass Silage Tests to characterize alfalfa cultivars: From the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. In these situations, application of N fertilizer may reduce nodulation. The fertilizer is applied in the fall, after the seeds have been removed from the ground. How do I get my company listed in your Buyers Guide? Written by Mike Rankin, Extension Crops and Soils Agent Fond du Lac County. It is not as winterhardy as some cultivars of alfalfa. by Mike Rankin, Fond du Lac Co. Crops and Soils Agent. 03/30/23 United States hog inventory up slightly. A Focus on Forage Fact Sheet. Each day corn planting is delayed results in about 1 bu/a lost yield at a value of $2.5 to $3.00 per acre. A paper by T. Roberson, L. Bundy (emeritus), and T. Andraski, Silage Quality After Applying Liquid Dairy Manure to Alfalfa Stands A Focus on Forage fact sheet by Dan Wiersma, former Marshfield Ag Research Station Asst. In the spring, when the soil is dry and the plants are ready to be transplanted, the fertilizer can be applied at the same time as the planting of the seedlings. Repeat the application that was used for the seeding year for the first full year of production. Please click here to continue without javascript.. Texas veteran pays gift of 'Old Glory' forward, Managing silage inventories: What to do if you find yourself short, [Podcast] Being proactive about mental health with Jason Medows. Guide to Evaluating Hay Alfalfa-grass and alfalfa forage yields for 3 years after seeding in central MN. We must also manage levels of boron and sulfur. UW-Extension. Introduction Undersander et al. Mark Renz, Extension Weed Scientist, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Costs and Benefits of Roundup-Ready Alfalfa in the Establishment Year | PowerPointPresentation | UWEX Bulletin A2805, Factors Affecting Bunker Silo Densities Calculator As you can see below, using USDA & extension averages along with current market data, alfalfa may be up to $100 more profitable per acre than corn and even more so when compared to soybeans. The variability in alfalfa proportion is a result of several different factors including alfalfa and grass seeding rate, soil moisture and temperature, and grass species and variety. The more particles in direct contact with the seed, the quicker the seed can absorb water and germinate (Figure 6). byDan Undersander, Forage Agronomist The same economic considerations should be kept in mind when considering whether to cut if rain is threatening. Million BTU/acre Soybean (40 bu/a) 2.3 18.3 7.1 Corn grain (180 bu/a) 6.0 59.0 8.8 . Inoculant Effects on Alfalfa Silage: In Vitro Gas and Volatile Fatty Acid Production Therefore, the quality will have a significant impact on how the animals respond, e.g., producing pounds of milk for dairy cows, pounds of gain for growing heifers or steers, or maintaining body condition for lactating beef cow. What did these farmers do different to get the high yields? Find out why here. Proper seedbed preparation is essential for providing adequate seed-to-soil contact and controlling perennial and annual weeds. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Dan Wiersma,Mike Bertram et al. When comparing percent of total yield by cutting at the Chatham Research Station in the Upper Peninsula (Fig. Percent of yearly yield x cutting, East Lansing, MSU Alfalfa Yield Summaries 2015-2017. Department of Agronomy Smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis) is a cool-season grass introduced into the United States from Hungary in 1884. Site selection is important because alfalfa prefers well-drained, deep soils that dont follow alfalfa. Producers have been using Relative Feed Value (RFV) widely for ranking alfalfa for sale, inventorying and allocating forage lots to animal groups according to their quality needs, as well as determining when to harvest. 2012 WI Crop Management Conference. standard hay-type alfalfa production practices, total yield of alfalfa increases 42%, leaf protein yield is . Wet soils not only reduce diffused oxygen (O2 (g)), but also benefit diseases and increase the risk of ice sheeting. by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Frost Seeding Legumes and Grasses into Established Pastures Award-winning coverage of in-depth news and analysis to make your business more profitable. However, mixing an alfalfa variety with grass species to create hay fields is increasingly popular in Eastern U.S. dairy regions. Orchardgrass, G4511 | MU Extension The most popular legumes for grazing in the Midwest are red clover and white clover, with only a few producers utilizing alfalfa in their pastures. Researchers only seeded 10 pounds of alfalfa seed in the mixtures with the intent to have a 50:50 alfalfa-grass stand. A spreadsheet designed to evaluate the autotoxicity risk of seeding alfalfa fields back into alfalfa. After the selecting the field, soil sampling and analysis will identify soil nutrient deficiencies. As this year when soils are wet and spring field work difficult, decisions often must be made between planting another crop or harvesting alfalfa. The University of Minnesota Alfalfa Variety Trials reported average yields in the range of 6 to 7 tons per acre (dry matter) across all locations in recent years. and Richard Muck, USDA Dairy Forage Research Center. Meadow fescue and improved orchardgrass varieties also performed well. If it does, then use a cultipacker to firm the surface. High alfalfa proportions in 2014 resulted in pastures that were too bloat-provoking for grazing; therefore cattle only grazed these pastures in 2015 and 2016. a NPM fact sheet to help growers monitor and make potato leafhopper treatment decisions, Potato Leafhopper Alfalfas #1 Insect Pest | Paper | Presentation | Smooth brome and meadow bromegrasses showed the typical slower establishment expected in bromegrass. Benefits of legume-grass mixtures - University of Minnesota To better understand alfalfa-grass mixtures, researchers assessed forage yield, quality and species compatibility of alfalfa-grass mixtures vs. alfalfa monocultures on Minnesota farms. A presentation given by Craig Grau (emeritus), UW-Madison Dept. Silage inoculants: What the research tells us about when and how to use them. Profitable alfalfa production starts with a consideration of soil pH and lime needs. Sainfoin has 6 to 14 pairs of pinnate, alternate leaves that are oblong. Native to warmer temperature, It maintains the carbohydrates and lipid metabolism. of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, Getting Low Potassium in Forages The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Frost Injury to Alfalfa by Dan Undersander and Tim Wood, University of Wisconsin, and William Foster, Consultant. Spring seeding dates of April 15 to May 15 are recommended for most of Minnesota. As shown in figure 5, on the average over the last 20 years, yields in the UW alfalfa variety trials have been highest in the first and second production years and then began to decline. Alfalfa establishment: Steps to maximize yield What you need to know Select fields with deep, well-drained soils. Figure 2. by Bryan Jensen, Integrated Pest Management Program, UW Madison, Alfalfa Potato Leafhopper Resistance Update by Victor Cabrera, Lou Armentano and Randy Shaver, UW-Madison dairy scientists. With a proper seedbed, the choice of planter type, when operated correctly, doesnt impact alfalfa yield (Figure 4). Wisconsin Crop Manager Newsletter With today's alfalfa seed prices above $5 per pound, reducing seeding rates by two or three pounds can save growers $10 to $15 per acre. This is especially true when soils are sandy. by John Jennings, Extension Forage Specialist, University of Arkansas, Effect of Seeding Year Stress on Future Alfalfa Yields by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Alfalfa Yield and Stand by Dr. Kevin Shinners, UW Ag Engineer. by Craig Saxe, Juneau County Agricultural Agent. Small amounts of a N fertilizer may enhance establishment when alfalfa is seeded in a coarse-textured soil. by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station. Factors to Consider When Marketing Hay Mgr. Steps to Successful No-till Establishment of Forages The Quick Stats Database is the most comprehensive tool for accessing agricultural data published by NASS. A Focus on Forage Fact Sheet. Potash is particularly required in large amounts relative to other crops. Sainfoin is short lived where root and crown rots are a problem. Schmitt, Professor and Extension Scientist, Dept. by Dan Undersander. Alfalfa Upper Midwest average price in 2012 per ton; USDA 2011 for Corn and Soybean; USDA NASS Quick Stats - 2012 US average Alfalfa Tons per acre; USDA 2012 harvest forecast in bushels per acre; US Midwest States Extension Services; Alfalfa seeding costs are averaged over 4 years, includes tech fee for Genuity Roundup Ready varieties. Marshfield Ag Res. In 2016, gain per acre in alfalfa-meadow fescue was maintained around 1,000 pounds per acre, while alfalfa-tall fescue and alfalfa-orchardgrass averaged around 680 pounds per acre. In Minnesota, the soil test for S is only reliable for sandy soils. Publication A4075, Alfalfa Grass Mixtures|PowerPointPresentation | As Figure 2shows, animal performance among mixtures was similar in 2015, when alfalfa proportions were high at 60%, averaging around 1.7 pounds per day. The need for lime is not uniform across Minnesota and recommendations will vary. Prescribed seeding rates are designed to provide several times the seed needed to achieve optimal yield under ideal growing conditions. However, we should remember that every trip over the field does some damage and reduces yield. PDF 6 Hay and Pasture - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Another critical aspect of managing grasses in alfalfa stands is to watch the cutting height. PDF Dryland Alfalfa - OSU Extension Service by Dr. Dave Combs, Dairy Scientist, UW-Madison, Variability of Bypass Protein in Forages by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Feedout Losses from Forage Storage Systems of potash per ton of forage produced. Machinery Designs and Adjustments for Minimized Field Losses High yields are achievable with proper management. A presentation given by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, at the 2005 Wisconsin Fertilizer, Ag Lime, and Pest Management Conference. Accumulated or stockpiled forage can be an excellent source of forage for animals. by Mike Rankin, Fond du Lac Co. Crops and Soils Agent, and Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Agronomist. 2023 In the year of establishment, broadcast and incorporate the suggested rates of phosphate and potash before seeding. The average U.S. dry hay yield (all types) jumped from 2.34 tons per acre in 2018 to 2.46 tons per acre in 2019. by Dr. Ron Schuler (emeritus), UW Extension Ag Engineer. Alfalfa Grass. Alfalfa is the most extensive crop in Nevada with approximately 250,000 acres devoted to its production. A Focus on Forage fact sheet. Change in Yield and Quality of Alfalfa by Dr. Richard Muck, USDA Dairy-Forage Research Center, et al. That equates to 75 seeds per square foot. I recommend the following seven areas that allfarmers should consider if they want high alfalfa yields. UW Extension Bulletin A2240, Choosing Between Liming Materials Figure 5. 680 pounds of yield per acre; Wth atrazine 6400 pounds of yield per acre; Switchgrass. When comparing percent of total yearly yield by cutting at the Lake City Research Station (Fig. dReed canarygrass is an invasive species. The changes in forage nutritive value over time were related to declines in alfalfa proportion rather than effects due to grass species. Average yields were 49 percent and 1.66 tons dry matter per acre for first cutting; 34 percent and 1.18 tons dry matter per acre for second cutting; and 17 percent and 0.63 tons dry matter per acre for third cutting. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. All rights reserved. America's Alfalfa, the America's Alfalfa logo, HarvXtra and the Traffic Tested logo are registered trademarks of Forage Genetics International, LLC. by Pat Hoffman (emeritus),UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station, et al. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Mike Rankin, UW-Extension Crops and Soils Agent Fond du Lac County, Applying Manure to Alfalfa: Pros, Cons and Recommendations for Three Application Strategies Foliar Fungicides on Alfalfa: Is it worth it? Several parameters and nutrients are critical for optimal stand health, although here well focus on soil pH, potassium and phosphorus. On this webpage, well focus on strategies for maximizing yield in the first production year. Theres a direct relationship between stand establishment and seeding depth. Alfalfa yields for 2020 averaged 4.0 tons per acre dry matter (1.0 tons less than in 2019), red clover yields averaged 2.7 tons per acre dry matter (1.4 tons per acre less than in 2019), and perennial forage grass yields averaged 2.4 tons per acre dry matter (1.8 tons per acre less than in 2019). This might have been due to the seeding year, as 2012 was a drought year. In some situations, the recommended rate of phosphate can be blended with the recommended rate of potash and the mixture can then be spread with available equipment. Along with protein, it is also major source of mineral and calcium. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by John Peters (retired), UW Extension Soil Scientist, Applying Manure to Alfalfa by R.D. Contact a specialist. Presented at the 2001 Forage Teaching and Technology Conference. Potash is particularly required in large amounts relative to other crops. The bulletin is updated annually. by Pat Hoffman (emeritus),UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station, et al. When needed, B fertilizers can be top-dressed to established stands. The average U.S. dry hay yield (all types) dropped from 2.52 tons per acre in 2016 to 2.44 tons per acre in 2017. When comparing percent of total yearly yield by cutting in the East Lansing yield summaries (n=13) a four-cut system was used (Fig 3). Professor Plant Pathology, Dept. All rights reserved. In summary, if producers are harvesting their first cutting alfalfa for quality, remember the largest yield of the season is historically from first cutting. byDan Undersander Alfalfa field crop trials results: From the University of Minnesota, M. Samantha Wells, Extension agronomist; Doug Holen, former Extension educator and Craig Sheaffer, agronomist, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Seeding year yields with differing ryegrass varieties had a range of 77 to 138% of the total trial mean, which has been between approximately 3 to 5 tons dry matter per acre. Adding Enzymes to Silage Soils in Minnesota contain ample calcium (Ca) for crop growth. It is one of the most productive cool-season grasses, tolerant to shade, fairly drought resistant with moderate winter hardiness. by Dan Undersander, University of Wisconsin, David R. Mertens, USDA-ARS US Dairy Forage Research Center, and Nancy Thiex, South Dakota State University, Alfalfa Germination and Growth Alfalfa has nutrient requirements that must be met for good yield. These bacteria allow the alfalfa crop to manufacture the nitrogen it needs from the nitrogen in the atmosphere. UW Extension Bulletin A3671, When and How to Apply Aglime Grau, Dept. Calculating Alfalfa Optimum First Cut Date Spreadsheet Written by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Seeding Rate of Different Alfalfa Seed Lots by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, et al. Liming materials are not used to supply Ca. by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist, Identifying and Managing Soil Compaction in Field Crop Production University of Wisconsin Alfalfa Variety Performance Results It yields best on high pH, deep, well-drained soils, and will not withstand wet soils or high water tables. When walking on soil prior to planting, the heel of your shoe shouldnt sink more than 3/8ths of an inch into the soil. Silage inoculants: What the research tells us about when and how to use them. Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: Yield and Management of Roundup Ready Alfalfa, Roundup Ready, Low Lignin and Other New Traits in Alfalfas Future. A Focus on Forage fact sheet by Matt Digman, former USDA DFRC Ag Engineer, Effect of Wheel Traffic on Alfalfa Yield For lactating cow forage, the mixture of alfalfa with meadow fescue and tall fescue resulted in higher yields and higher-quality forage compared to alfalfa alone. Arizona and California continued to dominate the average alfalfa yield category in 2019 . Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Comparing Forage Drydown Rates Using a Super Conditioner in Wisconsin On first cutting our scissors clip data has indicated that forage quality is generally changing 5 points of RFV per day as we approach harvest. by Ron Wiederholt, former Clark Co. Crops and Soils Agent, et. a Red clover can be added at 4 lb/acre, but the alfalfa rate needs to be reduced by half; alternately, 6 to 8 lb/acre of red clover can be substituted for alfalfa. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Wayne Coblentz, Dan Undersander, and Michael Bertram. 15 pounds seed per acre to ensure an adequate stand. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our. A Focus on Forage fact sheet written by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist. Soils that have either marginal or deficient levels of B are limited to the state's east-central and northeastern regions. Should Calcium Be Applied to Wisconsin Soils? FeedVal v6.0 Predicted dairy feed prices . Recent data would indicate that approximately 0.5 t/a yield is lost for each inch higher the stand is cut. H.D & Company - Offering Alfalfa Seeds, For Agriculture, Pack Size: 25 Kgs Hdpe Bags at Rs 250/kilogram in Mandvi, Gujarat. Italian Ryegrass as a Companion Crop for Alfalfa Seeding, Determining the Optimum Alfalfa Seeding Rate, How to Get a Good Stand of Alfalfa or Grass, Seeding Rate and Date for Forages in Wisconsin, Identifying and Managing Soil Compaction in Field Crop Production, Considerations When Applying Manure to Alfalfa, Effect of Seeding Year Stress on Future Alfalfa Yields, Frost Seeding Legumes and Grasses into Established Pastures, Assessing Alfalfa Stand Condition in the Spring, Applying Manure to Alfalfa: Pros, Cons and Recommendations for Three Application Strategies. Annually sample soils to mitigate soil nutrient deficiencies. Some varieties have a multifoliate charactersitic as seen in the following image. Lucerne also known as "alfalfa" or "rijka" in northen India is a protein rich fodder and considered as "queen of fodder crop". 1.) cNot to be used in horse pastures. Cool-season grasses grown with alfalfa mixes. Website: https://ask.usda.gov/s/, June Turner, Director Email: / Phone: (202) 720-8257, Find contact information for Regional and State Field Offices. by Daniel Wiersma, former Asst. Written by Dr. Ron Schuler (emeritus), UW Extension Ag Engineer, Successful Wrapping and Storage of Square Bales It is a perennial plant and can supply fodder for 3-4 year in same growing. Phosphorus promotes rapid root growth, strong seedling development and high yields. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.