Agronomy and Forage

2008 Alfalfa Quality Information

Goal Relative Feed Quality (RFV) of 150

Warmer temperatures this past weekend have really pushed alfalfa growth and development. PEAQ stick measurements on 6/2/08 averaged 157 RFV and scissor cut RFVs averaged 161. All fields sampled were in the bud stage. Needless to say, harvest as soon as possible for high quality dairy forage.

It is interesting to note that as alfalfa plants mature, the PEAQ RFVs and scissor cut RFVs move closer in-line with one another.

Evaluate alfalfa fields on a field-by-field basis. There are growth differences as a result of soil fertility, variety, fall management, and age of stand. Scissor cut RFVs and PEAQ RFVs are about 15-20 RFV points higher than forage coming out of storage. On average we lose roughly 3-5 RFV points per day.

Thanks to our sponsors: Sheboygan County Forage Council, Adell Coop, Kettle Lakes Coop, and Rock River Labs.

This is the last alfalfa quality report for 2008.  For more information contact Mike Ballweg at (920) 459-5904.   http://sheboygan.uwex.edu

Take time to be safe.

PEAQ stick measurements on 5/29/08 indicate that first crop harvest should proceed full speed ahead for top quality dairy forage. Don't be mislead by the lack of bud development. Cooler temperatures delay bud development. Alfalfa plant height drives quality. Evaluate alfalfa fields on a field-by-field basis. There are growth differences as a result of soil fertility, variety, fall management, and age of stand. Scissor cut RFVs and PEAQ RFVs are about 15-20 RFV points higher than forage coming out of storage. On average we lose roughly 3-5 RFV points per day.

Thanks to our sponsors: Sheboygan County Forage Council, Adell Coop, Kettle Lakes Coop, and Rock River Labs.

Quality measurements will be taken again on 6/2/08.  Future results will be posted on our website:  http://sheboygan.uwex.edu .  For more information contact Mike Ballweg at (920) 459-5904.   Take time to be safe.

PEAQ stick measurements on 5/27/08 indicate harvest should begin soon.  Plant development ranges from late vegetative to early bud.  Cooler temperatures are resulting in lower fibers and higher Relative Feed Values (RFV).  Digestible NDF also indicates a high quality first cut forage.  Warmer temperatures this week will hasten plant growth.  Look for opportunities to begin harvesting the next several days, especially away from the lake.  Scissor Cut RFVs and PEAQ RFVs are about 15-20 RFVs higher than forage coming out of storage.  On average we lose roughly 3-5 RFV points per day.

Quality measurements will be taken again on 5/29/08.  Future results will be posted on our website:  http://sheboygan.uwex.edu .  For more information contact Mike Ballweg at (920) 459-5904.

Thanks to our sponsors:  Sheboygan County Forage Council, Adell Coop, Kettle Lakes Coop, and Rock River Labs.  Take time to be safe.

Alfalfa plant development on 5/22/08 is primarily in the late vegative growth stage. Fields sampled are 2nd production year alfalfa fields. Evaluate alfalfa fields on a field-by-field basis. There are growth differences as a result of soil fertility, variety, fall management, and age of stand. Scissor cut RFVs and PEAQ RFVs are about 15 RFV points higher than forage coming out of storage. On average we lose roughly 3-4 RFV points per day.

Thanks to our sponsors:  Sheboygan County Forage Council, Adell Coop, Kettle Lakes Coop, and Rock River Labs.  Scissor cut samples will be taken on Tuesday, May 27th.

For more information call Mike Ballweg at (920) 459-5904.

Location	Sample date	PEAQ RFV	Plant Ht (inches)	ADF	NDF	CP	Scissor Cut RFV
Haven	5/22/08	205	21
Sheb. Falls	5/22/08	205	21
Glenbeulah	5/22/08	195	23
Cascade	5/22/08	200	22
Beechwood	5/22/08	195	23
West Bend	5/22/08	200	22
Newburg	5/22/08	205	21
Allenton	5/22/08	200	22
Hartford	5/22/08	210	20

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