News

First cutting of alfalfa a flop

Consistent rains have made alfalfa harvest challenging for farmers in parts of the Great Lakes.

“It’s been a difficult year, that’s putting it mildly for our first cutting.”

Michigan State University Extension’s Phil Kaatz tells Brownfield up to 10 inches of rain in July has some farmers in the state are still trying to get a first cutting.

“That is just excessive,” he says. “Sometimes we have farms that don’t have a lot of rain, but it’s just rain every other day and so dry hay has been very difficult to harvest and to have it dry and then bale.”

Kaatz says with the heavy rains and change in fertilizer prices, growers should consider potassium applications and make sure soil tests are up to date.

“With the prices reduced, I think there is a benefit to them looking at this and saying alright, ‘can I afford to put on more potassium this year to make sure that I can maintain those stands and keep them healthy and productive?’” he suggests.

He says while yields have been good, quality could be poor and feed rations will need to be adjusted accordingly.

AUDIO: Phil Kaatz, Michigan State Universtiy Extension