News

Winter conditions favorable, but cold stretch could delay first alfalfa cutting

An extension crops educator says a cool stretch is slowing alfalfa growth across the Upper Midwest.

Dave Nicolai with the University of Minnesota tells Brownfield the first crop is coming along nicely.

“It is a bit on the cold side (but) growth is occurring. Probably will pick up now this next week when we’re back into the 70’s. It’s been in the 50’s.”

He says conditions during the winter were generally favorable for alfalfa.

“There were some isolated instances of poor growth in north-central (and) northern Minnesota where we sometimes have ice sheeting and slow growth, particularly on fields that have been in existence for a couple of years. But all in all, not too bad.”

Nicolai encourages growers to check alfalfa roots to make sure the interior is white and firm.