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Alfalfa
Winterkill Reported In Southwestern Wisconsin
by Neil Tietz, Editor, Hay & Forage
Grower
Winterkilled alfalfa fields have unexpectedly been
found in two southwestern Wisconsin counties, and the affected area
extends into northwestern Illinois and northeastern Iowa, reports Dan
Undersander, University of Wisconsin extension forage agronomist. In
Wisconsin, the problem apparently is limited to southern Grant and
Lafayette counties, says Undersander. Fields farther north are starting
to green up, and no further damage had been reported as of Monday.
“The question is, how far did it go into Illinois and Iowa, and
that’s what we’re trying to get some answers on,” he says.
In the two Wisconsin counties, some whole fields are dead and others are
so badly damaged that “it’s 100% loss even if it wasn’t 100%
kill,” says Undersander. Although older alfalfa stands are most
susceptible to winter damage, “we’re seeing all ages of stand killed
in the region.”
He believes cold weather was the cause. The affected area had sufficient
snowfall to insulate the dormant crop, but some of it melted. “I
suspect the snow wasn’t as deep as some people thought it was across
these fields,” says Undersander. “The other thing is, particularly
some of the last snows were pretty wet and slushy, and they don’t
insulate very well.”
He says affected plants have soft, mushy taproots just below their
crowns. Some may begin to green up and then die. Plants that put out
second leaves likely are unaffected.
For Undersander’s recommendations on reseeding or replacing
winterkilled alfalfa, go to hayandforage.com.
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Watch
Alfalfa Stands For Root Rot Damage This Spring
As northern alfalfa fields finally reach spring
green-up, watch for root rot damage – older stands in wetter fields
may be particularly susceptible, warn forage experts. “Dig up some
plants and inspect their roots,” says Paul Peterson, University of
Minnesota extension forage specialist. “If you see damage, thoroughly
consider your options. The economics of maintaining damaged alfalfa
stands is different this year than most due to limited hay/haylage
supplies and high commodity-crop prices. Unless the stand is severely
damaged, well below 40 stems per square foot, it may be wise to keep it
for at least a first cutting, if possible.”
Snow fell on saturated soils in southeastern Minnesota last fall, and
alfalfa doesn’t harden as well for winter in wet soil, Peterson says.
Wet soil also provides a home for Aphanomyces root rot, which can kill
or stunt seedlings. Infected established plants usually have few fine,
fibrous and lateral roots and few nodules. Plants turn yellow and
don’t regrow well after cutting. Plants infected last fall may suffer
increased damage from root heaving. A soil test for Aphanomyces is
available through the University of Wisconsin Plant Disease Diagnostics
Clinic. Visit www.plantpath.wisc.edu/pddc/.
Extended snow cover this winter and early spring across much of the
Midwest and Eastern U.S. may also herald brown root rot, which can be
diagnosed incorrectly as winterkill. Usually observed in stands older
than one production year, the disease is widespread in Minnesota and
Wisconsin, according to an extensive survey by USDA-ARS and University
of Minnesota scientists. In Minnesota, USDA-ARS scientists are working
to identify alfalfa varieties with resistance to brown root rot.
They’re also researching crop management methods to reduce the amount
of the pathogen in soil.
The slow-growing fungus, also widespread in New York, Vermont, New
Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Maine, can seriously affect the health and
persistence of alfalfa in the Northeast, says Cornell researcher Gary
Bergstrom. Growers should check for it when fields are slow to emerge in
spring or appear to have winterkilled. Dig up and inspect plants in
damaged areas using a shovel, water to rinse off soil and a pocketknife
for slicing through roots to determine lesion depth. Brown root rot
lesions are generally light to dark brown, often with a darker border.
Those that girdle the upper taproot or crown kill the plant. Lesions
that girdle the lower taproot or affect part of the root or crown reduce
plant vigor and slow alfalfa emergence. Above-ground brown root rot
symptoms are stunted or dead plants widely scattered throughout fields.
Moderately to severely diseased plants may start to regrow in spring,
but die before first cutting because the taproot has rotted.
“Absolute confirmation of brown root rot requires a molecular
laboratory test,” Bergstrom points out. The Cornell University Plant
Disease Diagnostic Clinic charges $40 per composite field sample. Visit
plantclinic.cornell.edu/Default.htm
to learn more and call 607-255-7850 before submitting samples. To submit
a Midwestern sample, contact Debby Samac at Debby.Samac@ars.usda.gov and
visit www.tc.umn.edu/~medicago/brr.htm.
Contact Peterson at peter072@umn.edu, or Bergstrom at gcb3@cornell.edu.
Sources: University of Minnesota Crop eNews and Cornell
University What’s Cropping UP?.
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Switchgrass
Benefits Extend Beyond Energy Potential
Switchgrass isn't likely to be used for energy
production for several years, but it can make excellent forage now if
managed correctly, says Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska extension
forage specialist. “Switchgrass has been in the news lately as
scientists research various options for biofuels. But, amid the
headlines, don't overlook the benefits of this native warm-season grass
for good pasture and hay,” he states.
Grazing usually should begin in June when switchgrass is about a foot
tall, says Anderson. Switchgrass pasture needs careful management and
must be grazed before seedstalks develop. Quality is high and
palatability is good when switchgrass is young. Yearlings often gain
1.5-2 lbs/day during this time. After seedheads emerge, though, nutrient
levels decline rapidly and animals refuse to eat much of it. Anderson
says it works best to stock the pastures heavily so plants are grazed
down to about 6” of stubble within three weeks. Pastures should then
be allowed to regrow for around six weeks. Cattle producers should plan
to graze regrowth about mid-August, being sure to leave at least 6” of
stubble going into winter.
If cut for hay, switchgrass is very palatable and nutritious before, or
just as, seedheads appear. It makes excellent hay for weaning calves or
growing young stock. But, as with grazing, as plants become mature and
stemmy, switchgrass hay becomes less desirable and may need to be ground
to be used effectively, according to Anderson. If cattle can't graze it
before seedheads appear, it should be cut for hay.
“Do not cut regrowth a second time for hay,” Anderson advises.
“This will weaken stands. If regrowth is plentiful after an early hay
harvest, graze regrowth lightly but leave 6” or more of stubble for
winter.”
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Texan
Has Grass Hay For Sale
Michael Abraham, Wharton, TX, needs buyers for small
square and large round bales of Tifton 85, Jiggs and Coastal
bermudagrass hay. “The weather looks like it will cooperate, so we
are cutting several fields starting April 24,” Abraham reports. “We
will bale on the weekend.” He’ll deliver the hay or buyers can pick
it up. He’ll help with loading. “The hay is very clean, has been
heavily fertilized and has high protein content (17.5-20.5%),” he
says.
The 55-60 lb small square bales are priced at $5.25 each in the field.
He’s asking $55 per 5 x 5.5’ round bale, and also has round bales of
cow hay for $45. “We probably will have 10,000 small squares and a few
hundred rolls,” he says.
Call Abraham at 720-883-2467.
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Harvest
Ryelage Fast When Time Is Right
Timing is crucial for achieving a high-quality ryelage
harvest, says Paul Craig, Dauphin County, PA, extension agent.
“Producers must have harvest equipment ready to go,” he states.
“The quality of ryelage rapidly decreases with maturity and one day in
harvest delay can make the difference between high-quality and average-
to poor-quality forage. If producers rely on custom harvesters, these
individuals should be contacted now to plan approximate harvest
schedules.”
With the arrival of warmer temperatures in parts of Pennsylvania
recently, the cereal rye crop has rapidly begun to grow and develop. In
some areas in southern Pennsylvania, the crop is approaching mid-calf
height and will quickly reach knee height. So the harvest for
highest-quality forage is just around the corner.
“The most successful ryelage managers time harvest for maximum plant
sugar levels with the highest level of digestible forage fiber,” says
Craig. They mow the crop just before heads emerge, with a goal of
having no more than 5% of the tillers showing signs of emerged heads.
“You can monitor where the head is within the plant stalk by feeling
for it or by carefully dissecting the tiller,” he advises. “Once the
flag leaf has emerged, the seed head is soon to follow.”
Cereal rye can produce high yields that are slow to dry after mowing. A
fast drydown maximizes the level of plant sugars, resulting in better
fermentation in the silo and higher-quality forage for cows. So mow the
forage in as wide a swath as possible. If it isn’t conditioned, it
will continue to respire after mowing and will dry faster.
Many successful ryelage producers ted twice, each time when the surface
of the swath is dry. Finally, a rake is used when moisture is close to
the 62-65% harvest target.
An inoculant is usually used. Craig recommends talking to suppliers to
select the proper inoculant for ryelage. “Be certain to check
inoculant rates and the manufacturer date to ensure high-quality
products,” he says.
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Look
For Alfalfa Weevils In Southern Indiana
Purdue University entomologists are encouraging hay
growers in southern Indiana to be on the lookout for alfalfa weevils.
When checking fields, examine alfalfa stems for evidence that alfalfa
weevil larvae have been feeding on tips. The average size or length of
weevil larvae should also be noted. Although large alfalfa weevil larvae
are relatively easy to find, small larvae are difficult to see. Thus,
very close examination of leaves may be required to detect pinhole
feeding, small black fecal pellets and small off-white larvae.
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Illinois
Alfalfa Weevils May Be Munching
Alfalfa weevils may be feeding in southern Illinois in
spite of wet, cool conditions that have prevailed through most of April,
says Kevin Steffey, University of Illinois extension entomologist.
Dennis Epplin, extension crop systems educator, has observed alfalfa
weevil larval injury in one of his field trials at Ewing in Franklin
County, so Steffey says it's likely that similar or worse injury could
be noticeable throughout the southern quarter of the state. He tells hay
growers to look for leaf-feeding injury first near the tops of plants.
Small alfalfa weevil larvae often feed within the folded tip leaves, and
pinholes are symptomatic of early season injury. As the larvae grow and
consume more leaf tissue, more dramatic skeletonization of the leaves
becomes apparent.
“With alfalfa hay currently worth more than it has been in the recent
past, the rule-of-thumb economic threshold of three larvae per plant and
25-50% of tips being skeletonized likely will be questioned,” Steffey
says. “A working group of field-crop extension entomologists will
address this issue throughout 2008, but thus far we have no easy
answers. So use your best judgment when making alfalfa weevil control
decisions, and respect the potential for ecological backlash if lots of
fields are sprayed when numbers of alfalfa weevils are relatively
low.”
For more on insect thresholds, watch for the May issue of Hay &
Forage Grower.
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Arkansas
There isn’t much hay carryover coming in to this
season in Arkansas, says John Jennings, University of Arkansas extension
forage specialist. “The long, cold winter means pastures are getting a
late start and are just starting to grow now,” he adds.
As with many other parts of the country, the state’s hay growers are
struggling with high fertilizer costs and fuel prices. “The hay crop
could potentially be short this year due to people not fertilizing as
much,” Jennings says. He notes management is going to be hay
producers’ biggest asset as they deal with fertilizer costs. Soil
testing will be crucial to help producers target fields where fertilizer
can have the biggest impact.
“Soil testing can also indicate which fields may have the fertility to
grow clovers and other legumes that can be planted in the fall to
provide nitrogen-fixation benefits,” Jennings states. He urges growers
to target fertilizer application to provide just enough for each phase
of production.
Contact Jennings at 501-671-2350.
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Arkansas
Forage Council Conference Is April 25
It’s not too late to register for the April 25
Arkansas Forage & Grassland Council Annual Conference & Tour, to be held
at the Natural Resources Building in Conway. Registration begins at 8
a.m. The 10 a.m. tour will include three local farms, highlighting
different types of cattle watering systems, agroforestry, wildlife
management with pastures, and cool-season grasses and clovers
incorporated into a management system.
A $30 registration fee covers the entire day’s activities, including
the tour, lunch, dinner, and evening program, and membership fees for
both the Arkansas Forage & Grassland Council and American Forage &
Grassland Council. Attend the evening program only for $20.
Registration can be made at the meeting, but please RSVP for meal counts
to the Faulkner County NRCS office at 501-327-6509, ext. 3. Contact
John Jennings for more information at 501-671-2350.
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Southern
Forage Improvement Conference Is May 12-14
The Southern Pasture & Forage Crop Improvement
Conference will be held May 12-14 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Knoxville,
TN. Hay and forage experts, extension specialists and members of allied
industry from 13 states will gather to discuss topics ranging from
forage breeding to high fertilizer prices and forage utilization. Any
interested hay industry professionals and hay growers are welcome to
attend.
Register by May 2 for $130 for conference participants and $50 for
spouses. After May 2, registration costs $150 for participants and $50
for spouses. Contact John Jennings for more information at
501-671-2350.
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Calendar
April 22-23 -- Tri-State Dairy Nutrition
Conference, Grand Wayne Center, Fort Wayne, IN. Featuring
information for Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Learn more at tristatedairy.osu.edu/agenda.htm.
April 25-27 -- Minnesota Horse Expo, Minnesota State Fairgrounds,
St. Paul. Visit www.mnhorseexpo.org.
May 1 -- Beef Cattle And Forage Crops Field Day, Kansas State
University’s Southeast Ag Research Center, Mound Valley Unit. Learn
more at www.oznet.ksu.edu/SEARC/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=16.
May 16 -- North Carolina State University Horse Forage Management
Short Course, Ramada Inn Blue Ridge, Raleigh. Special emphasis on
maximizing use of forages and hay or pasture to economically meet
horses' nutrient requirements. Learn more at www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/horse/SC_Clinic/SCmain.htm.
June 6-8 -- Western States Horse Expo, Cal Expo Fairgrounds,
Sacramento, CA. Call 800-352-2411 or visit www.horsexpo.com.
June 11-12 -- Four-State Dairy Nutrition And Management
Conference, Grand Harbor Conference Center, Dubuque, IA. Covering
dairy industry topics for Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota.
Contact Evonne Hausman at ehausman@uiuc.edu.
July 11-13 -- North Carolina Equine Extravaganza, North Carolina
State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. Learn more at www.equineextravaganza.com.
Sept. 17-20 -- National Hay Association Convention, Oak Brook
Hills Marriott, Oak Brook, IL. Contact Don Kieffer at 800-707-0014, or
visit www.nationalhay.org.
Sept. 30-Oct. 4 -- World Dairy Expo, Alliant Energy Center,
Madison, WI. Visit www.worlddairyexpo.com.
Oct. 31-Nov. 2 -- Virginia Equine Extravaganza, Richmond Raceway,
Richmond. Learn more at www.equineextravaganza.com.
Nov. 6-7 -- 2008 Beef Quality Summit, sponsored by BEEF
magazine, Antlers Hilton Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO. Visit beefconference.com/.
Nov. 13-16 -- Massachusetts Equine Affaire, Eastern States
Exposition Center, West Springfield. Visit www.equineaffaire.com.
Feb. 15-16, 2009 -- Southwest Hay And Forage Conference, Ruidoso,
NM. Contact Gina Sterrett at 575-626-5677 or Justin Boswell at
575-840-9908.
June 21-23, 2009 -- American Forage & Grassland Council Annual
Conference, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI. Call
800-944-2342 or email info@afgc.org.Calendar.
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Send Questions & Comments
To...
Lora Berg, Editor,
eHay Weekly,
hfg@hayandforage.com
For information on Hay & Forage Grower, contact:
Neil Tietz, Editor, ntietz@hayandforage.com
or
Fae Holin, Managing Editor, fholin@hayandforage.com
For specific information from past issues of eHay Weekly and
Hay & Forage Grower, click on hayandforage.com, and use the search
function in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage.
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