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Alfalfa
Has Unique Irrigation Requirements
When it comes to irrigation, growers should not treat
alfalfa like a row crop, says Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska
extension forage specialist. "There are significant differences between
irrigating alfalfa and irrigating annual row crops," he states. "Those
differences can make a pretty important impact in terms of efficiency
and economics of the irrigation practice. People need to recognize the
differences and plan their irrigation timings and quantities
accordingly." Anderson will suggest ways to improve alfalfa irrigation
efficiency during a Feb. 4 presentation at the National Alfalfa
Symposium. Anderson's presentation is entitled, "Managing Irrigation:
It's More Than Flipping A Switch."
The symposium will be held Feb. 4-5 at the Ramada Inn and Conference
Center in Kearney, NE, in conjunction with the Nebraska Alfalfa
Marketing Association's Mid-America Alfalfa Expo, Feb. 5-6. For details
on the symposium schedule or to register, visit alfalfasymposium.com, or call
800-722-5334, ext. 14695. For information on the expo, visit alfalfaexpo.com/.
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Choose
Equipment Carefully For A Productive Harvest
Picking the right size and type of hay and silage
equipment for the job can have a crucial economic impact, says Dennis
Buckmaster, Purdue University ag engineer. He says harvesting machinery
and associated labor costs are often the single largest contributor to
the cost of producing and delivering forages.
"For forage operations, you need to select a set of machinery, not just
individual machines," he says. "Every farm is different, but there are
somewhat consistent machinery sets for operations within a particular
size range. Particularly with silage harvest, it is important to know
the harvester's capacity to properly size other machinery."
He has compiled capacity information for a wide variety of forage
machinery. He also developed a transport needs model to estimate
equipment requirements such as the number of trucks needed to keep up
with a forage harvester while maintaining efficiency. The model is based
on variables such as speed, capacity, distance, crop and number of
trucks. Based on simulations, a simple equation projects the number and
size of trucks required to keep a forage harvester fully utilized.
Buckmaster will be a featured speaker at a Feb. 15-16 Indiana Cattle and
Forage Symposium at the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel. He will
provide attendees with tools to help them utilize machine power more
efficiently and better manage the hay and silage harvest.
"I intend to demonstrate the (production) cycle analysis and make it
available for a limited time after the conference," Buckmaster reports.
Additional information is in the research paper: "A Systems Approach to
Forage Harvest Operations," published by the American Society of
Agricultural and Biological Engineers in 2006. The paper is online at www.asabe.org.
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Irrigated
Alfalfa Information For Western Growers
The University of California Alfalfa Workgroup has a
new production manual available online. "Irrigated Alfalfa Management
for Mediterranean and Desert Zones" features close to 400 pages about
pertinent topics compiled by a variety of experts from California and
other Western states. The publication and related Web site are designed
to provide detailed, scientifically based information about the growth,
production, management and utilization of alfalfa grown under
irrigation. It can be downloaded free at alfalfa.ucdavis.edu/IrrigatedAlfalfa/.
Additional information about alfalfa production in California and the
West can be found at the University of California, Davis site at alfalfa.ucdavis.edu, while alfalfa
pest management information is available at ucipm.ucdavis.edu.
Source: University of California, Davis.
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Make
Your Voice Heard On Roundup Ready Alfalfa
by Dan Putnam, Alfalfa Specialist, University of
California, Davis
As you may be aware, Roundup Ready (RR) Alfalfa was re-regulated and
further plantings stopped in March of 2007. The USDA-APHIS (Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service) is in the process of conducting an
environmental impact statement on Roundup Ready. This will take some
time to complete, probably 2009. They would like to know whether their
list of issues (see 18 points below) are complete or not, but they also
want to know about the specifics of the issue.
This is your chance to weigh in on an issue important to alfalfa
growers. Make sure your voice is heard! Any comments must be
received by APHIS on or before Wednesday, Feb. 6. During the
previous public comment period on the deregulation of Roundup Ready
alfalfa in 2005, very few alfalfa growers commented. Although this is
clearly not a popularity contest, at that time over 80% of the comments
were against, 20% pro. Now is your chance to weigh in and voice your
views, pro or con.
What do you think about this technology? Some of the key issues raised
by APHIS (see details below in items 1-18 and on the Web site) are those
best answered by growers: For example:- Will this technology put
organic alfalfa farmers out of business? Is it possible to keep RR
alfalfa in hay or seed production fields from contaminating non-RR
alfalfa or organic alfalfa? Can RR alfalfa successfully co-exist?
- What are the benefits vs. the drawbacks of RR alfalfa? If you've
planted it, would you do so again? Does it dramatically change your
weed control for the better or worse?
- How does this technology compare with other (conventional)
herbicides or practices? What other herbicides are used? How do the
costs differ? (Be specific -- you know these issues better than the
regulators!)
- Are there environmental negatives or benefits that aren't included
in questions 1-18 below?
- Would this technology have positive or negative effects on animal or
human health, to your knowledge? Would the RR technology increase
herbicide use on your farm? Would there be plus or minus environmental
consequences of adapting (or not adapting) this technology?
- Do you think growers have the techniques (and the will) to prevent
weed resistance from becoming a problem?
Suggestion: Be brief and to the point, and cover some of the
critical issues raised by APHIS from your own experience. Better to be
in-depth with a few of the issues raised, rather than covering all of
them.
To comment:
- Portal: Submit or view public comments and view supporting and
related materials electronically at www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2007-0044
- Postal mail/commercial delivery: Send four copies of your comment
(an original and three copies) to Docket No. APHIS-2007-0044, Regulatory
Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road
Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that your comment
refers to Docket No. APHIS-2007-0044.
Here are the 18 issues being considered by APHIS. (I've abbreviated
these from the APHIS document -- see the Web site for the complete APHIS
Notice of Intent document).
- What are the particular management practices for organic
alfalfa, conventional alfalfa and glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa (costs,
price premiums, etc.)?
- What are the production levels of organic and conventional
alfalfa seed and hay by region, state and county?
- What is the expected effect of glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa
release on animal production systems?
- What are the potential impacts of glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa
release on food and feed? Effect on food or feed value or nutritional
quality?
- What differences are there in weediness traits of conventional
alfalfa vs. glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa under managed crop production
systems as well as in unmanaged ecosystems?
- What is the occurrence of common and serious weeds found in
organic or conventional alfalfa systems, and in glyphosate-tolerant
alfalfa systems?
- How would volunteer alfalfa be controlled in crop rotations? How
would you terminate an RR stand? What is the potential weediness of
glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa?
- What is the potential cumulative impact of glyphosate-resistant
weeds, especially with the increase in acreage of glyphosate-tolerant
crops?
- What are weed mitigation options for herbicide-resistant weeds,
including those addressed by the EPA-approved label for glyphosate
herbicides?
- What is the potential for gene flow between seed fields, hayfields
and feral plants? To what extent can organic or conventional alfalfa
farmers prevent their crops from being commingled with unwanted,
unintended or unexpected glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa?
- What are the potential economic and social impacts of
glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa release on organic and conventional alfalfa
farmers?
- What are the potential impacts of deregulation of
glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa on U.S. exports of hay or seed?
- Will increased glyphosate usage impact soil quality, water
quality, air quality, weed populations, crop rotations, soil
microorganisms, diseases, insects, soil fertility, food or feed quality,
crop acreages and crop yields?
- What are the potential impacts of the release of
glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa on threatened or endangered species and
designated critical habitat?
- What are the potential health and safety risks to field workers
or other workers that would come into contact with glyphosate-tolerant
alfalfa?
- Can any of the potential negative environmental impacts
resulting from the deregulation of glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa be
reasonably mitigated and what is the likelihood that mitigation measures
will be successfully implemented?
- What are the impacts of the mitigation measures on co-existence
with organic and conventional alfalfa production and export markets?
- Are there any other potential direct, indirect or cumulative
impacts from the release of glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa other than those
mentioned above?
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Nebraska
The alfalfa market has been strong in Nebraska this
winter, says Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska extension forage
specialist. "Dairy hay prices have been very strong, while a relatively
average to below-average tonnage of dairy-quality hay has been
available," he states. Prices paid for hay that is not quite dairy
quality, but that can be used for feedlot grinding hay or for stock
cows, have held fairly firm.
Much of Nebraska has had snow cover for longer than usual this winter.
Temperatures have almost constantly been below freezing or close to it,
so there hasn't been much snow melt until very recently. These
conditions diminished the quantity and quality of some of the state's
winter grazing.
Anderson doesn't think Nebraska will see a big change in hay acres
converted to corn this year. "We saw a little bit of that already last
year, and I think we will see a little bit this year," he says. "But
with hay prices staying strong, and cattle numbers remaining fairly
stable, the demand for hay should remain strong, too. I don't expect big
changes. It is not an easy change to make when you consider the
equipment investment that is sitting there for people."
Contact Anderson at 402-472-6237.
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New
Mexico
New Mexico hay markets are beginning to get established
for 2008, according to the New Mexico Hay Association (NMHA). Demand is
strong and supplies are yet to be determined, but indicators point to a
deficit dairy hay supply, which should keep markets strong and active.
Hay prices are expected to increase as much as $30/ton in some areas.
Drastic rises in input costs and the indirect impact of corn for
ethanol, as well as a strong milk price, are leading indicators for the
trend.
The recent Southwest Hay and Forage Conference drew a record crowd of
more than 200 people in Ruidoso, reports Gina Sterrett, NMHA secretary.
"The addition of forage topics to the agenda seemed to be timely and
appropriate with the increased dairy numbers in New Mexico combined with
the fact that forages are the most prevalent rotator crop," says Doug
Whitney, outgoing NMHA president and a hay grower from Roswell. Whitney
stepped down from the presidency at this year's conference after serving
seven years. Duane Riggs, Hatch, was chosen as the new president, and
Joel Klein, Tatum, was elected vice president. Ethan Fuchs from Santa
Rosa and David Sterrett from Dexter were also elected as new board
members.
Contact NMHA at www.nmhay.com, or
call Sterrett at 505-626-5677 or Whitney at 505-622-8080.
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Indiana
Forage Event Is Feb. 15-16
Don't miss the Indiana Forage Council/Indiana Cattle
and Forage Symposium, Feb. 15-16, at the Indianapolis Marriott East
Hotel. The theme is "Uniting the Beef, Dairy and Forage Industries." The
inaugural meeting of its kind features national and regional speakers on
a variety of topics. The forage council's annual meeting will be held
after lunch on the 16th.
Contact the Indiana Beef Cattle Association for more information at
800-515-BEEF. View a copy of the program at www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/forages/index.html.
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Calendar
Jan. 29-30 -- Midwest Forage Association 2008 Joint
Symposium And Annual Meeting, Howard Johnson Hotel and Conference
Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI. Held in conjunction with Wisconsin Custom
Operators and Professional Nutrient Applicators of Wisconsin annual
meetings. Learn more online at www.midwestforage.org, or call
the Midwest Forage Association at 651-484-3888.
Jan. 31-Feb. 3 -- California Equine Affaire, Fairplex, Pomona.
Visit www.equineaffaire.com
to learn more.
Feb. 4 -- Range & Pasture Management Workshop, Red Lion Canyon
Springs Hotel, Twin Falls, ID. Sponsored by University of Idaho
department of rangeland ecology and management, and the USDA/ARS Forage
and Range Research Lab. Contact Mary Fenwick at 208-736-3605 or mfenwick@uidaho.edu. Visit www.idahohay.com to download a
brochure and agenda.
Feb. 4-6 -- 2008 National Alfalfa Symposium And Mid-America Alfalfa
Expo, Kearney, NE, sponsored by Hay & Forage Grower and the
Nebraska Alfalfa Marketing Association. Visit www.alfalfasymposium.com and
alfalfaexpo.com.
Feb. 6-7 -- Saskatchewan Beef & Forage Symposium, Saskatoon Inn
Hotel & Conference Center, 2002 Airport Drive, Saskatoon. Contact Murray
Feist at 306-694-3492 or mfeist@agr.gov.sk.ca, or John
McKinnon at 306-966-4137 or john.mckinnon@usask.ca. Visit
www.saskforage.ca/.
Feb. 6-9 -- Cattle Industry Annual Convention And Trade Show,
Reno, NV. Learn more at www.beefusa.org, or call 303-694-0305.
Feb. 8 -- Ohio Forage & Grassland Council Meeting, Ohio
Department of Agriculture Bromfield Building, Reynoldsburg, OH. Contact
Leah Miller, 740-545-6349 or leah@smallfarminstitute.org.
Feb. 12-14 -- World Ag Expo, Tulare, CA. Learn more online at www.worldagexpo.com/index.html.
Feb. 13-16 -- National Farm Machinery Show, Kentucky Fair and
Exposition Center, Louisville, KY. Learn more at www.farmmachineryshow.org/.
Feb. 15-17 -- Idaho Horse Affairs, Expo Idaho, Boise. Learn more
at www.horseaffairs.com/.
Feb. 15-16 -- Indiana Forage Council Meeting/Indiana Cattle & Forage
Symposium, Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel. Contact Keith Johnson
at johnsonk@purdue.edu.
Feb. 21 -- Kentucky Alfalfa Conference, Cave City. Contact Garry
Lacefield at 270-365-7541, ext. 202, or visit www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage/.
Feb. 26 -- Southwest Missouri Spring Forage Conference,
University Plaza Hotel, Springfield. Call 417-862-8085.
Feb. 26-27 -- Idaho Hay And Forage Conference, Burley Inn,
Burley. Call Glenn Shewmaker at 208-736-3608.
March 4-6 -- Pennsylvania Professional Crop Producers Conference,
Penn Stater Conference Center at Penn State University, State College.
Contact Marvin Hall at 814-863-1019.
March 19-20 -- 2008 Central Plains Dairy Expo, Sioux Falls
Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD. Visit www.centralplainsdairyexpo.com
or call 218-236-8420.
March 28-29 -- Northeast Grasstravaganza 2008, Holiday Inn Arena,
Binghamton, NY. Call 607-334-3231, ext. 4, or visit the Central New York
Resource Conservation and Development Project Web site at www.cnyrcd.org.
April 10-13 -- Ohio Equine Affaire, Ohio Expo Center, Columbus.
Visit www.equineaffaire.com.
April 18-20 -- Midwest Horse Fair, Alliant Energy Center,
Madison, WI. Visit midwesthorsefair.com.
April 25-27 -- Minnesota Horse Expo, Minnesota State Fairgrounds,
St. Paul. Visit www.mnhorseexpo.org.
June 6-8 -- Western States Horse Expo, Cal Expo Fairgrounds,
Sacramento, CA. Call 800-352-2411 or visit www.horsexpo.com.
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. Learn more at www.worlddairyexpo.com.
Oct. 31-Nov. 2 -- Virginia Equine Extravaganza, Richmond Raceway,
Richmond. Learn more at www.equineextravaganza.com.
Nov. 13-16 -- Massachusetts Equine Affaire, Eastern States
Exposition Center, West Springfield, MA. Learn more at 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.
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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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