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Alfalfa
Symposium Hears RR Alfalfa Pros, Cons
A lively discussion on Roundup Ready alfalfa
highlighted the first day of the Feb. 4-6 National Alfalfa Symposium and
Mid-America Alfalfa Expo in Kearney, NE.
Erik Freese, Dixon, CA, told the audience that he gets good weed control
with a single annual application of Roundup on Roundup Ready alfalfa. He
was disappointed when a federal district court judge issued an
injunction prohibiting the sale of Roundup Ready alfalfa seed in March
of last year.
"With Roundup Ready alfalfa, in essence, I've flown first class and I
don't want to go back to coach," Freese said.
But Phil Geertson, Geertson Seed Farm, Adrian, OR, warned that, if the
transgenic crop is legalized again, cross-pollination will result in
contamination of conventional seed, ruining organic alfalfa and hay
export markets.
" ... Once Roundup Ready alfalfa is grown commercially throughout the
country, the GE (genetically enhanced) genes will be virtually
impossible to contain and will spread through the environment,
threatening all conventional and organic alfalfa," Geertson said.
The discussion also included Mark McCaslin, president of Forage Genetics
International, and Will Rostov, staff attorney with the Center for Food
Safety. Forage Genetics developed the first Roundup Ready varieties and
the Center for Food Safety filed the lawsuit that resulted in the
injunction.
Watch the March issue of Hay & Forage Grower for more symposium
coverage.
USDA-APHIS is seeking alfalfa grower comments on the regulation status
of Roundup Ready alfalfa. To comment electronically, click www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2007-0044.
Under Add Comments, click a yellow icon to the corresponding comment
that you would like to submit a comment on. At this point, the comment
period is to end tomorrow, Feb. 6.
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Frost-Seed
Forages In Late Winter
Be ready to frost-seed forages when soil and climatic
conditions are right, advises Marvin Hall, Penn State University
extension forage agronomist. While broadcasting seed on frozen ground is
generally less successful than seeding in rows with a no-till drill, it
can work satisfactorily if done in late winter when the soil is freezing
and thawing daily and is moist. The freezing and thawing action, or
honeycombing of the soil surface with ice crystals, along with rain,
helps cover seed with soil and create good seed-to-soil contact. The
window of time when conditions are optimal is often very narrow, so be
prepared, says Hall. Early morning frost seeding, before the soil
surface begins to thaw, is recommended. If the soil surface is slimy, he
tells producers to wait until the next morning when the soil is frozen
again.
Frost seeding works best when pasture and hay stands are thin and where
the field was heavily grazed or harvested the previous fall. Red and
white clover establish better via frost seeding than most other legumes,
according to Hall. Other legumes and timothy can be frost seeded with
slightly less success than clovers. Grasses other than timothy are
difficult to establish with frost seeding because the seeds are large
and fluffy.
For more information on successful forage crop establishment, visit cropsoil.psu.edu/extension/facts/agfacts49.cfm.
Source: Penn State Field Crop News.
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Tips
For Managing High Fertilizer Prices On Pastures
High nitrogen prices have many growers reconsidering
forage nitrogen management, say University of Missouri experts. High
nitrogen prices make over-application more costly, but hay and beef
prices have also increased, meaning the costs for under-application have
increased. These factors mean the value of good management has never
been higher, they say.
High fertilizer prices favor farmers who harvest high-quality hay and
maximize forage utilization on pastures, according to John Lory,
environmental nutrient management specialist, and Rob Kallenbach,
extension forage specialist. They advise growers that the core rules for
making nitrogen fertilizer pay in forage systems are to fertilize when
the plant has a capacity to respond, and to maximize forage utilization.
Fertilizer prices have been increasing steadily since 2002. National Ag
Statistics Service data shows nitrogen prices have essentially doubled
in the past five years. Prices are projected to be 30% higher this
spring than last.
Lory and Kallenbach say growers should adopt management practices that
increase forage utilization in pastures, such as management intensive
grazing. It increases the nitrogen value of manure returned to the
pasture by grazing animals. They estimate growers can reduce recommended
nitrogen rates 20% for the same yield goal on intensively managed
pastures. They also recommend growers only fertilize when increased
forage production is needed. Cool-season grasses respond to spring
fertilizer, but growers should think carefully about whether the excess
spring production is necessary unless the excess production is going to
be harvested as hay.
Alternate sources of nitrogen, such as legumes, can be considered for
pastures. Manure may also be a more economical source of nutrients.
Manure nitrogen is typically 50-60% available when surface-applied, but
100% of manure phosphorus and potassium are available to the crop.
Lory and Kallenbach offer additional pasture nitrogen suggestions in the
most recent issue of the University of Missouri Integrated Pest & Crop
Management newsletter, online at ppp.missouri.edu/ipm/index.htm/.
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More
Horses Being Abandoned
A press release from the Unwanted Horse Coalition says
economic factors, including high hay costs, are among the reasons cited
in news reports for a growing number of unwanted and abandoned horses in
the U.S. Over the last month, articles in newspapers such as The Wall
Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post and Los Angeles
Times have reported on an apparent increase in the numbers of
unwanted horses. A recent headline in The Wall Street Journal
read,"Leaner Pastures: As Horses Multiply, Neglect Cases Rise."
Regional newspapers and television stations have also reported that
state agencies and horse rescue groups are seeing a growing number of
horses that can no longer be cared for by owners. Some of the reports
suggest that rescue groups are about to be overwhelmed and may have to
start turning horses away. The articles blame the problem on factors
such as sharply rising hay costs, the drought in many parts of the U.S.,
over-breeding, the downturn in the economy, the costs of euthanasia and
carcass disposal and the closing of the nation's three slaughter
facilities, which removed the floor on the value of horses.
The Unwanted Horse Coalition, which operates under the auspices of the
American Horse Council, includes over 20 national organizations. It was
created to educate horse owners and potential horse owners about what it
means to "own responsibly." Learn more about the coalition at www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org,
or call the American Horse Council at 202-296-4031.
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built for you. T6000 tractors are a natural choice for haying operations
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Upper
Midwest
Small square bale prices saw a 25% price increase in
the Upper Midwest during the second-to-last week in January, says Ken
Barnett, University of Wisconsin. The maximum price for prime-quality
small square bales at greater than 151 relative feed value
(RFV)/relative forage quality (RFQ) was $328/ton, while the minimum
price was $122.50/ton and the average was $197.63/ton.
Large square bale prices were steady. Prime-quality hay ranged from $85
to $211.88/ton in large squares, averaging $157.12; Grade 1 hay (125-150
RFV/RFQ), from $90 to $200, averaging $145.66; and Grade 2 large square
bales averaged $101.49/ton, ranging from $75 to $120.48/ton.
Sales activity was light to heavy for large round bales and prices were
up slightly. Prime round bales ranged from $70 to $170/ton, averaging,
$133.21. Grade 1 round bales averaged $133.33/ton, ranging from $80 to
$136.67/ton, and Grade 2 rounds sold for $50 to $115.38/ton, averaging
$87.69.
Nebraska hay prices were steady on fairly light to moderate demand and
trade activity, and Iowa prices were mixed to lower, demand was moderate
to good, and trade activity was mostly moderate. South Dakota hay prices
were mixed to somewhat lower, with supply and demand limited by
extremely cold conditions, high winds and blowing snow that week.
In Missouri, prices were steady, the supply was light and hay movement
was moderate. Extreme cold made cattle eager to consume hay. Several
truckers were busy as some farmers who have bought hay on an as-needed
basis were starting to find hay at prices that appeared to be a deal
compared to those of last summer or early fall. More hay is becoming
available in Missouri with each week that brings producers closer to new
grass.
Prices were mixed to lower, and sales activity was good, in southwestern
Minnesota. Illinois hay prices were mixed to as much as $45.70/ton
higher. Demand was good and hay offerings were heavy.
Straw prices in the Upper Midwest averaged $2.55 per small square bale,
ranging from $1 to $3.50. Straw prices averaged $26.83/large square
bale, ranging from $25 to $31; and $22.63/round bale with a $12.50 to
$30 range. Compared to the previous week's prices, straw prices were up
14% for small square bales, up 5% for large squares and down 4% for
round bales.
Source: University of Wisconsin Extension Service.
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Minnesota
Forage Days Scheduled In February
The Midwest Forage Association (MFA) and University of
Minnesota (UMN) Extension Forage Team are partnering to bring the 2008
Minnesota Forage Days program to three locations during February.
Similar programs will be held at the Detroit Lakes Holiday Inn on Feb.
12, Joseph's in Avon on Feb. 13 and the UCR Heintz Center in Rochester
on Feb. 15.
Geoff Brink of the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center in Madison, WI, is
one of this year's featured speakers at all the meetings. He will share
his latest research findings on alfalfa harvest timing's impact on yield
and quality tradeoffs, and also will discuss grass species selection,
management and quality.
Mike Murphy, UMN College of Veterinary Medicine, will discuss the
importance of molds and mycotoxins in stored forage, and Paul Peterson,
extension forage specialist, will present his latest research on
alfalfa-grass mixtures, offering guidelines for selecting grass species
for mixtures with alfalfa.
Other presentations will occur at selected locations, but will be
included in the proceedings available at all the meetings. At Detroit
Lakes, Dwain Meyer, North Dakota State University forage agronomist,
will present his latest work on the merits and management of
fall-harvested alfalfa, and will also cover recent work on alfalfa
fertilization. Dan Kaiser, UMN soil fertility extension specialist, and
Jim Salfer, regional dairy extension educator, will discuss forage
nutrient management relationships with dairy cow feeding at the Avon
Forage Day. At Rochester, Craig Sheaffer, forage agronomist, will
discuss forage establishment innovations, and also will give a Roundup
Ready alfalfa update.
Each Forage Day opens with registration at 9:30 a.m. followed by
presentations starting at 10 a.m. sharp, lunch at noon and adjournment
at 3 p.m. Pre-register with MFA staff at 651-484-3888 or at midwestforage@comcast.net.
For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/forages
or www.midwestforage.org.
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Calendar
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. 4-19 -- Michigan State University Extension's Managing Alfalfa
For Higher Quality, Yield And Profits. Eight regional locations
across Michigan. Visit web1.msue.msu.edu/fis/workshops.htm.
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 -- Illinois Forage Institute, Holiday Inn, Mount Vernon.
Contact Stacy Helm at 618-244-0773, Ext. 3.
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 6 -- Michigan State University Forage Technology
Conference, MSU Kellogg Center, East Lansing. Visit web1.msue.msu.edu/fis/workshops.htm.
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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