Producing high-quality alfalfa hay requires careful planning and meticulous management. This labor-intensive process involves multiple field passes for cutting, raking, baling, and moving the crop. Farmers face challenges such as weather conditions and the need for proper field selection. However, with strategic steps, alfalfa can yield significant profits comparable to other crops. This article outlines seven essential practices to ensure a successful alfalfa harvest.

Selecting the Optimal Field and Seed Variety

The foundation of a thriving alfalfa crop begins with choosing the right location and seed variety. The soil's pH level plays a crucial role in alfalfa growth, ideally ranging between 6.5 and 7. Additionally, selecting a field with minimal weed history is vital. If unavoidable, consider specialized alfalfa varieties and herbicides to manage potential issues. Opting for a digestible, low-lignin variety enhances the chances of a healthy and abundant harvest.

Choosing the correct field and seed variety sets the stage for a prosperous alfalfa season. Soil quality significantly influences plant vigor, making it imperative to select a site with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Prioritize fields that have not faced weed problems in the past. For areas prone to weeds, explore different alfalfa types and herbicide options. Selecting a variety known for its digestibility and low lignin content ensures a robust and plentiful crop. These initial decisions lay the groundwork for a successful growing season.

Effective Crop Management and Storage Practices

Once the field and seeds are chosen, ongoing management becomes critical. Regular scouting, precise cutting times, and proper drying techniques contribute to maintaining high feed value. Monitoring fields twice weekly helps detect diseases or pests early. Cutting before blooming maximizes nutritional content, while conditioning and laying out wide windrows facilitate rapid drying. Moisture levels during raking and baling are equally important to preserve leaf integrity.

Regular monitoring of alfalfa fields is essential for identifying signs of disease or pest infestations. Conduct inspections twice a week to catch any issues promptly. Timing the mowing correctly is challenging but crucial. Aim to cut the crop before it reaches full bloom, ensuring the highest possible feed value. Younger plants provide more nutritious feed for livestock. After mowing, run the hay through a well-adjusted conditioner and spread it into wide windrows for maximum sun exposure, promoting faster drying. When raking, maintain a moisture level between 14-20% depending on the bale type to prevent leaf loss. Finally, store bales in a protected environment like a shed or under tarps. If outdoor storage is necessary, place bales on well-drained sites in north-south rows to allow sunlight to reach both sides of round bales, minimizing weather-related losses.