by Joel Bagg, Forage Development Specialist & District Sales Manager, Quality Seeds Ltd

The season so far has been challenging for many farmers that rely on producing forage. The frequent rains have been quite unrelenting. Saturated soils and even flooding has occurred. Considerable quality hayage and baleage has been made, but making quality dry hay without rain-damage or mould has been challenging. Much of the first-cut dry hay making was delayed with advanced maturity.

While the forage stands are quite variable, some of it looks “tough”. Severe potato leafhopper damage, with reduced growth as well as stunting of new

by Joel Bagg, Forage Development Specialist & District Sales Manager, Quality Seeds Ltd

Frost heaving can significantly damage alfalfa plants, leaving stands with much less yield potential. Plants may initially appear undamaged, but taproots are typically broken and unable to pick up enough nutrients or moisture, and stands eventually die.

Frost heaving of alfalfa happens when repeated freezing and thawing pushes the tap root and crown out of the soil. Heaving occurs through-out the winter season heave cycle (similar to fence posts), as well as resulting from the “jacking” action of the spring freeze-thaw cycles.

Risk Factors

Factors