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/.