If you harvest an alfalfa or alfalfa-grass mix at 4", it may be slightly higher in quality than the recommended 2" cutting height. But a 2" cut will produce higher yield per acre and more milk per acre, according to research from the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, NY.

"Clearly, mowing closer to the ground will yield more forage," says Everett Thomas, cutting study project leader. "Quality is the issue. It appears that the decision on alfalfa-grass cutting height should be made based on field conditions, the needs for acreage and the grass species planted."

Study results were gathered using the Milk2000 model. For a complete report, visit www.whminer.com/Research/WHM-06-3.pdf.

For more information on cutting height, visit www.hayandforage.com.