For a quick look at how Minnesota’s alfalfa crop is growing and maturing, visit Minnesota Crop eNews at www.extension.umn.edu/cropenews/hay.

Starting May 16, the University of Minnesota Extension Service is taking twice-weekly al-falfa scissors-cut samples and PEAQ readings from alfalfa fields. A summary of results will be posted at the Web site. It also offers a form to order PEAQ sticks, for $10 each, through the Midwest Forage Association.

The site also summarizes auction sales from quality-tested auctions held in Sauk Centre, MN. Hay brought to the auctions is tested for moisture, protein and relative feed value (RFV). Prices are recorded, and summaries compare recent sales to the previous year’s sales.