Hay & Forage Grower

Extension Offers Winterkill Resources

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:01:00 +0000

State experts give advice on reseeding to alfalfa removal to N credits

As Upper Midwestern forage growers realize the extent of winterkill damage in their fields, Extension service specialists have put together resources offering advice.

The University of Minnesota devoted a Web page to winter injury damage, called “Alfalfa weather damage and emergency forages – 2013.” The page has advice on stand assessment, replanting forages and small grains, and it answers questions on autotoxicity in alfalfa.

Can You Recognize Winterkilled Alfalfa?

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:26:00 +0000

Upper Midwestern growers are contending not only with a late, cool spring, but also with having to reseed or plow up alfalfa stands shows moderate to severe winterkill damage. Those who want tonnage fast can seed a mixture of 2 lbs/acre oats with 20 lbs/acre peas.

Minnesota, Wisconsin Growers: Take Winterkill Survey

Tue, 14 May 2013 21:45:00 +0000

University forage teams ask questions, seek answers

The University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin ask alfalfa and other forage producers in the two states to complete a brief, 12-question survey.

Late Spring Brings On Alfalfa Fungal Diseases

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:29:00 +0000

Scout now, says plant pathologist

Growers should watch for fungal diseases after the wet spring.

Time To Scout For Alfalfa Weevil?

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:16:00 +0000

It wouldn’t hurt, say most Midwestern experts

Reports of alfalfa weevil are filtering in from multiple states around the Midwest.

How To Remove Winterkilled Alfalfa Stands

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:03:00 +0000

Tillage-herbicide combo is effective, weed scientists says

The best way to clear fields with winterkilled alfalfa: use a herbicide containing glyphosate, 2,4-D or dicamba and tillage.

Montana Hay Supplies ‘Critically’ Low

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:55:00 +0000

Canadian crop keeps livestock producers going

Hay supplies in Montana are critically short; Canadian imports are keeping producers afloat.

Alabama Hay Grower May Get Fewer Cuttings

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:47:00 +0000

Cold, wet spring puts bermudagrass growth behind schedule

Bill Collier may only get two cuttings from his bermudagrass fields this year because of a late start due to poor weather.

U.S. Hay Stocks Nosedive To Record Low

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:28:00 +0000

All hay stored on farms is down by 34%

Hay stocks in the U.S. were at a record low as of May 1.

Bale Or Chop Freeze-Damaged Wheat As Forage

Sun, 12 May 2013 19:38:00 +0000

But pencil the costs, first, Texas specialists suggest

Wheat fields significantly damaged by freezing could be baled for hay or chopped for silage for the stocker-cattle and beef-cow markets.

Sulfate Sulfur Perks Up Alfalfa Fast

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:21:00 +0000

If fields show yellow patches, consider it over elemental form

Applying sulfur to alfalfa in a sulfate form can give fields an immediate boost.

Bagged Hay Storage System Utilizes Air

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:19:00 +0000

Invention subs for higher-cost buildings

The Air-Barn blows air over and around bales to remove heat and moisture from the hay.

A Sneak Peak At Hay Expo 2013

Sat, 11 May 2013 01:59:00 +0000

Get an early look at the equipment that will be on display at the Farm Progress Hay Expo, which will be held June 19-20 in Waukon, IA.

Hay Expo Set For June 19-20 In Waukon, IA

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:01:00 +0000

Hay & Forage Grower is co-sponsor

The newest forage equipment will be put through its paces at the 2013 Farm Progress Hay Expo.

Boost Alfalfa Yields By Adding Sulfur

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:53:00 +0000

Fertilizer can make up for natural nutrient loss

Alfalfa fields may need more sulfur as the natural occurrence of the nutrient continues to decline.

Get Your Hay Deals In Writing

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:47:00 +0000

Simple paper contracts are a must, says commercial grower

Using written contracts is a good, easy way to protect both parties when buying or selling hay.

Our Readers Will Grow A Bit More Hay

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:25:00 +0000

Magazine survey shows a 2.2% acre increase over the 2012 total

About 28% of surveyed Hay & Forage Grower readers will harvest more hay or haylage acres this year than in 2012. But they'll increase their number of hay acres planted to about 2.2%.

He’s Getting Back Into Hay

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:12:00 +0000

Few others are adding acres, USDA reports

High hay prices convinced one farmer to get back into hay. But a USDA survey shows not many other farmers are thinking the same way.

Editorial: The Weather, Change And Adapting To Both

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:54:00 +0000

What our ancestors can teach us

Despite drought, snowstorms or whatever else is in the offing, farmers, like their ancestors, know how to handle adversity.

Hay Market Update: Late Spring Underpins Hay Prices

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:52:00 +0000

Late snowstorms kept prices from softening

Hay sales activity remains slow due to low supplies and weakening demand, but recent snowstorms kept prices from softening.

Don’t Ignore Fire Insurance Coverage For Your Hay

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:44:00 +0000

Address it before growing season gets busy

Review your hay fire insurance coverage before your growing season gets too busy.

Pacific Northwest Alfalfa Hay Prices Lag

Tue, 07 May 2013 17:58:00 +0000

Regional prices at first cutting likely to be $200-220/ton

Hay prices are lagging in the Pacific Northwest due to a weak dairy sector and soft corn prices.

Demand Holds Arkansas Hay Prices Steady

Tue, 07 May 2013 17:49:00 +0000

Bermudagrass hay is $240/ton

Continued strong demand for good-quality horse hay is keeping prices steady in northeastern Arkansas.

NHA Website Updates To Generate New Business

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:59:00 +0000

National Hay Association works to be accessible

The National Hay Association wants its website to do more for its members and increase business opportunities.

All-Hay Prices Rise In April, Alfalfa Prices Drop

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:51:00 +0000

USDA reports average all-hay price at $200/ton

U.S. farmers took home slightly higher all-hay prices in April than in March. Alfalfa prices fell over the same period.

Head Off Hay Fires In Large Square Bales

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:02:00 +0000

They’re more susceptible to spontaneous heating

Large square bales have their advantages, but they're more prone to spontaneous heating than small bales.

Winterkill Claims Alfalfa, Other Forages In Upper Midwest

Tue, 07 May 2013 07:27:00 +0000

Producers depending on first-cutting hay need to rethink

Winterkill has damaged Upper Midwestern alfalfa fields; livestock producers desperately awaiting first-cutting hay need a new feeding game plan.

Take Advantage Of Online Corn Silage Calculator

Tue, 07 May 2013 02:37:00 +0000

Silage and dairy producers can use it together, specialist says

An online calculator that can help determine the price of corn silage is available in Purdue Extension’s new publication, Determining A Value For Corn Silage.

Do You Grow High-Fructan Horse Hay?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:12:00 +0000

Here’s how to keep grass-hay energy levels on target

Many horses eat too much energy, which can be especially unhealthy if it comes as fructans.

MFA Funds Eight Forage Research Projects

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:38:00 +0000

Grasses, alfalfa, corn silage and fungicides to be studied

The Midwest Forage Association gave out a record $21,258 for forage research projects.