1st Cutting Forage Quality Update ~ May 8, 2018

Kevin Ganoe, Area Field Crop Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops

May 9, 2018

Here are numbers that are helpful when using alfalfa and grass height as an indicator of NDF content. In general:
  • Begin cutting 100% grass stands should be cut when nearby alfalfa is 14 inches tall to achieve the desired 50% NDF.
  • Begin cutting 50/50 mixed alfalfa and grass stands when nearby alfalfa is 22 inches tall for the desired 44% NDF.
  • Begin cutting 100% alfalfa stands when alfalfa is 28 inches tall for the desired 40% NDF.
The desired NDF for all grass fields is 50%, 50/50 mixed alfalfa and grass fields is 44%, and pure alfalfa stands is 40%. Predicted days to cut are based on daily NDF increases for grasses of 1% point, 50/50 mixed stands of .8% points and alfalfa of .5% point. Typically NDF increases about 0.8 to 1.2/day for grasses expecting the lower end of that range in cooler weather and the higher end in warm. Alfalfa NDF increases about 0.4 to 0.7/day again figuring the lower end of that range with cool temperatures and the higher in warm. Predictions are adjusted for the coming week's weather and right now we are assuming normal growth.

In the tables in the attached pdf, locations around the region are listed where we have measured alfalfa height. You can use the location and elevation as a guide to conditions that may be similar to your own. Always check your fields to verify your heights and conditions!

Our growth for 2018 is considerably behind 2017, especially for May 8. An alfalfa height of 9 inches or less is too low to be used by the equations we have which is why you see "Too Early". In 2018 on May 8 alfalfa is averaging 9 inches tall and 59 percent of the fields are 9 inches or less. In 2017 on May 2 the alfalfa averaged 13 inches tall and 17 percent of the fields were 9 inches or less. Quite a difference!
The tables indicate no grasses are be ready to cut today. But pay attention to locations near you for predictions for grass ready to harvest coming into this weekend. With continued warm temps through the weekend and some rain in the forecast to push growth these predictions warrant some attention! If you are at a higher elevation, have alfalfa and or mixed stands then you have time yet. Some years we have to say stop planting corn and cut, but this isn't one of them!

Next report will be May 15.


582018 1st cutting forage quality summary (pdf; 538KB)
  • 1st Cutting Forage Quality Update ~ May 5, 2018



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