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.
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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To date, there is limited information available about rental rates and fees for crop harvesting. Farms can use this valuable information for their farm business planning to help improve decision making and profitability.The data that is collected, and the subsequent reports/findings/resources will be helpful for all of us to answer that call of "What's the average rental rate in my area?" and "How much do people charge to combine oats?"
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1. It's free and easy!
2. Connect with more local customers. In the past year the MeatSuite.com farm directory had 8,300 visits from New York consumers. Farm profiles get as many as 25 views per month from potential local customers. We also spotlight MeatSuite farms on social media and bring attention and purchases to farms through highlights and giveaways.
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While you're on MeatSuite, check out the "Creating Consumer-Friendly Bulk Meats" publication on the log-in page. It has tips on how to create bulk meat products that are easier for first-time buyers to say "yes" to.
If you have any questions as you create your farm profile or products, we're here to help! Please email Matt LeRoux at mnl28@cornell.edu.