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Harvesting high quality forages

An extension educator says the majority of yield from alfalfa is based off of the first cutting.

Phil Kaatz with Michigan State University Extension tells Brownfield 40 to 45 percent of yield is harvested during the first of four cuttings of alfalfa.  “That first cutting changes in quality so quickly that you cannot afford to wait.”

Kaatz says to prevent mold growth during storage, forages should be dry when harvested.  “For small square bales, bale at 19 percent moisture or less.  For medium sized square bales, the three by threes, less than 16 percent.  For large square bales, which are the four by fours, less than 14 percent.”

He says growers need to minimize wheel traffic on new growth after a field has been cut.  “When that wheel track hits that plant, you’re reducing the yield six percent per day for the next cutting, for every day after it’s been cut.

For the best yield and quality, Kaatz says farmers should harvest alfalfa when the plant is 28 to 29 inches tall.

AUDIO: Interview with Phil Kaatz