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Weather extremes even out 1st crop alfalfa

An extension crops educator says back-to-back months of weather extremes have resulted in an alfalfa crop that’s right on schedule.

Randy Pepin with the University of Minnesota tells Brownfield had a “normal” May followed a cold, wet April, the first cutting would’ve been way behind normal.

“But you don’t normally get 90+ degree days in May, which we did.  That really pushed the first crop along, so we’re really not that far behind.”

The Upper Midwest experienced record heat last month, with several 90-degree days reported even in northern Minnesota.

Pepin says farmers who normally get 3, 4, or in some cases 5 cuttings per season should plan on that this year.

“I think we’re on track for doing that.  It’s going to depend on weather the rest of the year, if we get enough rain or all the Growing Degree Days stack up.”

As of Sunday, the USDA says the first crop alfalfa harvest is about 25 percent complete, 3 days behind last year but a day ahead of average.

Pepin says quality and tonnage seem to be on par with most years.