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Alfalfa averages (first cutting)

F

Flewster

Member
I just got done with my first cutting of alfalfa. I planted last august and just got first cutting.........I only have 2 acres roughly and got just over a ton total.......is that about right for the very first cutting? (half ton per acre)

also it had quite a few weeds and stuff coming up with it but I usppose those will be supressed by the alfalfa after this........
 
First cutting on a new seeding with a thousand pounds per acre is pretty good, at least on the good side of average. A lot depends on if its pure or a grass mix. My first cut alf-tim mix seeded last fall ran from a high of 2500 pounds off 9/10ths to a low of 300 for some straight alfalfa with no grass and no weeds cut a 3 weeks ago. Its really hard to tell on first cutting of a new seeding what its going to do. I generally dont evaluate a new seeding until after my second cutting, at full bloom. If I get a third that yields what the 4th of everything else thats coming off then does, its going to be ok.
 
Thanks.........I was hoping that it was alright and makes me feel a little better.......this is streight alfalfa although a little brome came back up in it............seemed to have quite a few weeds but I was told it would be ok..............it did get a good start last fall with about4-6 inches of growth before a hard freeze and this spring has been wet..........guess we will see for second cutting...........did you say to wait till full bloom on second?
 
Thats my personal bias. I cant back it up with any research. What I like to do in first year alfalfa mixes is to cut when the grass is right and the alfalfa is at least budding but before any of the weeds go to seed. Second cutting I like to let get in full bloom or about 45 days. I want those young plants putting down a tap root in case we get a hot dry August. Then I go to my normal 30 day schedule. Its just a practice I've started following. Seems like (but I cant prove it) that on stands I treat like that they last at least an extra year, maybe 2.
 
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