I've never cut hay in the year I seeded it,but I'm sure tempted this year. I seeded alfalfa in the oats as usual,but I cut the oats earlier than I ever have. Then I clipped the straw. I just walked out in it and the alfalfa's above my knees. Looks better than any of my third cutting. I just hate to take a chance on draining the roots from the regrowth this fall and risking yield next year.
- Thread starter rrlund
- Start date
The way hay is around here a guy in my area would cut hay no matter what if it was green and tall but then we have not had enough rain till just a few days ago to have any thing grow. Most people in my area have no hay for sale which is not common here. Cut it bale it and it will sell in a heart beat
I can only speak for my region (swIL) we usually take 2 cuttings off new alfalfa. The first after it is full on into bloom and the 2nd also bloomed out before the end of august if possible then like our older stands it has sept. to build root stores. We then usually take a cutting off of our established stands in early oct.
Personally I'd cut it, my dad always said Sept.5 was the last day to cut hay until after it starts freezing at night and I'm in E.C. WI.
I tried direct seeding alfalfa this year (April 12) for the first time and after each cutting it seems to get better. I spread 250 lbs. potash last week and if we receive more rain I may need to take a fourth cut.
Pic is of the second cutting (July 11) and was kinda thin because of lack of moisture but I felt the need to at least manage the weeds in case it did rain.
I tried direct seeding alfalfa this year (April 12) for the first time and after each cutting it seems to get better. I spread 250 lbs. potash last week and if we receive more rain I may need to take a fourth cut.
Pic is of the second cutting (July 11) and was kinda thin because of lack of moisture but I felt the need to at least manage the weeds in case it did rain.
Here in Southeast Il. The rains have come! Cut Alfalfa last week, rolled it once baled it last thursday right before it rained. I thought you had to cut it on every holiday or loose your stand. Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor day. My neighbor has it about 4 or 5 acres, mainly for deer. It grew about a foot in 2 weeks, after it rained. Made 5 really tight, 4X5 bales. Oh it is the first year for this stand. Vic
I am in Michigan also and I always cut twice the seeding year. The expectations of the modern genetics are way and above what the older varieties are. Southern Michigan recommendations are that alfalfa be cut on the average by September 1, however you can go to MSU extension website and look up growing degree days for later cuttings.
Similar threads
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.
Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy