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When to cut alfalfa?

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Tommy W.

05-16-2002 14:13:47




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When is the best time to cut alfalfa? Right before it blooms? Thank You




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david

05-17-2002 13:35:12




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 Re: When to cut alfalfa? in reply to Tommy W., 05-16-2002 14:13:47  
Depends a lot on what it's use is and whether it's a pure stand or grass mix. If you are selling hay, go with what your customers want. Rule of thumb: dairy market wants is cut early and often (pre bloom) for highest protein. Horse market varies, most of my customers want mid bloom to lower the protein down to 14-16%. Plus at mid bloom the grass has added 200%-300% volume by going on 6 week intervals. Same goes if you are feeding it. Do you need 20+ percent protein or do you need 16% and more total hay per cutting.

Central KY, I'm starting on mine tomorrow at about 15%-20% bloom.

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bud sather

05-17-2002 07:11:54




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 Re: When to cut alfalfa? in reply to Tommy W., 05-16-2002 14:13:47  
I cut my alfalfa when it is in 10% bloom. At about that time you will notice the the leaves on the bottom of the stem are starting to turn yellow which means that the plant will not be growing to produce any more volume and it is relatively high in protien at that time.
Bud in Montana where it is very dry. Anyone care to send some moisture of any kind.



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Jerry D in NC

05-16-2002 20:51:24




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 Re: When to cut alfalfa? in reply to Tommy W., 05-16-2002 14:13:47  
Pre bud is about 22% protein and full bloom is about 16% protein. The volume of hay is greater in bloom so what you need the feed value to be is the determining factor. Personally I start looking for weather to cut when I see the first bud heads on the end of a planter with me digging for them. About every 30 days is a good rule of thumb.



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Jerry (AL)

05-16-2002 17:13:45




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 Re: When to cut alfalfa? in reply to Tommy W., 05-16-2002 14:13:47  
I read it but can't be sure but I think that's right.

If you type in "ALfalfa" on your search on your browser, there are tons of information on Alfalfa.



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