Sweep-Net Alfalfa Now for Potato Leafhoppers
Fae Holin, MFA Communication Specialist

By the first part of June, southerly winds had dropped migratory potato leafhoppers, which can potentially reduce alfalfa yield and quality, onto Upper Midwestern fields. "Where are they now?" is the question state entomologists and a company agronomist recently answered. Potato leafhopper isn't a problem every year, and it doesn't always infest entire fields. But if this mobile pest isn't monitored and managed, it can stunt new seedings and hurt alfalfa yield and quality, particularly in second and third cuttings.

The second week of June, leafhoppers were found to be over recommended thresholds in southern South Dakota and gradually accumulating in southern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin. There are few signs of the pest in Iowa fields. Nevertheless, all area growers and their agronomists are urged to dust off their sweep nets and start scouting alfalfa now, say the experts quoted in this article. Click here for the complete article.

Rapidly Drying Forage Immediately After Cutting Helps Keep Yield, Quality
Dr. Dan Undersander, Forage Agronomist and Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison

From the time forage is cut until it is fed, the goal is to minimize dry matter and forage quality loss. While all forage declines in dry matter and forage quality after cutting, the amount of decline is determined by the management used.

One of the often overlooked sources of dry matter and forage quality loss is respiration after mowing. Respiration is the breaking down of starch and sugars to produce energy (heat) and carbon dioxide. The process occurs in growing plants and continues after mowing, even in baleage and silage when heat is produced. Click here for the complete article.

What Can Farmers Do with Wet Hay?
Eugene Rodberg, Product Manager, Kemin Industries

In certain areas of the Upper Midwest, the cold, wet spring ruined the best laid plans for harvesting an alfalfa crop. We have all learned to deal with weather when handling growing crops – and with alfalfa on the ground, we must do something.

Our Midwestern University and Extension teams do an excellent job of providing timely advice and have excellent websites farmers can access for help. But, in general, what can farmers do to help manage the alfalfa crop and still retain most of the nutritional value? Click here for the complete article.

Hay Prices Weaken Across the Upper Midwest
Fae Holin, MFA Communication Specialist

Hay prices were down the first half of June, as Upper Midwestern farmers hit the fields and demand for auction hay declined, according to the June 11 Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest.

On average, prime alfalfa hay (greater than 151 RFV/RFQ) was $196/ton for large square bales, $143/ton for large rounds, and $245/ton for small squares. Grade 1 (125-150 RFV/RFQ) large squares sold for $140/ton; large rounds, $121/ton; small squares, $188/ton. Grade 2 (103-124 RFV/RFQ) large squares averaged $107/ton; large rounds, $112/ton. Grade 3 (87-102 RFV/RFQ) large squares and small squares averaged $120/ton while large rounds sold for $86/ton. Click here for the complete article.

Forage Seminars at Dairy Expo Focus on Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures, Feed Costs

New insights on using alfalfa-grass mixtures on dairies, strategies to cut dairy feed costs, and dairy nutrition research updates are just a few Dairy Forage Seminar topics to be explored in conjunction with the World Forage Analysis Superbowl at World Dairy Expo. World Dairy Expo will be held Oct. 2-6 at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI.

The seminars, led by professors, researchers, producers, and industry representatives, will be held Oct. 3-6 on the Dairy Forage Seminar Stage at the east end of the Arena Building. The seminar schedule is as follows: Click here for the complete article.

Take Advantage of MFA's "Members-Only" Research Database

As an MFA member, one of the most valuable resources at your disposal is MFA's "Members-Only" Research Database, a one-stop-shop for all of your forage research needs. MFA's Research Database features every Clippings and Forage Focus research article, as well as each MFRP final report. You can also change and personalize your password after signing in. Proceedings (and videos where appropriate) will also be archived a year after the meeting date. Your user name and password can be found on your MFA membership card or by contacting the MFA office at mfa@midwestforage.org.

"Hay," Mark Your Calendar!

• Dodge County Forage Council Twilight Meeting
  June 20
  Michel's Family Farm, Lomira, WI
  

• Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
  July 10-12
  9 am-4 pm
  D & B Sternweis Farms and Weber’s Farm Store – Heiman Holsteins, Marshfield, WI
  

• World Dairy Expo
  Oct. 2-6
  Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI
  

Alforex Seeds
Dairyland Seed Co.
DuPont Pioneer
La Crosse Seed
MacDon
Mycogen Seeds
W-L Research