I need some alfalfa advice

[Kato]

We're like your friend in Saskatchewan. Just get one cut. Especially the last few years. It has become so wet in June and early July that there is just no time for two cuts. We have one field that is cut first, let regrow all summer, and after it's good and frozen, we turn the cows out. They give it a real good workout, and in spring it comes back really well. Our neighbour put some liquid pig manure on it this spring, so we're looking forward to seeing how it turns out next year. I think it's a little early to see a response now.

We spread cattle manure on a bunch of alfalfa last fall, and we're optimistic about how that will turn out. We can already see a difference in the bales in the field from the parts that were manured and those that weren't. We were a little worried that the plants wouldn't come up through the straw, but that didn't seem to be a problem at all. If anything, the manure left a bit of mulch on the ground that seems to be holding moisture quite well. I think next year will tell the tale, because it takes some time for the manure to really break down so the nutrients are available to the plant.

We're not obsessed with the cut in early bloom idea. Maybe for dairy cows it's more important, but my hubby says he'd rather have "old green hay than young black rotten hay".

[whiteface]

Thanks for the info Kato and sure nice to meet you John in Ontario. Raining like crazy here today. It won't go down for a week yet but I can just hear those little guys growing an extra inch out there with a timely drink. I sure hope for 6 weeks of re-growth before frost John, around here we just never know. Have had snow in August, I kid you not. Supposed to be 4 degrees tonight. I hope the manuare thing works out Kato. Let us know! Have a good night all!