Alfalfa hay - Articles - Page 4

Forage Market Insights: Drought and economic influences

May 22, 2025

Some areas of the U.S. are grappling with severe drought conditions, with over one-third of the country affected, and tariffs on major trading partners may impact crop production input costs and hay export markets.

Growing alfalfa seed in the western U.S.

Alfalfa seed production is widespread across the western U.S. for companies to develop varieties for better yield, resilience and grazing tolerance.

May 9, 2025

Heather Smith Thomas

Farmers in different western U.S. regions grow different types of alfalfa seeds to meet the needs of those regions and climates.

Methods to circumvent autotoxicity in mature alfalfa stands

Few plants can match alfalfa in terms of harvest frequency, yield and protein content, but incorporating sainfoin is a good way to avoid autotoxicity.

May 6, 2025

Joseph Sagers

Sainfoin presents a compelling alternative for forage producers seeking to thicken old alfalfa stands or diversify their forage systems.

Equipment Hub: The sacred ground of circle tracks

An irrigation circle will feature a pivot located at its center, connected to an underground pipeline that delivers pressurized water.

April 17, 2025

Brad Nelson

Different soil types react to the wheels of irrigation circles in various ways.

Alfalfa: A misunderstood crop in the West’s water crisis

Alfalfa has frequently been portrayed negatively in discussions about water consumption in the western U.S. Media reports often blame this crop for depleting vital resources in dry areas. Such claims oversimplify a complex issue and overlook the essential contributions of alfalfa to agriculture.

April 10, 2025

Emily Meccage

Nationwide, 14.6 million acres are cultivated for alfalfa. Critics argue this is too much for regions with limited water, yet they fail to compare these numbers to other staple crops.

Forage Market Insights: Plenty of questions to ponder

Here’s a look at factors impacting producers and markets as some forage answers begin to emerge.

March 12, 2025

Dave Natzke

Progressive Forage provides on update on drought conditions, prices, exports and more.DC

Understanding and controlling vole populations in Idaho's alfalfa fields

Voles pose a growing threat to Idaho alfalfa fields, with their rapid reproduction and adaptability making control difficult. Farmers are experimenting with innovative methods, such as rolling and harrowing over snow, to curb populations and protect crops.

February 12, 2025

Joseph Sagers

Voles have become a significant threat to Idaho agriculture, particularly to alfalfa crops. With some farmers reporting losses of up to 60% or more, understanding the vole life cycle, their resilience and innovative control methods has become critical.

The status of Western hay markets

January 27, 2025

Carrie Veselka

Josh Callen, market analyst and publisher of The Hoyt Report, gave attendees at the California Alfalfa and Forage Symposium an update on hay markets in the western U.S.

Dairy delight: How a Wisconsin farm improved forage quality and milking productivity

Carefully selecting an alfalfa variety that helps improve several aspects of an individual operation is key to overall improved quality, yield and flexibility, as demonstrated at Scheps Dairy.

January 17, 2025

Parker Heise

Scheps Dairy, located in northwest Wisconsin, is an example of how alfalfa can strategically enhance operations by supporting forage quality, yield and flexibility for dairy farmers.