Alfalfa weevil
Larval populations of alfalfa weevil have been gradually increasing in first crop alfalfa. The WDATCP Wisconsin Pest Bulletin reported recently their surveys in south-central and central Wisconsin counties yielded an average of 3 larvae per 25 sweeps in 46 fields scouted.

Producing forage with an ideal dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) for dry cows can be a challenge. For dry cows, DCAD values less <0 mEq per kg are desirable, with -50 to -120 mEq per kg considered ‘ideal’.

When summer temperatures soar and farm work must get done, remember to keep a cool head and be mindful of the symptoms of heat-related illnesses. It helps to know the warning signs and treatments.

The cutting schedule a grower imposes strongly impacts the overall profitability of an alfalfa operation due to its direct effect on yield and forage quality.