Alfalfa weevil (scientific name Hypera postica) is one of the most damaging pests of alfalfa grown nationally, and recommendations to manage its damage have remained unchanged for several decades. During the last few years, however, alfalfa producers in the Western region have reported increasing problems managing this pest.

Warmer weather is right around the corner and that means the summer growing season is not far away. The above-average rainfall that many of us have received over the last couple of months has left a lot of pasture damaged and in need of renovation.

What if $14 milk is the new norm? The answer is underwhelming and overwhelming at the same time: Something has to change.

The fear of frothy bloat has stopped many livestock producers from integrating alfalfa, clover or other high-bloat-risk species into their forage systems. Most livestock producers fear seeing one of their animals with a distended left side, struggling to breathe.

Alfalfa silage is a significant feed source in many high-producing dairy diets. Every dairy producer understands the importance of harvesting and storing high-quality alfalfa silage. However, this is one of the most challenging forages to ensile consistently.

Undoubtedly, the most important influence on dairy farm profitability is forage quality. But what metrics of forage quality are most important? What metrics of forage quality are most important to you and your nutritionist?

How do you decide when to move animals onto a new pasture? How long do you expect the pasture to feed them before they should be moved again? Most likely your answer is “it depends.” It depends on forage available in the pasture, forage available in alternative pastures, animal feed demand and animal production goals.