Currently underway is a project to enable alfalfa producers to map yield and quality (or more precisely, nutritive value) across an alfalfa field using an unmanned aircraft system (UAS – also called a drone) at sufficient resolution to enable identification of the yield damage caused by wheel traffic.

Profitability in producing alfalfa hay is mostly a function of yield. However, to the animal that consumes hay, forage quality is very important, especially in high-producing dairy cows where intake may be limited. Four factors change as the harvest date is delayed: physical yield, forage quality, value per ton and harvest cost per acre.

The World Forage Analysis Superbowl evaluated 843 entries and presented awards to top finishers at the World Forage Analysis Superbowl Awards Luncheon at World Dairy Expo.

China’s retaliatory tariffs continue to hamper U.S. hay exports, which declined slightly for a third straight month. One exporter fears the negative impact could be long-lasting.

Depending on location and market, October is frequently a time to determine whether the haying season will be a sweet success.