Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Changes In Alfalfa Breeding — Where Is Alfalfa Headed?, Becky Greenwald

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa didn't earn the title "Queen of the Forages" just because of its good looks on rolling hills or sweet smell at harvest. Alfalfa was first described nearly 2,500 years ago, in 490 B.C in the desert regions of what is now Iran. From the Middle East, alfalfa was taken into Europe and South America by invading armies, explorers, and missionaries.

Little Known Facts About Alfalfa, Don Ball

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

During the previous nineteen Kentucky Alfalfa Conferences, many topics pertaining to alfalfa have undoubtedly been addressed. In fact, some topics such as establishment techniques, varieties, and factors affecting yield are important enough that they have probably been discussed in one form or another during most of these conferences.

However, a twentieth-year state commodity conference is a milestone that deserves some special consideration, and which should justify inclusion of one or more unique topics on the program. This line of thinking led to idea that for this presentation it might be interesting to discuss some facts about alfalfa that are not …

Reducing Alfalfa Harvesting Losses, Michael Collins

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

In some areas of the country, producers store a substantial portion of their forage for winter feeding as silage or haylage. However, hay remains the most popular storage method for forage. Hay stores well for long periods and is better suited to cash sale and transportation than silage. Mechanical conditioning, which gained acceptance during the 1950's is probably still the greatest single change in hay harvesting and storage technology during this century. However, a number of other noteworthy changes and innovations have occurred in recent years which have helped to reduce the extent of losses during hay harvesting and storage.

Opportunities For Alfalfa As A Grazing Crop In Kentucky, Ken Johnson

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Why do we continue to hear people talk about Alfalfa as a grazing crop? In my opinion there are two words that come to mind when I think of grazing Alfalfa, quality and yield. Alfalfa is without a doubt the highest quality forage we can graze. Alfalfa is also one of the highest yielding forages we can graze and maybe the highest yielding widely known and widely grown forage available to Kentucky farmers.

Hay Testing And New Marketing Program, Allen Johnson

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (Hay & Grain Branch) Hay testing program is now entering its 13^th year of testing hay for Kentucky producers. The Department continues to use NIR forage analysis equipment. The program has made many improvements and much information has been gained. We continue to strive for quality control and producing accurate results. Recently, many new updates have occurred. New hardware and software have been added, along with the recent purchase of a second hay testing van. By placing a toll free call (1-800- 248-4628) to the Department of Agriculture in Frankfort, we will find a …

An Alfalfa Disease Calendar, Paul Vincelli

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

The following calendar provides producers and agricultural professionals with insights that may improve alfalfa production in several ways. First, knowing when to expect certain diseases improves one's ability to diagnose disease problems, which is a fundamental foundation for disease management. The many UK Extension Service publications on alfalfa as well as publications like the Alfalfa Analyst and the Compendium of Alfalfa Diseases, all are useful for diagnosis, but none provides a precise calendar of when to expect activity of alfalfa diseases in Kentucky. An alfalfa disease calendar can also provide occasional insights into timely management practices. For example, being …

Fertilizing Alfalfa For Profit, Monroe Rasnake, Steven G. Isaacs

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa has the potential for producing high yields of high quality forage with good management. A key component of good management is supplying plant nutrients in adequate quantities and proper balance. In Kentucky, this requires fertilizing soils with agricultural limestone, commercial fertilizers and/or animal manures. Good soil fertility is necessary for alfalfa stand establishment, high yields and long stand life.

Kentucky Alfalfa Conference After Twenty Years, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Today marks the 20th consecutive year we have come together for a full days conference featuring "Alfalfa- Queen of the Forages" as the theme and focal point. Only one other state in the U.S. has such an annual event.

Foreword [2000], Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

This is the front matter of the proceedings.