Life Sciences Commons^™

Marketing Quality Alfalfa Hay, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa hay is a potentially marketable-profitable product if--if quality is satisfactory to meet buyer's needs, if it is packaged such that it meets buyer's feeding program and can be transported efficiently, if in sufficient quantity, if storage site is accessible by truck or trailer, and if it is competitively priced. Meeting these minimum criteria only means the hay is potentially marketable; only after it has been sold does it become potentially profitable.

Feeding Alfalfa To South Carolina Dairy Herds, Fred E. Pardue, Terry Sudduth

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

The nutritional value of alfalfa hay is important if it is to be used competitively with other feedstuffs in rations being fed to South Carolina Dairy Herds. Excellent quality hay has high nutrient concentration, digestibility and intake. The appearance of good physical characteristics of alfalfa hay as well as other hays and forages along with the knowledge of harvest dates, stages of maturity, and other conditions are not enough and can be deceiving. Therefore, forage testing is crucial and very important.

Marketing Kentucky Hay — An Update, J. Kenneth Evans

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Based on soil capabilities, Kentucky could grow 2-million acres of alfalfa while increasing the acreage of corn and soybeans. Even more than 2-million acres could be grown if Kentucky grown alfalfa should show market demands making it economically competitive with corn and soybeans. Marketing is the key to developing demand which could make hay a $1-billion Kentucky crop.

Many of you have heard or read my comments on marketing hay. In this presentation, I will present a brief review of what I have previously said and then bring you up to date on hay marketing activities since the alfalfa conference …

Evaluating Alfalfa Grazing — Dollars And Cents, Robert N. Barnes

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Returns on many Kentucky farms are declining due to reduced tobacco and feedgrain income. This fact, coupled with traditionally low (or negative) returns from typical cow/calf beef enterprises, has been associated with interest in alternative crop and livestock production systems. Alfalfa produced as a cash crop is increasing and many farmers are realizing substantial returns. In the Central Kentucky Area, many farmers have been stimulated to produce alfalfa since demand for high quality hay by horse farms has been strong. As interest in alfalfa is renewed, other farms have begun to introduce intensive or controlled grazing techniques in order to …

Grazing Options In Alfalfa Utilization, Paul D. Deaton

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Objective

1. The pure alfalfa stand would not be damaged during the grazing period.
2. For steers - animal performance while on the alfalfa was more important than pounds of beef produced per acre.
3. For cow/calf - animal density high enough to remove green leaf area in maximum of 5 days.
4. Initiate the demonstration with a minimal out-of-pocket cost for fence, water system, etc.
5. Minimize the occurrence of bloat where possible.

Comparison Of Electrical Moisture Meters For Baled Alfalfa Hay, W. H. Henson Jr., G. M. Turner, Michael Collins, O. J. Yeoman

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

A primary concern in producing quality alfalfa hay is moisture measurement. Some precision in moisture measurement is required since hay can be too wet, leading to dry matter and quality loss through mold; it can be too dry, leading to shatter loss during baling, handling and storage.

Moisture measurement in hay can take many forms. One form of subjective (personal judgment) evaluation is brittleness of leaves and stems in the windrow or bale. Typical objective methods consist of electric meters with calibration curves and oven drying.

Advances In Alfalfa Weed Control, James R. Martin

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

The most significant advances in weed control in alfalfa have originated from developments in herbicide technology, This method of weed control began over 20 years ago when such herbicides as EPTC and 2,4-DB were being used by alfalfa farmers. Since then, more than twelve herbicides have been added to the list of products recommended for weed control in alfalfa. (For specific recommendations, see Extension publication "Chemical Control of Weeds in Kentucky Farm Crops", AGR-6).

Influence Of Potato Leafhopper On Alfalfa Yield And Quality, C. M. Christensen

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

The potato leafhopper has the distinction of being one of the native insects that can have a very major impact on the production characteristics of alfalfa. This insect is very definitely the second most important pest of this crop, with the alfalfa weevil, an imported insect, holding the distinction of being the most damaging. These tiny insects (full grown potato leafhoppers are 1/8 inch long) have a very definite impact on alfalfa but their damage is very insidious and hard to recognize.

Quality Seed Production And Use, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Quality seed is an important consideration and investment in an efficient alfalfa program. Farmers who depend on alfalfa need to be certain that the seed they purchase is of high quality. High quality seed means it must be free of noxious weeds, have a purity of 99.5 percent, a germination of approximately 90 percent or higher and be seed that is true to the variety stated.

Effects Of Soils And Fertility On Alfalfa Production, Monroe Rasnake

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa can be grown anywhere in Kentucky and on a wide range of soil types. This statement seems to contrast with what we are accustomed to hearing in regard to alfalfa. The usual statement is: "Alfalfa requires a deep, well drained and highly fertile soil . . .". Actually, the two statements are not conflicting. They just represent the plant-soil interactions. The first looks at what is possible while the other is concerned with the ideal situation. In order to understand these different perspectives, we need to consider how soil characteristics affect the alfalfa plant.

Foreword [1987], Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

This is the front matter of the proceedings.

Marketing Kentucky Hay, J. Kenneth Evans

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

That more income is needed by Kentucky farmers is a well established and accepted fact. Although, the tobacco program appears to be yet viable, we have long needed to supplement the tobacco income with income from the remainder of the farm. I think this audience is also well aware of the potential· for producing hay in Kentucky, particularly alfalfa. Estimates in the University of Kentucky potential study indicate that we could have in this state two million acres of alfalfa with a projected potential income of a billion dollars a year generated for our farmers.

This potential income should not …

Optimum Utilization Of Alfalfa In Horses, Stephen G. Jackson

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

When considering forage utilization in horses one must consider principally two factors; 1) forage quality and 2) the relationship between voluntary intake of a forage and a particular class of horses nutrient needs.

Optimum Utilization Of Alfalfa In Sheep Rations, G. L.M. Chappell

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

The unique qualities of alfalfa as a forage afford the progressive sheep producer many opportunities to develop efficient sheep feeding programs. As a grazed sward, as hay or silage, alfalfa can be utilized in a variety of ways. The following points should be considered in developing programs using alfalfa.

Maximizing Alfalfa Hay In Beef Feeding Programs, W. Roy Burris, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Beef cattle comprise the largest group of forage and hay users in Kentucky. Because of their ability to utilize large amounts of low quality roughage, they are sometimes relegated to that role exclusively. There are many instances in beef production when alfalfa hay can be utilized because of its high protein content. The value of alfalfa hay in a beef operation can be estimated by the protein and energy that it furnishes.

Maximizing Alfalfa In Dairy Feeding Programs, Dan O. Riddell

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa is an excellent feed for dairy cows. When used properly, alfalfa can help cut cost of production and increase level of production. However, like everything else, the feeding of alfalfa needs to be managed to maximize efficient production. There are three key steps involved in maximizing alfalfa in a dairy feeding program. These are:

1. harvest alfalfa at the proper stage of maturity
2. know what the alfalfa contains and feed accordingly
3. get the alfalfa to the cows that need it.

Hay Quality Evaluation, William C. Templeton Jr.

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

During the last few years there have been several developments related to hay quality evaluation and marketing. In this presentation I shall briefly review these and indicate some of the implications for producers, vendors, purchasers and users of alfalfa hay.

Reducing Hay Losses — From Standing Crop Through Storage, Michael Collins

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa management for maximum economic productivity is quite complex. Many factors ranging from cultivar selection and establishment to storage and feeding must be considered. In some cases these factors, yield and quality of a particular cutting of forage for example, are negatively correlated. Following good establishment of an adapted cultivar, cutting management has important effects on forage yield, forage quality, stand persistence, weed encroachment and other important responses. Maturity stage at the time of cutting greatly affects quality. After cutting, hay curing, packaging and storage conditions also affect quality. Clearly, in order to achieve the optimum combination of yield and …

No-Till Alfalfa Establishment, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

The topic ''No-till Alfalfa" was discussed at the V Annual Alfalfa Conference this past February in Elizabethtown. At that conference, we reported results of demonstrations that had been conducted along with preliminary results of some of the research underway. In the presentation today, I would like to review some of the opportunities for no-till alfalfa and discuss some additional research results.

Herbicides For Alfalfa Weed Control, William W. Witt

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Numerous herbicides are available for controlling weeds in pure or mixed stands of alfalfa. In addition, these herbicides can be applied at different times and stages of alfalfa growth -from prior to planting to actively growing alfalfa to dormant applications during the winter. To be confident of achieving the desired weed control, it is important to apply alfalfa herbicides at the proper growth stage and rate.

The following tables contain information pertinent to proper utilization of the herbicides to obtain maximum weed control.

Foreword [1986], Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

This is the front matter of the proceedings.

The Role Of State And Wildlife Agencies In Wildlife Damage Control, Charles D. Kelley

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The Alabama Game and Fish Division is responsible for the stewardship of the wildlife and fisheries resources in the state. Within this context and the cooperative efforts with other agencies that have dealings with animal damage, the Division develops, permits, approves and administers control of both game and nongame (except migratory) species of wildlife.

Animal control complaints fall into two major areas - crop damage and nuisance animals. Nuisance animals, with some exceptions, are bats, armadillos, alligators, woodpeckers, snakes, birds that roost or nest in rookeries. Squirrels, bears, rabbits are the cause of both nuisance and crop damage complaints. Deer, …

Economic And Environmental Impacts Of Beavers In North Carolina, David K. Woodward, Robert B. Hazel, Brian P. Gaffney

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In 1984, a postal survey of landowners and managers was conducted in North Carolina concerning the presence of beavers (Castor canadensis) on their property. Major objectives of the survey were to determine: (1) current distribution and relative abundance of beavers in North Carolina, (2) the economic and environmental impacts from an apparently increasing beaver population, and (3) landowner attitudes toward these increasing populations. Of the 1,069 questionnaires returned, data was compiled from 456 landowners (43 percent) who confirmed the presence of beaver activity on their property during 1983. A significant increase in beaver numbers and distribution has occurred …

Comparisons Of Strychnine And Zinc Phosphide In Prairie Dog Control, H. Todd Holbrook, Robert M. Timm

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Efficacy and safety are primary considerations in registration and use of toxicants for vertebrate pest control. Strychnine (0.5%) and zinc phosphide (2%) are currently registered by EPA for prairie dog control, but continued registration is uncertain. Two percent zinc phosphide bait has been suspected of producing lower and more erratic results than strychnine bait. In our study in western Nebraska in fall 1984, indices based on changes in burrow activity showed no difference in efficacy (P =0.66) or variability (P= 0.7) of control for strychnine and zinc phosphide, however neither toxicant consistently gave effective control or black-tailed prairie dogs. Costs …

Estimating Cost-Effectiveness Of Controlling Animal Damage To Conifer Seedlings, David S. Decalesta

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

A model for determining the benefit-cost ratio of controlling damage by vertebrate pests to conifer seedlings requires knowledge of the amount, distribution, and duration of animal damage, reduction in damage associated with control, costs of control, methodology and value of trees at harvest. Because control costs occurring in the present must be compared with savings recovered decades later in the future, the model incorporates procedures for discounting or adjusting future monetary benefits into present net worth valuations. The model allows forest managers to evaluate a wide range of damage costs and savings accruing from use of various control techniques. The …

Double-Crested Cormorant Damage To A Commercial Fishery In The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, Scott R. Craven, Esther Lev

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The endangered classification of the double-crested cormorant (DCC) in Wisconsin resulted in complete protection and significant management efforts in the 1970's. These efforts, probably coupled with reduced pesticide loads, resulted in a resurgence of Wisconsin cormorant populations from a low of 66 pairs in 1972 to 1028 pairs in 1982. The DCC was reclassified as a threatened species in 1982. This apparent success story did not take into consideration the potential negative impact of an abundant piscivorous bird. In 1978 a colony of DCC's became established on a remote rocky island in the Apostle Islands National, Lakeshore, in Lake Superior. …

The Whooping Crane Cross-Fostering Experiment: The Role Of Animal Damage Control, Roderick C. Drewien, Stephen H. Bouffard, Desmond D. Call, Richard A. Wonacott

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Predator losses of endangered species in reintroduction programs are unacceptable because of the scarcity of the species and the major commitment of staff time and funds. When the whooping crane (Grus americana) cross-fostering experiment (experiment) at Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Grays Lake), Idaho was proposed in 1972, animal damage control (ADC) was considered unnecessary. Sandhill crane (G. canadensis tabida) nest success was high and coyotes (Canis latrans) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were uncommon. Canids increased by the mid-1970's destroying whooping crane eggs and chicks. An ADC program initiated in 1976 …

Commercial Wildlife Pest Control Permits An Alternative Approach, Gerard W. Wendt

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

No abstract provided.

Role And Responsibilities Of Agencies For Wildlife Damage Control, Hal S. Atkinson Jr.

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The wildlife resources of the State belong to the people of the state as a whole. The Wildlife Resources Commission is charged with the stewardship of these resources and is empowered by general statute to promulgate those regulations deemed necessary to accomplish this charge.

State Funded Wildlife Damage Programs: The Wisconsin Experience, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Scott R. Craven

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Wisconsin has a long tradition of involvement with wildlife damage and wildlife damage programs. It is one of less than a dozen states that presently has a program for wildlife damage. From 1931 to 1980, Wisconsin paid landowners for damage to crops caused by wildlife. Now the focus of Wisconsin's wildlife damage program is on damage control and prevention through appropriate abatement techniques and wildlife population control. This paper will detail Wisconsin's experience with these approaches and will offer insight into improving state funded wildlife damage programs.