Physical Sciences and Mathematics 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.