Earth Sciences Commons^™

Alfalfa: The Queen Of Forage Crops, It Don't Get Any Better, Warren C. Thompson

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

For anyone who has grown or used alfalfa, there is no question but that alfalfa is the best forage crop they have dealt with. Perhaps that is one reason that we in professional agriculture have given so much special interest to the crop and why it is held in such high esteem and the position it demands in research and refinement investments over the years at the private and public sectors.

Alfalfa: Crop For The Future, N. P. Martin, R. D. Hatfield, D. R. Mertens, P. J. Weimer

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa use by dairy cattle has decreased in recent years because of excessive nonprotein nitrogen and low fiber digestibility. Ideal attributes for plant modification of alfalfa may include those that increase milk potential per acre and/or per ton, enhance digestible NDF, improve protein content and amino acid balance, improve agronomic traits for insect protection (safer forage supply), herbicide tolerance, virus resistance, drought tolerance, cold tolerance, improved mineral availability and enhanced yield. Progress in attaining these attributes will accelerate with the use of biotechnology. Livestock and hay enterprises will benefit from alfalfa that is less prone to contain mycotoxins or toxic …

History Of Roundup Ready Alfalfa, Mark Mccaslin

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

In late 1997 Forage Genetics International (FGI) and Monsanto began a joint project to develop Roundup Ready alfalfa. FGI collaborated with Montana State University to produce the first transgenic Roundup Ready alfalfa plants. The same CP4 glyphosate tolerance gene that has been effectively used in developing multiple other Roundup Ready crops, was successfully inserted into an elite FGI alfalfa plant in early 1998.

Alfalfa In Our Dairy Operation, Lee Robey

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Welcome to Robey Farms. Our farm has been in our family for six generations. The farm was founded by my great grandfather, Herbert Robey, in 1899. Four generations live and are actively involved in the farm operation today. My mom and dad, Jane and D.L., my wife Denise and I, our oldest son Chris and his wife Jessica and three grandchildren, Jessalyn, Ethan, and Whitley, our middle son Adam and his wife Amanda, our youngest son Eli, who is a Sophomore at U.K. majoring in Ag. Economics, and my older brother Carr.

Growing Alfalfa For Wildlife, Don Ball

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa has long been recognized as a superb forage crop, which is why it is widely grown for dairy cattle, horses, sheep, and many other types of domesticated forage-consuming animals. Reasons for its popularity include wide adaptation, excellent nutritive value, good yield potential, perennial growth habit, a long growing season, and the fact that (in association with Rhizobium bacteria) it is a nitrogen-fixing legume that does not require periodic applications of nitrogen fertilizer.

Progress Towards Sclerotinia--Resistant Varieties, Paul C. Vincelli

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Sclerotinia crown and stem rot (SCSR), caused by the fungus Sclerotinia trifoliorum, is one of the most important factors limiting the success of late-summer alfalfa seedings in the region. Infections of S. trifoliorum that progress into the crown of a fall-sown alfalfa plant can kill it during winter or spring green up. Stand losses by the following spring may be insignificant (1-3%) or nearly total, with 95-99% of the stand being dead (and often even rotted away and gone by spring green-up).

Alfalfa Hay For Horses (And Horse Owners!), Laurie Lawrence, Bryan Cassill

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa is one of the most common hays fed to horses in Kentucky. Other hays that are often used include timothy and orchardgrass. As a legume, alfalfa has many nutritional advantages over timothy or orchardgrass. Alfalfa hay contains more protein and calcium than grass hays and thus is an excellent source of these nutrients for broodmares and growing horses. Another legume that may be useful as a hay for horses is red clover. Nutritionally, red clover has many of the same advantages as alfalfa. However, red clover has some non-nutritional characteristics which have traditionally limited its popularity with horse owners. …

Advances In Alfalfa Seed Coating, Bill Talley

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Seed coating for alfalfa has been available since the mid to late 70’s. Over the last 30 years, advances in the industry have made it the choice of many producers. The purpose of the coatings at that time was mainly to add weight to increase the ballistic properties and to be a carrier for the rhizobia. Through research and new technology, coatings have evolved and shown great agronomic benefits. Seed coating can provide an opportunity to supply effective quantities of needed materials to each seed, which can influence both the physical property, and the microenvironment of the seed. Coatings can …

Impact Of Alfalfa In Lincoln County, Dan Grigson

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Lincoln County is located 45 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky. It is part of 3 geographical regions of the state-the outer Bluegrass, the Knobs, and the Eastern Pennyroyal area. Thus the land ranges from moderate sloping fields that can be row cropped to fields that are nearly too steep to mow. The majority of the land is best suited for hay and pasture production. The soil fertility is moderately high with limestone, sandstone, shale and siltstone parent material. The land is very well suited to growing very productive forage crops.

Teaching Stand Management Using Virtual Alfalfa Plants, S. Ray Smith, Lars Muendermann, Av Singh

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

A ‘virtual’ alfalfa plant model was developed at the University of Manitoba in Canada as part of a comprehensive grazing research project. This model shows an alfalfa plant ‘growing’ on a computer screen and the plant’s response to grazing (similar to time-lapse photography). The original model was designed and constructed by Av Singh to show the research potential of visually modeling alfalfa plant growth. The ability to visually ‘grow’ a plant on a computer screen also provides an excellent teaching and extension tool.

Kentucky Alfalfa Conference 25th Anniversary, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Today marks the 25th consecutive year we have come together for a full day’s 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 And Recipients Of Kentucky Alfalfa Awards [2005], Garry D. Lacefield, Christi L. Forsythe

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

No abstract provided.

Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies 2004, Nathan A. Slaton

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Rapid technological changes in crop management and production require that the research efforts also be presented in an expeditious manner. The contributions of soil fertility and fertilizers are major production factors in all Arkansas crops. The studies described within will allow producers to compare their practices with the university’s research efforts. Additionally, soil test data and fertilizer sales are presented to allow comparisons among years, crops, and other areas within Arkansas.

Response Of Sagebrush Steppe Species To Elevated Co2 And Soil Temperature, Melissa S. Lucash, Blake Farnsworth, William E. Winner

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Elevated atmospheric CO₂ may cause long-term changes in the productivity and species composition of the sagebrush steppe. Few studies, however, have evaluated the effects of increased CO₂ on growth and physiology of species important to this ecosystem. Since the response of plants to elevated CO₂ may be limited by environmental factors, soil temperature was also examined to determine if low soil temperatures limit CO₂ response. To determine how CO₂ and soil temperature affect the growth of species native to the sagebrush steppe, bottlebrush squirreltail [Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey], Thurber needlegrass (Stipa thurberiana Piper), …

Key Grazing Levels (Foo Targets) For Pasture And Sheep Management, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock published reports

Food On Offer (FOO) is the amount of pasture in front of an animal, and is measured in kilograms Dry Matter per hectare. Managing pastures to key grazing levels - or FOO targets - can result in improved production of grazing systems in Mediterranean environments which are characterized by slow winter growth, peak spring growth and dry summers. These targets vary according to what production response is required.

This information sheet illustrates key target FOO for sheep grazing annual pastures during autumn and spring.

An Inventory Of Rangelands In Part Of The Broome Shire, Western Australia, W E. Cotching

Technical Bulletins

The inventory of rangelands in part of the Broome Shire in Western Australia was undertaken by DAFWA between 1989 and 1990. It describes and maps the natural resources of the region’s pastoral leasehold land. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the natural area’s resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. The survey of part of the Broome Shire …

2004 Forage Spokesperson Contestants, James Chestnut, Jimmy May, Steve Meredith, Bill Payne

Kentucky Grazing Conference

No abstract provided.

Strategies For Reducing Stored Feed Requirements, Don Ball

Kentucky Grazing Conference

A basic, desirable goal for virtually any livestock producer is to minimize stored feed requirements. It is less expensive to have livestock harvest forage for themselves by grazing than to harvest it for them; therefore, the greater the extent to which pasture can be used to provide nutrition, the more profitable a livestock operation will generally be. Thus, it is worthwhile to consider all options that might be available for reducing stored feed needs.

Stocking Decisions: They Make Or Break You, Glen E. Aiken

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Decisions on species and variety of forage to plant and manage are economically critical because it establishes the potential to meet a particular production goal. However, the stocking rate used to graze these forages is more critical because it ultimately determines if a targeted level of production is reached. Most cattlemen aim for a stocking rate that provides maximum economic return, but it should be emphasized that an economically optimum stocking rate is one that potentially provides sustained economic return. It is obvious that dollar return is not maximized if excessive heavy grazing results in costly pasture renovation, ranging from …

Grazing: Getting From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be, Gary Bates

Kentucky Grazing Conference

When trying to design a forage and grazing program, producers often try to consider so many factors that it becomes mind-boggling. If basic plant physiology, how and when a forage plant grows is considered, improving a forage program will usually become easier, especially in developing a controlled grazing system. The purpose of a controlled grazing system should be to improve the utilization of the high quality forage produced on the farm. In order to improve this utilization, it is helpful to understand plant growth and quality, and the factors that affect them.

Will Improved Grazing Pay For Extra Fencing And Water Cost?, Ken Johnson

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Expectation is founded on faith, and in faith lays opportunities. I suppose as we look at most farming operations most changes occur from force not by choice. What I propose today and hope to convince most of you; is that here is an opportunity to make more profit, if you’re willing to change and have faith that it will work. Most of us have heard of, if not practiced rotation grazing for a long time. The question many ask, is it worthwhile. Does better grazing management make me any more money? I hope to at least provide some insight as …

Present And Future Tall Fescue Varieties, Timothy D. Phillips

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Tall fescue has played a key role in forage production over the past century in the USA. It has other uses besides forage applications, such as turf, mine reclamation, and highway rights-of-way, but in this presentation we will focus on forage varieties. Several hundred turf-type tall fescue varieties have been developed over the past 30 years, mainly by private seed companies using material from Reed Funk at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Forage varieties aren’t as numerous. I will discuss some of the older and current forage tall fescue varieties, and finish by discussing the newest varieties, and those that …

Fertilizing Pastures For Profit, Byron Sleugh

Kentucky Grazing Conference

It has been known for centuries that providing certain nutrients to plants is critical for high productivity. The nutrient source and manner in which it is applied may vary, but the desired outcome is the same: high crop yield and quality. Fertilization is the most practical means that producers have to ensure that crops receive the nutrients they need. While increasing fertilizer application and managing pH by liming can lead to increase forage production, your investment should be measured against the potential return. Also, over application of nutrients can potentially cause environmental problems.

Role Of Legumes In Pasture Systems, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Successful livestock programs are dependent on forage programs which supply large quantities of adequate quality, homegrown feed. A major percentage of the feed units for beef (83%) and dairy (61%) cattle come from forages. In addition, forages supply an estimated 91%, 72%, 15% and 99% of the nutrients consumed by sheep and goats, horses, swine and ruminant wildlife, respectively. These values can be put in perspective when we consider that 63% of Kentucky's Agricultural Cash Receipts are from livestock and livestock products. Cash hay accounts for approximately 28% of the total crop value. Hay ranks second only to tobacco in …

Foreword And Kfgc Award Winners [2004], Garry D. Lacefield, Christi L. Forsythe

Kentucky Grazing Conference

No abstract provided.

Groundwater Trends In The North Stirling Pallinup Sub-Region, Ruhi Ferdowsian, Lisa Crossing

Natural resources published reports

The South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team (SCRIPT) has divided the South Coast region of Western Australia into six sub-regions. This publication describes the groundwater trends, risk of shallow watertables, and technical feasibility of salinity management in the agricultural district of the North Stirling Pallinup sub-region.

This sub-region encompasses the Stirling Range National Park, the North Stirling Basin to the north-east of the Park, and the middle and upper catchments of the Pallinup River. Almost 90% (500,000 ha) of the sub-region's alienated land has been cleared for agriculture, and salinity has been identified as an important issue.

Soil-landscape zones are …

Groundwater Trends In The Fitzgerald Biosphere Sub-Region, Adam Lillicrap

Natural resources published reports

The South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team (SCRIPT) has divided the South Coast region into six sub-regions. The Fitzgerald Biosphere sub-region is located in the centre of the South Coast region of Western Australia (Figure 1). It is bounded by the Pallinup River to the east, Jerdacuttup River to the west, and includes the catchments of the Gairdner, Fitzgerald and Phillips Rivers. The sub-region encompasses the Fitzgerald Biosphere Reserve and just over half (730,000 ha) has been cleared for agriculture.

This publication describes the groundwater trends, risk of shallow watertables, and technical feasibility of salinity management in the soil landscape …

Photos Of The 24th Kentucky Alfalfa Conference Award Winners, Kentucky Alfalfa Conference

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

No abstract provided.

Moisture--Temperature Management During Alfalfa Hay And Silage Making & Storing, 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.

Marketing Kentucky Alfalfa, Nicky Baker

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

The main key to marketing hay over the years is flexibility. Don’t gear up too heavy for the one specific market. Keep your options open and remember there aren’t any government payments.