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First cutting of alfalfa begins in Minnesota
The first crop of alfalfa in Minnesota is primed to be cut.
University of Minnesota Extension crops educator Nathan Drewitz says alfalfa stands have sprung up under excellent conditions this spring.
“Depending on where you’re at and what types of soil you’re on, (the alfalfa) is anywhere between 20 and 30 inches in height. And I know a lot of growers are looking at starting to harvest.”
He tells Brownfield alfalfa came out of dormancy earlier than normal, but a cold snap the first week of May slowed growth a little.
“Usually about the first full week of June is when they start cutting a little farther north of Benton County here, so we’re a few days ahead of that. And the growing conditions have just been pretty great.”
Drewitz says with hardly any insect pressure, the first cutting of alfalfa should yield tremendous results.