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Forage growth slower than normal as first cutting of alfalfa begins in Iowa
The first cutting of alfalfa is underway in many parts of the Midwest.
Iowa State University Extension field agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe says forage development in her state has been slower than normal this spring.
“Myself and my colleagues across the state have been commenting that while they look nice and green, their growth has been really slow. But we’ve also been colder and drier than normal.”
She tells Brownfield first cut alfalfa yields might be disappointing.
“Just because we don’t have that growth (and) it’s shorter this year than normal.”
Vittetoe says alfalfa harvest has picked up the second half of May, especially on the dairy side because dairy farmers are looking for high-quality hay.
