Program finds optimal alfalfa first-cut date with sampling results
Manitoba alfalfa producers can predict their optimum harvest date—and it costs them nothing.
The Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) has the longest-running producer-based program for Manitoba forage producers with their Green Gold Program. Running through May and June, the Green Gold Program calls for producers with hay fields that are mostly alfalfa, fairly new, and in good condition. Those producers will test their crops twice weekly (clipping alfalfa) throughout the May/June growing season until the first cut. MFGA will then send subscribed producers two weekly results for the entire sampling duration. The program provides growers with real-time information on the best time to cut the alfalfa stand.
Last year’s Green Gold Program involved 23 fields from Central, Eastern, and Western Manitoba. Alfalfa sampling started on May 18 at 10 inches and ended on May 31 when most of the fields were in the early bloom stage. Last spring saw warm conditions followed by intense heat and an early frost before sampling. MFGA found the optimum harvest date to be June 1 for the Central and Western regions and May 31 for the Eastern/Interlake region.
MFGA says that by clipping alfalfa samples from fields, testing results suggest that the first cut date has a higher relative feed value for the optimum livestock feed value.
The MFGA Green Gold Program aims to encourage growers to be strategic with their alfalfa crop harvest, making decisions based on the best first-cut date for specific feed and market needs and field observations. The program relies solely on Manitoba alfalfa producers to clip and send in alfalfa samples twice weekly. Because the sampling happens in real-time, the results accurately reflect current weather conditions. Results are sent to more than 300 MFGA Green Gold subscribers and stakeholders.
To learn more about the MFGA Green Gold Program or to sign up for it, go to mfga.net/green-gold.
