Alfalfa Forage Quality Using PEAQ Readings and Scissor Cuts

Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, and Sheboygan Counties

First crop alfalfa accounts for the largest quantity of forage over the growing season. Targeting optimum forage quality not only helps growers meet their forage needs but also sets them up on a cutting schedule that can help them meet their needs over the course of three to four cuttings. The UW Madison Division of Extension in partnership with the Fond du Lac County Forage council and the Midwest Forage Association will be collecting PEAQ stick measurements, crop maturity, crop height and scissor cut forage analysis over the next 4-5 weeks following this schedule:

• May 5 – PEAQ Stick Measurements
• May 12 – PEAQ Stick, Scissor Clip Results (as long as crop has reached 12″)
• May 19 – PEAQ Stick, Scissor Clip Results
• May 27 – PEAQ Stick, Scissor Clip Results
• June 2 – PEAQ Stick, Scissor Clip Results (if crop is not harvested)

Alfalfa Quality Measurement will be taken in the following areas:

• Oostburg
• Plymouth
• Taycheedah
• Kewaskum
• Brownsville
• Ripon

Results will be posted on this site the following day (Tuesday or Wednesday) and will also be uploaded to this site: https://go.wisc.edu/AlfalfaHarvestAlert which is a collaboration between the UW Madison Division of Extension and University of Minnesota Extension

Additional resources related to Alfalfa Management:

• Want to follow along in your fields? Here is a guide to Estimating Alfalfa RFV Using PEAQ
• Take some time to plan your 2025 Alfalfa Cutting Schedule – Use the UW Alfalfa Cutting Tool
  • Learn more about using the tool by watching this session from Focus on the Alfalfa Toolbox
• Be sure to scout for pests, with a close eye on Managing Alfalfa Weevil in Wisconsin Alfalfa Fields.
• Looking to buy or sell alfalfa off the field? Pricing Standing Alfalfa
• More crop management information: Crops & Soils Topic Hub

Thank you to the following for their financial support:
Bayer (DeKalb) | Syngenta (NK) | Brevant
Community Ag | Oakfield Elevator | CP Feeds
Croplan | Rock River Seed & Chemical
Prairie Rock Seed | Dairyland Seed – Brian Grade
Miritz Custom Chopping | Hundertmark Seed LLC
Gruett’s – Eden Equipment | Renk Seed Co.
Country Visions Co-op | Midwest Forage Association

May 27, 2025 Alfalfa Quality Report

• Alfalfa heights changed 3-5″ over the past week – most sites were at late vegetative – although there are a few buds that could be felt.
• Fields are lodging more significantly this week.
• Alfalfa weevil larvae challenges have been minimal in our area – but they should be reaching the later instars when they are more damaging. Be sure to scout if harvest is delayed.
• This will likely be the final report – most fields will be harvested if weather permits.

May 19, 2025 Alfalfa Quality Report

• Last week’s storms resulted in some minor lodging in some fields. Fields are deceiving, be sure to walk them to see what plant height is especially in areas with heavy winds/rain.
• Alfalfa weevil larvae are active across the state – look for tip feeding. Cooler weather this week will likely slow them down.
• Next measurement report will be Wednesday, May 28 (pending alfalfa remains unharvested).
• Don’t forget to check out the status of alfalfa growth across WI & MN – https://go.wisc.edu/AlfalfaHarvestAlert

May 12, 2025 Alfalfa Quality Report

• Warm weather & moisture this week should push the crop – also keep your eyes out for pests & disease pressure
  • Alfalfa weevil larvae likely to start showing up
  • One field did have common leaf spot – likely due to cloudy, cool, moist weather
• Next measurement report will be Tuesday, May 20.

May 5, 2025 Alfalfa Quality Report

• Cool weather (particularly overnight) has kept alfalfa growth at bay. All sites were well behind 2024 growth at this point in time.
• Next week’s report should include scissor cut lab data for most sites.
• While scouting crop for growth/maturity – keep your eye out for alfalfa pests. First Crop Insect Scouting in Alfalfa