Alfalfa Forage Quality Using PEAQ Readings and Scissor Cuts

Determining when to cut first-crop alfalfa is often difficult because alfalfa quality, relative to flowering stage, varies greatly. To help with this dilemma in Fond du Lac County, Extension Fond du Lac County in collaboration with Fond du Lac County Forage Council are hosting the Alfalfa Quality Project Watch.

Alfalfa Scissor Clips & PEAQ Stick Measurements gathered Tuesday, May 28,2024

Rain is the key factor holding up alfalfa harvest at this point, here’s hoping we get a window that some harvest can occur. Some insights on the crop at this point:

While plants continue to stretch – most remain in the bud stage, holding onto some quality
Lodging is prevalent across the region. Depending on cutting method, this could be challenging
Alfalfa weevil feeding is here, scout to understand your level of pressure. Be sure to check re-growth for feeding damage and manage appropriately

Alfalfa Scissor Clips & PEAQ Stick Measurements gathered Monday, May 20, 2024

As we head into Memorial Day – many producers are considering making their first cut. Some things we’ve seen regarding this spring’s alfalfa crop:

PEAQ stick readings are underestimating quality due to tall plants that remain vegetative/early bud. Scissor cuts are your best way to measure quality.
Plants are tall & high quality which is good for yield, but could be a risk for lodging – keep an eye on the weather for high winds & heavy rain
If plants remain vegetative, consider delaying harvest to achieve greater yield, unless lodging is an issue.
Alfalfa weevil is present in the southern part of the state – expect pressure in areas where the pest was last year. Scout!

NOTE: This procedure estimates alfalfa RFV content of the standing crop. It does not account for changes in quality due to wilting, harvesting, and storage. These factors may further lower RFV content by 10 to 25 units, assuming good wilting and harvesting conditions. This procedure is most accurate for good stands of pure alfalfa with healthy growth.

Alfalfa Scissor Clips & PEAQ Stick Measurements gathered Monday, May 13, 2024

Alfalfa continues to stretch, but cooler weather hasn’t pushed maturity dramatically. Our next test will be Monday, May 20, 2024.

Take time to walk your fields to identify differences in maturities, heights, etc. Using the PEAQ chart will allow you to identify relative changes in alfalfa quality.

Thanks again to all of our sponsors, the Fond du Lac Forage Council as well as Dairyland Labs and Rock River lab for their quick processing of these results.

May 13th Values:

*Will update as lab results come back.

Alfalfa PEAQ Stick Measurements gathered Thursday, May 9, 2024

A few alfalfa buds could be felt, but most plants in this week’s assessment were primarily vegetative. Relatively warm winter/spring may lead to earlier harvest this season. Be sure to check fields regularly to assess individual harvest timing. Use the link below to use a yard stick to Estimate RVF Using PEAQ.

NOTE: This procedure estimates alfalfa RFV content of the standing crop. It does not account for changes in quality due to wilting, harvesting, and storage. These factors may further lower RFV content by 10 to 25 units, assuming good wilting and harvesting conditions. This procedure is most accurate for good stands of pure alfalfa with healthy growth.

May 9th Values:

Scissor Clip Lab Tests in Fond du Lac Co. will be taken Monday, May 13. All sites will have PEAQ measurements reported as well.

Visit the UW Madison Extension Crops & Soils Topic Hub for more Alfalfa Management resources:

Thank you to our generous supporters for their financial support for the Alfalfa Quality Watch Project: Country Visions, Bayer (Dekalb), Syngenta (NK), FS Insight, Corteva (Brevant), Eden Equipment, Winfield United (Croplan), Hundertmark Seed, HOdorff Seed & Agronomy, Oakfield Elevator, Farmers Elevator, Rock River Seed & Chemical, Prairie Rock Seed, CP Feeds, United Coop, Dairyland Seed/ Lonnie Boelk (Spangler), Community Ag Service, Miritz Custom Chopping