Alfalfa

Boron deficiency hits alfalfa

Mon, 07 May 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Susan Jongeneel, University of Illinois

Boron deficiency in alfalfa is most common in sandy soils that are low in organic matter or in soils with a high pH. Often, boron deficiency appears during drought conditions because the lack of water reduces the capacity of organic matter to release it.

Forage research program may be authorized this year

Thu, 03 May 2012 20:52:00 +0000

Aaron Kiess, Executive Director, California Alfalfa and Forage Association

The 2008 farm bill authorized the Alfalfa & Forage Research Program, but Congress has yet to pony up the money. The Washington, D.C. Fly-In in February may have done its job and opened the beginning of an alfalfa/forage research program. The Supreme Court, through the Sackett case, did what Congress hasn’t done in curbing one of the EPA’s strict regulations — wetlands.

Arizona Agri-Weekly: alfalfa conditions good to excellent

Thu, 03 May 2012 01:02:00 +0000

Cotton planting increased 18 percent from the previous week to 65 percent complete, ahead of the five-year average of 58 percent.

Alfalfa industry gaining ground on Capitol Hill

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:09:00 +0000

Aaron Kiess, Executive Director, California Alfalfa and Forage Association

It will take time for the alfalfa/forage industry to make Washington, D.C., inroads that cotton, corn, soybeans and other commodities have achieved over many years. Nationally there has been a 16 percent drop in alfalfa acreage in the last 10 years. The word sustainable has some punch. It needs to be targeted to legislators, regulators and environmentalists, and it’s important to emphasize that every grower is a sustainable farmer.

Hesston Extra Density baler provides more hay by the truckload

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:03:00 +0000

As fuel costs continue to rise, farmers are paying more to transport their crops to market. One way growers can help their cause is by finding ways to move more of what they’re getting paid for in the same truckload. Hesston’s Dean Morrell talks about how his company is going to help farmers in this area in a video interview at World Ag Expo.

Dairy industry ready for new alfalfa variety

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:57:00 +0000

Alfalfa variety may boost milk production

Krisy Gashler, Cornell University

The dairy industry could see a boost in milk production, thanks to a new alfalfa variety, N-R-Gee, that is highly digestible, and predicted to increase milk production up to 3.3 pounds of milk per day.

Arizona Agri-Weekly: all weather stations at below normal rainfall

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 23:28:00 +0000

Alfalfa conditions remain mostly fair to good depending on the location in Arizona.

Alfalfa bloat remedy a step closer

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:45:00 +0000

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Alfalfa is worth about $8 billion each year because of its role in domestic beef cattle and dairy industries. Livestock which graze extensively on alfalfa often develop pasture bloat, a form of severe indigestion. Researchers have been studying condensed tannins as a bloat remedy.

Arizona Agri-Weekly: winter vegetable harvest on a roll

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 01:10:00 +0000

Alfalfa conditions continue mostly fair to good. Harvesting is occurring on more than two-thirds of the growing areas across Arizona.

CAFA expands agriculture agenda for 2012

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:11:00 +0000

Aaron Kiess, Executive Director, California Alfalfa and Forage Association

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act is designed to restore water to farms and rural areas, protect property rights and eliminate the $12 billion peripheral canal. Standardized hay testing is a major CAFA focus in 2012.