Harvest & Storage

Hay growers have traditionally been advised not to harvest alfalfa when the cutting is likely to take place four to six weeks before the first killing frost.

Harvesting at that time can put the crop at increased risk of winterkill.

Fires that damage or destroys hay and barns – resulting in building replacement, feed replacement and lost revenues – cost area farmers thousands of dollars each year.

As corn silage growers near their anticipated harvest date, it’s important to walk fields to determine how the crop is progressing.

The drought has stressed most of the crops we are growing. Most farmers got at least one cutting (and often two). Then stress has reduced growth over the last month.

Stockpiled forage is forage allowed to grow and accumulate for use at a later time or during a period of forage deficit.

Testing the moisture content of hay prior to the baling process is essential to both seller and buyer. Moisture in hay is considered in three different forms – free water, physically trapped water and bound water.