MANAGEMENT

We can never tell where ruminant nutrition will lead us. Start with a mundane topic like grass and, before we know it, we’re into microbes and methane and fiber and size.

“More crop per drop.” This is the mantra of De Jager Farms in Chowchilla, California where water is scarce and conservation is king.

There’s a lot of interest in reduced-lignin alfalfa, with these alfalfa varieties now available from at least half-a-dozen seed companies. All HarvXtra varieties of reduced-lignin alfalfa are genetically engineered, glyphosate-tolerant (Roundup Ready) and have a fall dormancy of 4.

Every forage cropping year presents challenges to both growers and users of forages; however, 2019 has been much more challenging than normal. In many areas of the country, much of the alfalfa suffered winterkill.

At the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, we have had an interesting year. In late July, a severe thunderstorm moved through central Nebraska and pounded away at the center with heavy rain and hail and wind gusts that may have reached 100 mph.

Alfalfa fields are at risk for winter damage or kill due to extended cold temperatures and ice accumulation on an annual basis, particularly in the Midwest.