MANAGEMENT

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.

I was recently talking to one of my local farmers who uses precision agriculture to manage his corn and soybean crops. His combine, sprayer and planter are all connected to the cloud, and he uses the data from the last 10 years to manage next year’s crop.

Stress is a powerful, and at times inevitable, force within our lives. Stress affects our minds, personal energy levels and ultimately health. The emotional impact is so powerful that it’s known to suppress the immune system’s ability to fight off viral or bacterial infections.