Planting

Over the past few years, farmers have experienced increased yield potential and higher-quality forage as a result of advances in alfalfa genetics.

While the seed plays a major role in the success of the crop, practicing effective alfalfa management practices are vital to helping the crop reach its full potential.

Biological and digital advances in the agriculture industry have provided us with a baseline to discover innovations for the future. Looking ahead to the New Year, I’d like to touch on a few areas that are creating a buzz in the industry.

In a year during which tremendous variability was observed within fields as well as among locations, information from replicated university trials is particularly valuable – replication helps account for variability.

Soil test reports vary from laboratory to laboratory; however, they all report key results of pH, lime test index (LTI) or buffer pH, phosphorous and potassium. These results are used to develop fertilizer recommendations.

Six dollar corn. Fourteen dollar beans. Bring out the plow and disk. Tear up the hay ground, pasture and CRP. Let’s make some real money.

When it comes to planting legumes for cattle forage, broadcasting is cheaper than drilling, but drilling provides the seedlings a better survival rate for these highly nutritious plants, said Dirk Philipp, assistant professor-forages, for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.