- (Focus Area) Agriculture
- Author: Rachael Freeman Long
- Author: Daniel H Putnam
It is both a blessing and a curse that alfalfa in California's Central Valley essentially grows all winter long. Although we can get very high early yields, if conditions are too wet, the fields look pretty ragged after a winter which saw rains in excess of 130% of normal.
However, alfalfa is a resilient crop and can likely recover from disease infestations.
Here comes the sun. Warmer, drier weather in the coming weeks is just what we need to dry out water-logged alfalfa fields and get them growing. Rainy, cold weather is a double blow for plants, especially in saturated soils where the crop is growing slowly, so it is more susceptible to diseases favored by moisture. This includes foliar diseases,...
- Author: Rachael Freeman Long
- Author: Ian Grettenberger
- Author: Michael Rethwisch
- Author: Dan Putnam
An important change has come to California insect management tools and strategies for alfalfa and other crops.
As of January 1, 2019, new restrictions on the use of chlorpyrifos (e.g., Lorsban and other products) for alfalfa in California have been imposed. This is likely to impact grower practices and strategies to address pest resistance issues.
According to CA-DPR (California Department of Pesticide Regulation), chlorpyrifos can only be used in alfalfa under the following permit conditions:
Chlorpyrifos (e.g., Lorsban) permit conditions (CA) for alfalfa:
- For control of alfalfa weevils, blue alfalfa aphid, and cowpea aphid (no other pests).
- The size of an...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
- Author: Thomas Getts
- Author: Rachael Freeman Long
- Author: Mariano Galla
The first step in developing a successful weed management program is being able to properly identify the species that are infesting a field. But why? Why is weed identification so important? Simply stated, because not all weeds are created equal. Species differ with respect to their emergence timing, life history traits, competitive interactions with the crop, potential to harm livestock, and sensitivity to available herbicides, among many other characteristics. Consequently, the type and timing of weed control events need to be designed to target problematic species so that control is maximized, weed seed return to the soil seedbank is minimized, and crop yields are protected.
Unfortunately, weed identification is not always a...
- Author: Rachael Freeman Long
- Author: Morgan Doran
- Author: Dan Putnam
‘Sheeping off' or grazing alfalfa fields in the fall and winter, when alfalfa fields are dormant and not growing very fast is frequently of benefit to both alfalfa growers and sheep producers. The bulk of California's lambs are born in the fall and early winter when winter grasses are just beginning to grow from seasonal rains. Grazing alfalfa at this time of year accommodates the lambing operation by providing high quality feed at a time when forage is usually scarce.
However, there are some risks to consider!
Sheep producers commonly establish enclosed paddocks on alfalfa fields with temporary fencing. Sheep are moved to new areas of the field, often daily, to prevent overgrazing, soil compaction (especially if...
- Author: Rachael Freeman Long
- Author: Dan Putnam
It is with great pride that the Board of Directors of the California Alfalfa & Forage Association (CAFA) has selected Duane Chamberlain, a prominent Yolo County Farmer, for the Jim Kuhn Leadership Award in 2018.
The Jim Kuhn Leadership Award is presented annually to a person or organization for their lasting contributions to the California alfalfa industry. The award was established in 2005 as a tribute to Jim Kuhn, who was a farmer in El Centro, CA. Nominees are judged on their knowledge of alfalfa, record of leadership, and the extent and depth of their contributions to the California alfalfa industry and to rural communities.
Duane richly deserves this award, as he carries and advocates...
