Alfalfa Production

Drought Conditions May Increase the Chances for Risky Levels of Nitrate in Forages
Looking a little dry out there?  Dry conditions mean it's good to be cautious about nitrate toxicity in forage crops, particularly small grain hay, grasses, and anything weedy! Nitrates can harm or even kill animals. Growers should test...

Vertebrate Pest Management Training Happening This Week
Gophers, ground squirrels, and meadow voles are among the most important pests in California alfalfa fields.  Training in vertebrate pest management and control is being held, starting tomorrow for the next few days in virtual webinars. Sign up...

Drought coming? Start irrigation early! – For alfalfa, you need to fill that soil profile!
Looking a little dry out there? January and February of 2021 were some of the driest months on record, with near Zero (1.7”) precipitation in Northern California. Things don't look good for summer. What can alfalfa growers do under these...

Pre-plant weed management followed by in-season weed control improves alfalfa stand and yield for both Organic and Conventional Growers
Good stand establishment is important for alfalfa production and can impact crop productivity not only in year one, but for many years.  Stand establishment weed control is one of the most important factors for both conventional and organic...

Unwelcome Grazers: Geese Sweep in and Strip Alfalfa and Grain Fields Bare
Growers frequently celebrate the presence of wildlife in their alfalfa and grain fields, providing valuable habitat as well as economic returns.   But sometimes it's just too much of a good thing.   Snow geese and Ross's geese foraging...

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