Winter annuals: A concern in first-cutting alfalfa

A mild winter, early spring and cool April give winter annual weeds a competitive edge over alfalfa in established stands.

The best control for winter annuals is a thick, healthy alfalfa stand, says Marilyn Thelen, Michigan  State University Extension. However, established alfalfa stands that were good going into the fall may now have a lot of weed pressure from winter annuals.

Common culprits are common chickweed, shepherd's purse and purple deadnettle.

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Source: Michigan State University Extension News Dairy Digest

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