Harvest Help

Hay moisture levels

05/16/2012 5:17:57 AM

How do you estimate hay moisture levels in the field? Veteran hay raisers have their own tricks which may involve twisting a handful or kicking the windrow to see if it “rattles.” ... Full story.

Frosted alfalfa could hurt fiber levels

05/09/2012 9:41:46 PM

Alfalfa hit by frost this spring might have a lower NDF concentration. You might want to consider delaying cutting. Here is some advice. ... Full story.

Should you harvest drier corn silage?

05/04/2012 12:06:59 PM

It can be a good way to increase corn silage starch content and save on purchased corn, but be aware of the risks if you go too far. ... Full story.

Should I take an early first cutting of alfalfa slated for corn?

04/29/2012 8:21:53 PM

For the dairy producer who needs more high-quality alfalfa, it’s a quick and easy answer. However, consider these points when making the decision to cut alfalfa before planting the field to corn. ... Full story.

Advice on wrapping dry hay

04/11/2012 10:59:23 PM

Will the labor and expense needed to get two or three layers of plastic around a large bale of dry hay pay off? Here are some points to consider. ... Full story.

First alfalfa cutting may be early this year

03/29/2012 10:13:14 AM

One of the most important factors determining alfalfa quality is its maturity at harvest. Timing first cutting to get proper neutral detergent fiber levels is critical. ... Full story.

New oat forages fact sheets available

03/09/2012 10:28:30 AM

The “Focus on Forage” fact sheets discuss the unique quality characteristics, cultivars, planting dates and expected yields of fall-grown oat forages. ... Full story.

AgriLife Extension schedules hay workshop

03/06/2012 8:59:38 PM

After a year of drought, East Texas hay stocks remain low, making production efficiency ever more important, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service expert. ... Full story.

Get answers about corn shredlage

02/29/2012 9:11:31 PM

Corn shredlage is a new method of harvesting whole-plant corn for silage that has been receiving a lot of interest lately. Learn answers to some frequently asked questions about this process. ... Full story.

Guide helps to identify crop problems

01/27/2012 3:29:46 PM

A pocket guide designed by Purdue University Extension to be an in-field reference for corn and soybean producers is now available. ... Full story.

Fall assessment of alfalfa stands

09/28/2011 12:54:28 PM

This is a good time for producers to determine whether to rotate out of alfalfa. Alfalfa is an amazing perennial crop that produces high yields of good quality forage in multiple cuttings per year, but over time stands become less productive. ... Full story.

Late-maturing corn likely means higher moisture corn at harvest

09/23/2011 11:15:00 AM

Farmers should think twice before expecting Mother Nature to pay the cost of drying corn by leaving it in the field longer this harvest, says Ohio State University Extension corn expert Peter Thomison. "We don't encourage growers to leave corn in the field much past early November because after that there is really very little moisture loss in corn," he said. ... Full story.

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