Elk Mound Seed 308 Railroad Street Elk Mound, WI 54739

(715) 879-5556

Buy a Gift Card

Request a Catalog

chevron_left chevron_right

Farmers Spring To Do List: Evaluate Alfalfa Winterkill

 

As we near the planting season, farmers are getting outside and assessing their alfalfa fields. Below are some tips when looking out in your alfalfa field to determine any winterkill.

What to Look for with Alfalfa Winterkill

Frozen and dried-up crown tissue are signs of alfalfa winterkill, and the crown and upper root become even more susceptible to cold. Furthermore, the tissue is more likely to be damaged because the crown becomes exposed to low temperatures when elevated above the protection of the soil.

Alfalfa will often pop out of the ground when pulled, with little effort, because the tap root has already been completely severed by the action of the ice pushing up on the crown, often occurring at 2 to 10 inches below the soil line.

Steps to follow when determining winter kill:

  1. Know where to look
    1. Field with inadequate drainage
    2. Low fertility fields
    3. Ice - when ice surrounds the roots it cuts off oxygen to the plant
  2. Check Your Fields
    1. Dig up alfalfa roots
    2. Identify plant health
    3. Monitoring stand counts
  3. Determine if re-establishment is needed
    1. Have a plan
    2. Determine long term and short term options

Below are some examples of what alfalfa winterkill looks like:

UW-Extension Office Article on Alfalfa Stand Assessment

What Farmers Should Consider if They are Suffering Alfalfa Winterkill

Thankfully, farmers have an alternative that will allow them to come back from the upset of alfalfa winterkill. Alfalfa winterkill is not the end of your season. An emergency can help cover your forage loss. Check out at our pea blends (peas/oats, peas/barley or pea/triticale) for a quick, emergency forage.

Farm seed

4010 Peas & Barley

4010 Peas & Barley

The 4010 Pea & Barley Mix is an excellent choice for high-quality forage production. This mix, consisting of 60% barley and 40% 4010 peas, provides a balanced nutrient profile and can be harvested at the boot stage for optimal feed value. Harvesting at this stage can also enhance regrowth potential, making it a sustainable option for repeated use.Benefits High-Quality Forage: Harvesting at the boot stage offers the best feed value. Protein content ranges from 15-19%, ensuring nutritious forage for livestock. Balanced Nutrient Utilization: This mix can utilize 60 lbs of nitrogen (N), 30 lbs of phosphorus (P), and 60 lbs of potassium (K), promoting healthy growth and development. Improved Tonnage: While waiting until the grain heads out will improve tonnage, it may decrease food value and regrowth potential. Versatile Use: Suitable for early spring planting, this mix can be adjusted for lighter seeding rates if underseeding with alfalfa or other legumes. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 120-150 lbs/acre. Use a lighter rate if underseeding with legumes like alfalfa. Seeding Depth: Drill approximately 3/4 inch deep for optimal germination. Timing: Seed as soon as fields are ready to be worked in early spring. Harvest: Plan on harvesting 50-60 days after planting. For best quality, harvest when the small grain is at the boot stage. Waiting until the milk stage will increase tonnage but decrease quality. Usage Forage Quality: Provides excellent quality forage when harvested at the boot stage, making it highly suitable for silage.The 4010 Pea & Barley Mix is a reliable and productive option for farmers seeking high-quality forage with excellent nutritional value. Its balanced composition and nutrient utilization make it an ideal choice for sustainable farming practices.

Regular price $24.99
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $24.99
Unit price  per 

Farm seed

4010 Peas & Triticale

4010 Peas & Triticale

The 4010 Pea & Triticale Mix combines the benefits of 60% triticale and 40% 4010 peas, offering a high-protein, nutrient-rich forage option. Triticale is similar to oats but provides more leaf density, thicker leaves, and higher protein levels, which can reach up to 23%. This mix is designed to yield substantial dry matter per acre and improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.Benefits High Protein Content: Triticale's protein levels can be as high as 23%, contributing to the nutritional needs of livestock.. High Yield: This mix can yield 2-4 tons of dry matter per acre, providing substantial forage production. Improved Forage Quality: Triticale offers more leaf density and thicker leaves compared to oats, enhancing forage quality. Characteristics Composition: 60% triticale and 40% 4010 peas. Growth Habit: Similar to oats with superior leaf density and thickness. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 120-150 lbs/acre when planted alone, and lighter if underseeding legumes like alfalfa. Seeding Depth: Drill approximately 3/4 inch deep for optimal germination. Planting Range: Early spring for the best establishment. Harvest Timing: Plan on harvesting 50-60 days after planting. Harvesting at the boot stage provides the best quality, while waiting until the milk stage will improve tonnage but decrease quality. Nutrient Requirements: Requires 60 lbs of nitrogen (N), 30 lbs of phosphorus (P), and 60 lbs of potassium (K) for optimal growth. 4010 Pea & Triticale Mix is a high-yield, high-protein forage option from Elk Mound Seed, designed to provide substantial dry matter and improve soil fertility. This mix is ideal for farmers looking for a nutrient-rich forage crop that is easy to establish and manage

Regular price $25.99
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $25.99
Unit price  per