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Guidelines for when to take that first alfalfa cutting

By DALE HILDEBRANT, Farm & Ranch Guide
Jun 9, 2005
Jun 9, 2005

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Many alfalfa growers are in a standoff with Mother Nature this year when it comes to making the decision when to cut the first crop of alfalfa. Do you cut when there is a threat of rain in the forecast, and risk losing feed value by having the swaths rained on? Or do you put off cutting until a drier weather pattern emerges, but trade the safety of no rain with a lower feed value everyday as the crop becomes more mature?

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