Any thoughts?

Rydero · May 27, 2021

Even though we've been extremely dry alfalfa has been growing remarkably well this spring. Last night we got a major frost where it went to -5C and stayed frozen for probably 6 hours. Among my pastures is what's been a hayfield until now.

My initial plan was to save the old field and if the rains start coming take a first cut then graze later, if it stays dry at least it'll be a lot of growth. Cows are being hauled this weekend. I'm wondering since it froze out so bad if I should just start there because the frozen out growth would just be a bonus now. Or maybe that'd be just adding more stress because new growth will be coming as it's being grazed. Anyone have any experience? Thanks.

Stocker Steve · May 28, 2021

Hit 28F here this morning. Low lawn grass did not freeze but the mixed hay did. Frosted legume is the worst for bloat, so delay any grazing.

How well it comes back depends on plant vigor. I would wait a week, and consider interseeding an annual grass if you have moisture.

We are dusty dry so it is hard to see how seeding right now will help. Could be a millet year.

Dsth · May 28, 2021

agree with stocker steve that now would not be a good time to turn cows out. It is hard to tell the maturity of the alfalfa from the pics but it looks fairly mature. it is not uncommon around here to cut alfalfa after it goes dormant and bale as dry or silage. second crop should come back as normal depending on rain and temps. have heard that alfalfa needs to be below 26F degrees for 6 hours to cause it to go dormant. You may be surprised and it may perk back up with warmer weather. alfalfa is a pretty hardy plant with cold weather. good luck

Rydero · May 28, 2021

Good point about the bloat risk, hadn't occured to me. I had them on that field late last summer without a problem but the hard frost may have changed that. Went around some fences today and decided I'll hold them back a while and see what it looks like in about a week. We'll be in major drought very soon if the temps get hot and we don't get rainfall. There's still moisture in the ground and we've had a few little shots but not much accumulation. Getting my oats/mixtures seeded now. Annuals could be extra important again this year if it stays dry.

Stocker Steve · May 28, 2021

Legume leaves burst internally when they freeze, and after that they will break down extra fast in the stomach. This is usually a fall thing on lush clover regrowth.