Prevent damage from alfalfa weevil

The alfalfa weevil is small, but their damage could reduce yields by 10 to 15% and decrease forage quality.

Judy Mae Bingman 4/9/25 Judy Mae Bingman 4/9/25

When to act (or not act) on aphids

The presence of aphids, small (1/16 to 3/16 inch) insects, in alfalfa fields is not necessarily justification to act. Aphids can often be kept in check by beneficial insects such as lady beetles.

Judy Mae Bingman 4/6/25 Judy Mae Bingman 4/6/25

Managing broomsedge in pastures

In spring, forages need time to reawaken from winter before they are grazed. Spring is a good time to evaluate your pasture and hay fields for weeds.

Judy Mae Bingman 3/31/25 Judy Mae Bingman 3/31/25

Don’t follow alfalfa with alfalfa

Alfalfa plants don’t play nice with each other. That’s why we don’t follow alfalfa with alfalfa. A mature alfalfa plants excretes a chemical that inhibits the germination and growth of a newly-seeded alfalfa. That’s called alfalfa autotoxicity.

Judy Mae Bingman 3/23/25 Judy Mae Bingman 3/23/25

Fescue: The good, bad, and ugly

Tall fescue, though it is not native to this country, is found in a majority of pastures in the U.S. There’s a good, bad, and downright ugly side to fescue.

Judy Mae Bingman 1/12/25 Judy Mae Bingman 1/12/25

Protect the value of stored hay

Improper hay storage cuts into the profits for hay and cattle producers. With demand for hay high, take steps to protect this year’s crop from loss.