By Scout Nelson
Dry weather conditions continue creating forage challenges for livestock producers. In many areas, hay supplies remain below normal levels because crop production has declined.
Some drought-affected cereal crops that would usually be harvested for grain are now being harvested for hay to help meet forage demand. While these additional feed sources provide some relief, many producers still need to carefully manage existing forage resources.
Guidance from North Dakota State University highlighted the importance of making sound late-season alfalfa management decisions. These decisions influence winter survival, stand health, and forage production for the following growing season.
While harvesting additional forage may seem beneficial in the short term, protecting alfalfa stands often provides greater long-term value.
Alfalfa plays a major role in forage systems because of its high yield and nutritional value. However, the crop requires proper management during late summer and early fall.
Specialists recommend following an important guideline known as “no cut September.” This practice allows alfalfa plants enough time to move nutrients and energy from the leaves and stems into the crown and roots before winter conditions arrive.
The nutrient storage process continues while the plant remains actively growing. It generally ends when a killing freeze occurs, typically when temperatures reach about 24 degrees Fahrenheit. Alfalfa usually needs five to six weeks to store enough nutrients for winter survival and strong spring regrowth.
Harvesting the crop too late in the season creates risks. When alfalfa is cut shortly before a killing frost, plants often do not have enough time to rebuild their energy reserves. Reduced reserves may increase the risk of winterkill, slow spring growth, and weaken stand persistence over time.
Several factors influence how well alfalfa survives winter. Stand age is one important consideration. Older stands, especially those more than four years old, are generally more vulnerable to winter damage than younger stands.
Soil fertility also affects plant health. Fields with low potassium and phosphorus levels are more likely to experience winter injuries. In addition, different alfalfa varieties have different winter survival ratings, which can influence management decisions.
Farmers who need additional forage for winter feeding may consider delaying harvest or grazing until cooler temperatures arrive. This approach allows plants to rebuild carbohydrate reserves while limiting new growth that could use up those stored nutrients. Once average temperatures consistently reach about 41 °F, alfalfa regrowth becomes very limited. In many locations, this occurs around mid-October.
After a killing frost, grazing often becomes the preferred option for using remaining alfalfa forage. Grazing allows livestock producers to capture forage value while avoiding some of the challenges associated with making hay late in the season.
“For grazing, wait until the alfalfa has dried for a minimum of 10 days to reduce potential bloat risk,” says Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “Bloat risk increases with frost because plant cells rupture, releasing soluble proteins.”
Producers should also pay attention to field conditions when grazing livestock. Wet soils may lead to hoof damage and crown injury. Excessive trampling can weaken plants and reduce future productivity.
Making hay after frost can be difficult as well. Fall weather conditions often do not support proper drying and curing. In addition, excessive leaf loss may occur during harvesting and baling. Because leaves contain much of the nutritional value of alfalfa, leaf loss can lower hay quality and reduce feed value.
Maintaining adequate stubble height is another important recommendation. Alfalfa stands should not be grazed or cut too short. Short stubble leaves crowns exposed and increases the chance of winter injury. Specialists recommend maintaining a stubble height of four to six inches. Taller stubble helps catch snow, which provides insulation and additional protection during winter.
“Late-season alfalfa can be a good source of late-season forage and increase grazing days or hay inventories on drought-impacted ranches,” says Meehan. “If timed properly, there should be no negative impacts on alfalfa stands.”
The decisions farmers make during the fall months directly affect forage production the following year. While giving up some late-season forage may seem difficult, protecting plant health today often results in stronger stands and better yields in the future. Careful planning, proper harvest timing, and responsible grazing management help producers balance current forage needs with long-term productivity and stand survival.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-goodlifestudio
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Hay & Forage, Alfalfa