An overall assessment of first cutting progress from fields we measured: 

Most fields we measure have been harvested or are in the process of being cut.   Early samples we've gotten back have shown that grass cut on recommendations looks really nice.  One all grass sampled showed Adj Prot 22.0%, NDF 53.2 and NDFD 30h at 76.   Early grass varieties are well headed by now, but later maturing grasses are just to head stage.  If you have alfalfa fields standing alongside grass fields, it may be a good idea to harvest the grass for heifer or dry cow haylage, and focus on getting your alfalfa crop for lactating quality.  Most alfalfa fields still standing are showing signs of early bud.  A sample we've gotten back on a mostly alfalfa field cut on recommendations showed Adj Prot 22.6%, NDF of 48 and NDFD at 66, with the NDF and NDFD numbers a bit surprising.  We'd like to see more samples of both grass and alfalfa and mixed if you'd like to share with Janice or Betsy.  Also, please consider responding to our brief survey of how you use the reports to give your assessment of how we are doing in regards to timing of first crop.  You can find the survey here:  https://cornell.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yxqOhaPo7YE22h.  You can also reply to Betsy with any comments you may have on the use of the report or how we can improve.  Your comments and feedback help us to be able to continue to provide this information every year!

Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands.  Results will be compiled and posted/sent out on a weekly basis.  To receive weekly email/text updates, please contact us at 607.391.2673 with your preference of email or cell phone number and mobile carrier.  The email will contain the report as an attachment, the text update will contain a link to view the report on our website.  To be removed from this list, email Betsy at bjh246@cornell.edu. 

The numbers that are indicators for using alfalfa heights for NDF content are as follows:

• 100% grass stands should be cut when nearby alfalfa is 14 inches tall, to achieve 50% NDF
• 50/50 mixed alfalfa/grass stands should be cut when nearby alfalfa is 22 inches tall, to achieve 44% NDF
• 100% alfalfa stands should be cut when alfalfa is 28 inches tall, to achieve 40% NDF

Predicted days to cut are based on daily NDF increases for grasses of 1.0% point, 50/50 mixed alfalfa/grass stands of 0.8% points, and alfalfa of 0.5% points.

Predictions are adjusted for the coming week's weather.

• Typically NDF increases about 0.8 to 1.2 per day for grasses, with cooler weather being the lower end of the range and warmer weather being the higher end.
• For alfalfa, NDF increases about 0.4 to 0.7 per day, also dependent upon warm/cool weather.

The weekly email will have a table of the locations around the region where we have measured the alfalfa height, as well as the elevation, and target date for harvest. Even if your fields aren't measured, you can use the location and elevation as a guide to conditions that may be similar to your own.

• alfalfa heights for Broome, Cortland, Chemung, Onondaga, Tioga and Tompkins Counties