Cool Spring Means Small First Cutting of Hay – AG Matters
A cool start to spring means a small first cutting of hay. Cornell Cooperative Extension's Jeff Miller says quality is at it's peak, so harvest now, no matter how small.
The CCE staff have been taking hay samples at 7 locations in Oneida and Madison counties since the first week in May. The most recent report shows:
Native orchard grass heads were sited on Monday. The results of Mondays sample results show that the NDF of local grass fields are near or at 50. Theoptimal range 48-55.
Sample results are reported each week via email to any farmer or ag business person that shares their email address. The locations have descriptions that include the township, elevation, slope aspect and percentage composition of the stand. The data for each sample are placed in a table with the date of sampling, height of the forage, Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP) and Net energy for lactation (NEL) so that farmers can track the quality factors progress and estimate a harvest date that would be optimal on their farm. To obtain this information you can email Jeff Miller jjm14@cornell.edu or at CCE's website.
SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension -
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