Weather is beginning to warm but alfalfa and grass continued to grow slowly this past week, due to cool temps and cloudy skies. On average, alfalfa heights are still ahead of this week in 2016 (15.4" vs 14.3" in 2016). Some orchardgrass fields at lower elevations in Lewis and Jefferson were headed this week, while others to the north had heads still down near the soil surface. Once fields are past their prime (grasses first) send them to the bottom of the mowing order. Prioritize fields where quality is still high, then go back to the rest.

With this wet weather delay, consider skipping new hay seedings this spring to move directly on to corn planting. Hay fields can still be seeded in late summer, but corn has to be planted ASAP.
Monitor grass fields and winter cereals closely as we are at or near optimal cutting time - they could be ready now or may head quickly with the warmer, drier weather. Be sure to mow at a height of no less than 4" above soil surface and below grass heads.



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