Alfalfa hay is an important commodity in New Mexico.
Growers strive for high yields of good quality hay.
When producers and agronomists discuss alfalfa production, they usually talk in terms of growing the crop. Most questions and management decisions involve topics like seedbed preparation, seeding rate and date, variety selection, fertilization, irrigation, pest management and timing of harvest. Little consideration is given to the losses in yield and quality that can occur during the harvesting and packaging operation. The most obvious losses are the result of rainfall between cutting and baling. Damages are usually attributed to mold, mildew, fermentation and bleaching.