Alfalfa growth in some of the well managed fields is up to 25 to 30 inches tall, and growing quickly. Dairy farmers have started hay and haylage harvest, and it will be in full swing as weather permits. Most of the alfalfa is in the early bud stage. Grasses are maturing quickly. Bromegrass and orchardgrass have headed and some of the timothy is at boot stage.
Pasture conditions are very good.
The relationship between bud stage and NDF is not always as high as we might think. Cool, wet conditions can delay the onset of bud and flower stages while NDF continues to increase. With the cool wet weather, leaf spot and spring blackstem is showing up in some heavier growth alfalfa. Small dark brown to black spots show up on lower leaves and stems. Infected leaves turn yellow, wither and fall off.