Balan or Eptam may be incorporated into a prepared seedbed before planting alfalfa. Treflan and Zorial can be applied as a pre-emergent for control of germinating grass and broadleaf weeds in established alfalfa. Read and follow all label restrictions for haying and grazing and to avoid damage to alfalfa and the environment. In mid-February, begin monitoring alfalfa for chewing damage by the larval stage of the alfalfa weevil. Blister beetle can be fatal if consumed by horses and can cause illness in cattle.
Several insecticides are available for effective insect control in alfalfa.
Read and follow label directions for safe use of insecticides and for haying and grazing restrictions. Spring growth may be harvested by grazing, green chopping, as silage, or baled for hay. Curing first and second growth alfalfa for hay in Coastal Plain regions is difficult due to unpredictable drying conditions. A cutter-conditioner encourages drying, but can squash blister beetles if present, preventing them from leaving the cut hay. Tedders and hay preservatives are helpful aids for hay production.