Both adults and nymphs use their piercing-sucking mouth parts to feed on alfalfa. Initial feeding damage is characterized by a wedge-shape yellow area formed on the leaf tip, often mistaken for drought symptoms. Too often, Mother Nature disrupts those plans with rain, heavy dew and prolonged delays before baling and after hay is cut. Even though it cannot be expected to bring a premium price, the value of discolored hay may be better than we used to think. This is where an accurate protein analysis can offer increased value to an otherwise lower valued roughage.
Testing is important for both high quality dairy hay as well hay that is off-color.
Demands for good quality alfalfa hay are increasing with stocker and cow-calf producers. Cattlemen are recognize the value of high quality protein, a good energy supply, high levels of readily digestible minerals and vitamins that are furnished all in one package - alfalfa hay. Beef producers traditionally have not been willing to pay the premiums for dairy or horse quality hay. But as protein and energy supplementation costs remain high, and weather problems threaten to even increase these costs, alfalfa hay becomes a more attractive consideration. Your County Extension Agricultural Agent can put you in touch with the O.S.U. lab or other labs around the state.