An alternative approach is to graze all the pastures initially and then identify the paddocks where grazing management has been least effective and use hay harvest as a tool to clean up grazing management mistakes. Before you fire up the equipment this spring or even before you turn the stock out, think about why you are making hay. Good pasture management extends the grazing season, re ducing the need for hay. Poor hay crop management shortens the grazing season, increasing the need for hay. Now is the time to look for alfalfa weevil in Central Missouri fields.
Weevil larvae are small and hard to see.
They do their first feeding hidden in the youngest, folded leaves at the top of infested plants. Do not confuse clover and alfalfa weevils. Clover weevils occur earlier, are larger, have brown spots on their back and a tan colored head. Alfalfa weevils have a white strip down the center of their back and black heads. The head color is the most important separating characteristic.