Articles

Moldy Hay for Horses

When haymaking conditions are poor hay may be rained on or left lying in the field for prolonged time periods due to cool and humid conditions which reduced drying rates. The long drying periods with high humidity allow field growth of mold on the hay.

Does Oilseed Radish Provide Nitrogen Credits?

There has been considerable interest in growing oilseed radish as a cover crop in Wisconsin due to claimed benefits such as alleviating soil compaction and scavenging excess plant nutrients. 

Late summer cutting management of alfalfa

Difficult alfalfa harvesting conditions sometimes result in farmers being off schedule for late summer harvesting alfalfa.  This raises the question of best cutting management of alfalfa harvest as the end of summer approaches. If we want good winter survival and rapid greenup for good yield next year, alfalfa must either: This has resulted in the […]

Corn plant density for maximum grain and silage production

The plant density that maximizes corn grain and silage yield has been increasing through time. The economic optimum plant density is a function of corn yield and quality responses, seed cost, and grain or silage price. The economic plant density is lower than the plant density that maximizes yield.

Cover Crops 101

Seeding rates, seeding depths, and timing of planting are among the topics discussed in this illustrated, easy-to-read guide that introduces the benefits of cover crops.

Managing Soil Compaction at Planting and Harvest 

This publication explains how wet planting and harvest conditions create soil compaction in Wisconsin fields, how to recognize surface and subsoil damage, and how moisture levels, axle loads, and tire pressure influence rutting and density. It outlines practical prevention and repair options using controlled traffic, tillage, and cover crops.

Planting Corn for Silage after a First-cut Alfalfa Harvest

Introduction It’s early May, you’re looking at a rather marginal alfalfa stand, the haylage silo is nearly empty, and you generally use some corn silage in the dairy ration. Here are the options: What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option? With Option 1, you give-up all alfalfa production on the field for the current […]

Managing Volunteer Wheat in Late-Summer Seeded Alfalfa

wheat seed not collected in the combine becomes a weed and impacts alfalfa establishment and productivity, especially in no-till and reduced-till fields. Previous research in Wisconsin has shown that volunteer wheat can reduce alfalfa density by up to 50%, resulting in shorter alfalfa stand life and reduced forage quality the following spring.