There’s a program that can help growers know when to harvest their alfalfa, even in a drought.
Manitoba Forage and grassland Association (MFGA) says it’s not too soon to think about cutting dates. In fact, the first 2021 Green Gold Reports have been distributed to over 300 subscribers.
So far, 22 alfalfa fields have been signed up for the program this year and many producers are concerned with the dry conditions around their farms and regions.
During May and June, MFGA sends out three reports bi-weekly with results from these alfalfa fields in the Central, Eastern/Interlake and Western regions.
The goal of this program is to encourage growers to be strategic with alfalfa hay crop harvest, making decisions based on their specific feed and market needs and field observations.
About the program:
MFGA’s Green Gold Program represents MFGA's longest-running producer-based program for Manitoba forage producers. The goal of the MFGA Green Gold program is to work with producers on their first cut alfalfa hay crop harvest. By clipping and submitting field samples from prescribed fields, the MFGA Green Gold program enables farmers to make decisions based on their specific feed/market needs and field observations.
The MFGA Green Gold Program, active since 1995, was previously delivered by Manitoba Agriculture Research and Development (MARD). MFGA took over the program around 2011 with Terra Bergen the new MFGA Green Gold coordinator.
Terra farms with her husband Mark Bergen in the MacGregor area of Manitoba and has strong ties to MFGA as Terra is the daughter of Dave and Rhonda Koslowsky. Dave is a former MFGA chair who also served a full term on board of the Manitoba Beef Producers.
It's not too late to subscribe and join the over 300 producers and industry people who receive these reports. For questions about the program or to subscribe, contact Terra Bergen at terra@mfga.net.
