Production Update:

Weed Control: Once temperatures begin to exceed 80º F. it is difficult to safely use the contact herbicides, Gramoxone and Buctril. These herbicides are more effective at killing small weeds when temperatures are high but crop safety is reduced.

Insect Management: Egrets, Ibis, gulls and redwing black birds are commonly seen in alfalfa fields. Birds are important predators of various insect pests in alfalfa including the very damaging granulate cutworm (picture) . Egrets, Ibis, gulls are often seen at the leading edge of irrigation water eating crickets and worms forced to move or drown. These birds feed during the day and roost at night. Therefore, they only eat the cutworms in lands where water is run during daylight hours. Black birds eat cutworms, other worm pests and aphids on alfalfa stems.

Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN): TDN is the sum of digestible nutrients in the forage which includes crude protein, fat, sugars, starch, and digestible fiber. TDN can be measured directly, but is most often calculated from a mathematical formula using ADF (acid detergent fiber) as the sole measured value. TDN and ADF are related to each other, but this relationship varies by region and is subject to interpretation by the individual nutritionist.

10 Year Summary (February 24, to March 8, 1995-2004):

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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, James A. Christenson, Director Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona.

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