May 1 & 7 Alfalfa Stand Evaluation Workshops

Spring On-Farm Alfalfa Evaluation Workshops by University of Minnesota Extension Institute for Ag Professionals

Thorough and accurate assessment of alfalfa stand health and density is essential to profitable alfalfa production.  Spring green-up is a key time to take a detailed look at all alfalfa stands and make stand management decisions.  The University of Minnesota Institute for Ag Professionals (IAP) will host two on-farm alfalfa stand assessment workshops this spring in Minnesota.

Graph of 2008-2009 Medium Square Alfalfa 4/16/09

Graphs of 2001-2009 SC Hay Auctions as of 4/16/09

Summary of 2008-09 Results to Date - 4/16/09

Quality Tested Hay Auction - April 16, 2009

Quality Tested Hay Auction - April 2, 2009

Charla Hollingsworth, UM Extension Plant Pathologist, and Jeff Stein, South Dakota State University Plant Pathologist

Crown rust (caused by Puccinia coronata var avenae) and stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis f.sp. avenae) are widespread and common on oat in the North Central (NC) state region. If environmental conditions promote rust development on susceptible hosts prior to grain fill, significant crop losses are likely to occur. While both diseases are responsible for repeated losses in oat, crown rust has a history of being the most damaging in this region because epidemics occur with more regularity.