by Doug Holen, Extension Educator - Crops, Fergus Falls
and Phillip Glogoza, Extension Educator - Crops, Moorhead

Just a quick note to report a significant outbreak of alfalfa weevil in WC MN. It escalated over the weekend with a lot of spraying starting on Monday. We have fields in all stages with 1st crop still standing, cut alfalfa in windrow for some time, and 16" of 2nd crop regrowth. All fields have been hit hard. All alfalfa growers in west central MN should be checking for possible infestations.

By Phillip Glogoza, Extension Educator - Crops

The cool temperatures have delayed alfalfa weevil population development in the region. In west central MN, first cut got underway two weeks ago. As we move northwest, first cut may just be beginning for some. In some cases, cutting alfalfa may have removed significant eggs laid in stems, while in other sites young larvae are feeding in the growing terminals, whether it is regrowth or uncut alfalfa.

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.