As crop specialists, we often get asked the question, “How can I raise better quality and higher performing alfalfa?” It takes a systematic approach, and that approach utilizes the Insight FS Udder Buster Program.
The Udder Buster program starts with proper pH and soil fertility, and the only way to harness that information is to test your soil. Our NextGen Precision Ag team is ready to tackle any of your soil sampling needs. For new seeding, It is essential to do a soil test and correct pH levels the year before seeding down. If you have established alfalfa fields that have low pH, we recommend Ag Lime or pelletized lime at recommended rates based on soil test results.
Basic soil fertility is key. Alfalfa removes 25 lbs of MAP and 100 lbs of Potash per ton of yield. Use soil test results to determine your fertility needs and correct levels to the optimum range. Replace nutrients removed from prior cropping cycles by topdressing fertilizer. We prefer using two passes per year to maximize nutrient uptake and decrease losses from volatilization, leaching, and runoff factors. Soil fertility is as essential in the fall, as it is in the spring; as the alfalfa plant is preparing itself for winter. Low soil fertility in the fall will result in weak plants and increases the likelihood of winter kill. Insight FS currently has an excellent fall deferred fertilizer program available to our growers, where they can take advantage of historically better input costs and potentially better timing versus spring applications. Our fall deferred program also gives customers the ability to better cash flow and pay at a later date.
Another cornerstone of the Insight FS Udder Buster Program is alfalfa variety selection. At FS, we are proud to be WL Alfalfas oldest distribution partner. WL is the industry standard when it comes to Alfalfa genetics and they offer a product lineup that can fit any type of ground or management practice that we have in Wisconsin. We also offer our own proprietary FS alfalfa varieties that are tailored to fit our marketplace. Take a look at our lineup and you'll see excellent agronomics, disease ratings, and insect packages within our genetic offerings.
Weed Control is often the most overlooked part of alfalfa production, and is another key part of the Insight FS Udder Buster program. When establishing a new stand, be sure to utilize premium pre-plant incorporated herbicides available from FS. They will control many annual grasses and some broadleaves, reducing competition for the young seedlings. Once the stand is established, it is important to keep weeds under control. Annual grasses such as foxtail and crabgrass can reduce stands quickly during the growing season. They can be controlled via using a post-emerge herbicide program available from your local FS Crop specialist . We cannot emphasize enough that growers should consider planting varieties from WL that contain the Roundup Ready trait. Roundup Ready alfalfa does have a higher cost than conventional alfalfa. However, the technology is proven to make weed control easier and is overall more economical than conventional alternatives. Solid weed control can extend the life of your stand by one to two years or more, ultimately reducing seed cost per year, and making Roundup Ready alfalfa an economical option.
The alfalfa in the upper portion of this picture was sprayed with Roundup in July. The alfalfa in the lower portion was not sprayed. The picture was taken in September. Notice the reduction in the stand that took place in just a few weeks in the summer. Weed competition is a real threat to the stand
Biennial and Perennial broad leaves become a problem in established stands. They germinate during late summer and fall, then provide competition for alfalfa plants while thinning the stand in the spring. Winter kill is not the only thing that thins out stands! These weeds must be controlled in the fall with a continuation of a agronomically sound herbicide program.
Tissue sampling is another facet of the Insight FS Udder Buster program. We utilize tissue sampling to check your fertility program in season and give us a chance to “spoon feed” a crop for maximum performance and efficiency. Results will show the levels of N,P,K, sulfur and boron and other micronutrients. Deficiencies can be corrected quickly with a foliar application with a product tailored to your nutrient needs, with many only available at Insight FS.
One week after an application of fungicide and foliar nutrients.
Two weeks after an application of fungicide and foliar nutrients.
Make sure to have your Insight FS Crop Specialist scout the fields for insects and disease before applying nutrients. Fungicides and insecticides can be applied on the same pass as foliar fertilizer, maximizing your ROI. Following the Insight FS Udder Buster Alfalfa management program is the best way to increase alfalfa quality and yields!
To learn more about the Insight FS Udder Buster Program and alfalfa management in general, contact your local Insight FS Crop Specialist.