Leafhopper control

Some of the alfalfa research seems to be of more value to the seed companies than the consumer or farmer. I would like to see more research on leafhopper control by leaving strips in or on the edge of fields to trap leafhoppers. These strips could then be treated with an insecticide. Instead of having to treat an entire field, it would seem likely a tiny fraction of the field could be treated.



Fall harvest management

While there has been considerable work in this area, I would like to see more with emphases on longer cutting intervals before the last harvest. Research indicates full root reserves are not met until about 50% bloom. Research also shows that a late last cut is of very high quality because of cool weather, which lessens lignification. Late last cut recommendations are also to leave high stubble to trap snow. Since the last cut is high quality, how long an interval can we leave and still get high quality forage, yet leave a high-lignified stubble in the field. Prior cuttings could be juggled and possibly one cutting less might be taken to get this long interval and heavy last cutting. Is this last cutting interval 50, 60 days or more and when it is this long, is it necessary to wait for a killing frost.


Wide swath

I'm not certain there need to be more research here. This is some of the best advice promoted in recent years. Besides faster curing a wider swath allows more photosynthetic activity in the cut hay until wilting to the point that photosynthetic activity in the plants ceases.