From Kitty O’Neil, Regional Field Crops and Soils Specialist in the North Country, NY.
Alfalfa and grasses are growing and maturing, despite our periodically cool and wet weather over the past week. Many fields with 50% grass or more are now optimal quality and ready for first cutting. Few alfalfa plants are beginning to bud and many grasses are heading. I’ve noticed hay down on only a couple of fields this week.
Many farms may again be in a quandary this spring – deciding whether to try and finish planting corn before switching to baling or chopping first cutting. Considering quality and yield of alfalfa, grass and corn, the conclusion should be to stop planting corn to mow hay, then finish planting corn using shorter-season varieties. Here’s a short assessment: http://www.ccenny.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Mow-Hay-vs-Plant-Corn.pdf
