From Kitty O’Neil, Regional Field Crops and Soils Specialist in the North Country, NY.
First cutting has been coming off quickly across the North Country over the past week. Most standing alfalfa fields are reaching optimal yield-quality and grass fields are now past prime. I would estimate that many farms are at least halfway through first cutting – and some have suspended corn planting to accomplish this. We’ve enjoyed a nice stretch of weather for chopping haylage and hopefully, rain across the north over the next few days won’t postpone remaining first cutting more than a couple of days.
