Yuma County Office
2200 W. 28^th Street, Ste. 102
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 726-3904
(928) 726-8472 FAX

Production Update:
The First Annual Meeting of the Arizona Forage Producers Association (AFPA): will be held on March 13, 2003 from 8 am to 2 pm at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. Topics to be addressed include hay sampling, forage quality testing procedures, formulating rations with forages, alfalfa weed control, and controlling spider mites on corn. Farming and haymaking equipment will be on display and various industry representatives will be present. This meeting is open to anyone interested in attending. No registration fee will be charged and a steak lunch will be provided.

Insect Management: Insect management in alfalfa depends on a good monitoring program. Management decisions should be based on suitable sampling methods to estimate insect pests populations. Check fields at least once a week and more often when counts show that a pest population is approaching damaging levels. Correct identification of insect pests and their damage is essential. Several factors need to be considered when sampling insect populations. Time of day can greatly influence the reliability sampling methods. Nocturnal pests hide during the day. Morning dew or strong winds can alter counts of some insects. Sample at several sites in each field quadrant. Choose sampling methods that are reliable for the insect pests being monitored. Avoid field edges for general sampling, but observe field edges for invading insects. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office for information on alfalfa insect pests, sample procedures, and control measures.

Weed Control: More herbicides (13) are registered for use on alfalfa than for any other crop grown in Arizona. This reflects the importance of this crop nationally. It is also because alfalfa has many of the same herbicide tolerances as soybeans, another major crop.

10 Year Summary (Feb 25 - March 10, 1993-2003):

Full Disclaimers

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, James A. Christenson, Director Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona.

The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities.

Any products, services, or organizations that are mentioned, shown, or indirectly implied in this web document do not imply endorsement by The University of Arizona.