University of Arizona a dot Cooperative Extension


Alfalfa Report
Yuma County, Arizona
March 8, 2004


Production Update:

Weed Control: Once temperatures begin to exceed 80º F. it is difficult to safely use the contact herbicides, Gramoxone and Buctril. These herbicides are more effective at killing small weeds when temperatures are high but crop safety is reduced.

Insect Management: Egrets, Ibis, gulls and redwing black birds are commonly seen in alfalfa fields. Birds are important predators of various insect pests in alfalfa including the very damaging granulate cutworm (Detour signpicture) . Egrets, Ibis, gulls are often seen at the leading edge of irrigation water eating crickets and worms forced to move or drown. These birds feed during the day and roost at night. Therefore, they only eat the cutworms in lands where water is run during daylight hours. Black birds eat cutworms, other worm pests and aphids on alfalfa stems.

Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN): TDN is the sum of digestible nutrients in the forage which includes crude protein, fat, sugars, starch, and digestible fiber. TDN can be measured directly, but is most often calculated from a mathematical formula using ADF (acid detergent fiber) as the sole measured value. TDN and ADF are related to each other, but this relationship varies by region and is subject to interpretation by the individual nutritionist.

Market Summary
High
Low
Average
Off grade
Past 2 Weeks ( Feb 24 - Mar 8, 2004)
110
90
100
65-85
Last Year (Feb 24 - Mar 8, 2003)
110
100
105
80-100

 

10 Year Summary (February 24, to March 8, 1995-2004):

Graph of the 10 year summary prices for alfalfa , Feb 24 to March 8, 1995-2004


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.

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Information provided by:
Barry Tickes, btickes@ag.arizona.edu Extension Agent, Yuma County
Michael Ottman, mottman@ag.arizona.edu Agronomy Specialist
College of Agriculture, The University of Arizona.
Eric Natwick, etnatwick@ucdavis.edu UCCE Imperial County - Farm Advisor
University of California, Davis, CA.


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document located at: http://cals.arizona.edu/crops/counties/yuma/alfalfareports/2004/afalfarpt030804.html
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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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