3rd Cutting Alfalfa 7/22/2021

[Mountain Cowgirl]

Exactly a month from the second and it looks just as heavy if not heavier. I will try to get a photo tomorrow. The second cutting stack is still there. Not sure why, but I won't speculate or repeat rumors because I am always wrong hahaha.

I see no reason they shouldn't get at least 3 tons per acre on a 4th cutting. If this dryness keeps up and late frost is expected, they may get even a higher yield by cutting the middle of the month in September. That would give 6 weeks of growth.

Along the ditch

 

[Mountain Cowgirl]

From 5 mile rural walk this morning

 

[leanin' H]

Surely is pretty and green.

 

[webfoot]

Surely is pretty and green.

Nothing like imported water to help turn things green.

 

[Mountain Cowgirl]

The cool mornings (low 60s) and moderate days (high 80s) call for raking to shorten drying time.
The shorter the drying time, the quicker they can get water back on the field, and the less chance of mold.
The blazing hot sun with over 100 degree days during the 2nd cutting, eliminated this step.

Haystacks on this morning's walk.

 

[Faster horses]

I sell a product called "Hay Defender" that is a preservative and hay can be baled at higher moisture.
The result is awesome hay that is very green with lots of leaves. It isn't caustic on machinery and we have found
that the applicator works best on the swather. It would be perfect for those raising a lot of hay. I bet these
people in your area know about it, or something similar. Most of the others are caustic, though.

 

[Mountain Cowgirl]

The 3rd cutting looks like 3 tons per acre.

 

[Mountain Cowgirl]

3rd cutting came in at 2.75 tons per acre.
You can see what unirrigated land looks like around here.

 

[Faster horses]

Is that Kochia showing the green? It is full of protein. Don't ask me how I know...

 

[Mountain Cowgirl]

Is that Kochia showing the green? It is full of protein. Don't ask me how I know...

I think it is Russian Thistle or what we call tumbleweed.