Gonna Try It

As soon as I can get in the field, I'm going to seed some alfalfa into this old (read: weak) alfalfa field that has gone back to grass over the years.

Plowed it in September and I"ll just bet it will work.

Allan

Bobg

Try farming the Glacier area of NE Kansas. Its not uncommon for there to be 4 or 5 terraces on a good sized hill.

Oh well, it's like the real estate agent sarcastically said, while shaking her head after I wrote the check, "It's yours now". She couldn't believe someone would actually buy the thing. :>)

Allan

Alfalfa is a plant that has autotoxicity, which means that it is difficult for alfalfa seed to grow in existing stands of alfalfa.

Was there much of a stand left? You may run into a problem.

I tried it once in spring plowing and it wasn't too successful. With your fall plowing it may work, I don't know.

On a wet year, there was enough alfalfa in it for a "slim" stand. :>(

Big boys tell me that the anti-toxity thing drains off very rapidly and will be all but non-existant if left to lie fallow for a minimum of 30 days.

We're gonna find out. This patch may very well end up in wheat after all. :>)

Allan

Was under $2 last year for certified stuff. I just don't believe in field run seed; never had any luck with it at all.

Yeah, should be able to drill behind that plow with just one pass of the packer 'cause it is mellowed down really nice this winter.

Since I got the calves, my rotation is all screwed up. Mouths to feed and wheat to plant next fall also. So, think I'll drop this 20 acres back into oats/alfalfa and hope for a second cutting after I hay the oats. :>(

Allan

I would put the field to oats. After oat harvestplow the field and plant the alfalfa late summer/early fall. Ya I know,it is dry that time of year. So,you sow the alfalfa in dry ground and wait for a rain. Ha.

Good luck and have fun.
steveormary

I bet that made good feed. I retired due to health concerns,sold out and moved south to NM from NE. How did the alfalfa clover mix work for feed. We just raised straight alfalfa, no mix. We sure dont miss the cold and snow,checking cows or cutting fire wood. Enuf.

steveormary