By Nathan Smith

 

Spring sown alfalfa plantings have established well with favourable weather conditions and regular rain events to ensure a good even germination and on-time sprays for weed management.

Early November Dryland alfalfa got checked at the late vegetative/ budding growth stage with two overnight frost followed by 5 days of temperature above 35 degrees Celsius. With 75-125mm rain falling across the main alfalfa growing regions since 15^th November, it has dryland stands looking good and at the flowering stage. Growth of irrigated stands is responding well after the first hay cut and start of seed production. Ideally we would like the weather to settle and warm up so the plants can switch from vegetative production to the reproductive stage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_{Above: Seedling Alfamaster 10 just after being cut.}