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Ohio’s spring had a cold start but has rapidly turned the corner to persist warmer temperatures. Many of Ohio’s pure alfalfa stands are ready to be harvested for high-quality feed. As alfalfa field observations are being made across the state, educators are noticing in more southern regions alfalfa stage seems to be further behind than usual with current height measurements. Meaning, this year if producers were to make a harvest decision based on alfalfa maturity, %NDF would be higher than what is expected.

Summary

Climatologically, the monthly average temperature for April 2022 in Ohio was near the long-term mean, ranked as the 51st coolest April on record (1895-2022) and 42nd driest.

Early plantings, cold air and soil temperatures, precipitation, wind, and warmer temperatures during or after planting may lead to reduced stands in planted fields due to factors such as imbibitional chilling, frost damage,