Much of the region’s alfalfa crop has been harvested over the past two weeks. As cooler temperatures move into the area regrowth will likely slow down. Once regrowth reaches 16 inches tall again, the NDF (neutral detergent fiber crude protein) can rapidly be estimated in the field using the predictive equations for alfalfa quality (PEAQ).
Instructions on how to rapidly measure NDF in the field can be found HERE. This in-field estimate can be useful for timing each of your subsequent harvests in different fields, based on your forage quality goals.
It’s important to remember PEAQ NDF estimates are to be only used in standing pure alfalfa stands. PEAQ will not provide growers with an accurate representation of quality once the alfalfa has been cut, cured, and stored. After the forage is stored, samples should be sent to a lab to determine nutritive values for fitting the forage into a ration.