Widen Harvest Window with Variety Package

Planting several different alfalfa varieties provides diversity to help counter an unpredictable set of environmental stresses. Chosen correctly, these varieties also can help widen the harvest window, allowing more timely cutting for improved forage quality. Pioneer and university research show most varieties decline in quality at about the same rate. Growers usually have less than a week to harvest any variety at its optimum quality. The most effective way to widen the harvest window is to plant a package of early cut and late-cut varieties that reach optimum forage quality (Relative Feed Value of 150-160) at different dates. Ask your Pioneer sales professional for more information about ways to optimize your cutting schedule.

Actual growing conditions may change the relative difference and the rate of decline. SOURCE: Pioneer Department of Alfalfa Research