How much money can you make per acre of alfalfa?
Over a three-year average, alfalfa returns a profit of $98.82/acre compared to a $44.77/acre return for corn and $39.68/acre for soybeans, Miller estimated using information from Midwestern farms compiled through the FINBIN database.
What’s the best fertilizer for alfalfa?
PURDUE EXTENSION Fertilizing alfalfa with phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) can increase yield and stand longevity. However, to maximize production and profitability, it is important to adjust fertilizer rates to meet the specific nutritional needs of plants in each field.
Is alfalfa a profitable crop?
Increased profits from alfalfa—Top dairymen know alfalfa is their most profitable crop. The high yield of high quality forage results in the greatest milk or meat production per acre of any forage. Corn and soybeans risk lower yields without alfalfa in the rotation.
How profitable is hay farming?
Brown says using 2019 numbers, it costs about $400 an acre to plant corn on ground that may yield 150 bushels per acre. “If you are getting $125 per ton for quality hay, you are going to see a profit of $51 per ton, or $204 per acre. “The potential is there to make some pretty good money on hay.”
How many years does alfalfa last?
Alfalfa can remain productive in stands from four to ten years or more, but as plant population declines renovation eventually becomes necessary.
Is growing alfalfa profitable?
Alfalfa is a major profit center on most dairy farms. Annual yield has the largest impact on its profitability because inputs, including harvesting costs, change little as yield increases.
How much does it cost to grow hay?
When full cost of production is accounted for, hay generally costs between $70 and $140/ton to produce. On smaller operations that own a full line of equipment, the cost can easily exceed $200/ton.
What is the NPK of alfalfa?
Alfalfa pellets have an average NPK analysis of 2-1-2 and also contain calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc, which are slowly released over a few months. Alfalfa contains the natural growth stimulant triacontanol, so it can be useful to encourage new growth in spring.
Is Potash good for alfalfa?
Your alfalfa yield of 4 ton/acre would need 400 lbs/acre of potash to meet crop removal rates. For alfalfa, it is recommended that the potash be applied at least two times per growing season. Ideally, apply the potash after the first and last cuttings of the season.
Which is the best way to manage alfalfa?
Good nutrient management prior to establishment can increase alfalfa yield and improve the longevity of an alfalfa stand. Prior to establishing alfalfa, soil sampling and soil testing is the best way to check soil nutrient levels and develop a fertilizer management plan.
What to do with a frosted alfalfa field?
If the field will be managed for hay or haylage harvest next year, avoid grazing of the frosted, dormant alfalfa. If the field will not be kept as an alfalfa production field next season you can graze the alfalfa residue. If the frosted top growth is removed there will likely be only slight reduction in N that can be credited to next crop.
Who are the authors of the alfalfa management guide?
Alfalfa Management Guide Authors Dan Undersander Extension agronomist, forages University of Wisconsin Dennis Cosgrove Extension agronomist, forages University of Wisconsin Eileen Cullen Extension entomologist University of Wisconsin Craig Grau Extension plant pathologist University of Wisconsin Marlin E. Rice
Is it OK to graze dormant alfalfa in winter?
This will help break up any ice sheeting that might occur through the winter. If the field will be managed for hay or haylage harvest next year, avoid grazing of the frosted, dormant alfalfa. If the field will not be kept as an alfalfa production field next season you can graze the alfalfa residue.