How hard of a frost does it take?

plumboy · Oct 5, 2004

Is a frost a frost?We are getting clost to the freezing mark here.Right now its 35 and calling for the same tomorrow night.But we are still getting back into the 70's the rest of the week.My alfalfa is about 4"-6".Are these temps enough to stunt the growth for the season?Or can I count on a little more befor winter?I was really hoping to hit the 10" mark like cowboydoc mentioned.My main concern I guess is to get the roots deep enough for winter so the deer dont yank the whole plant up as they nibble it this winter.

sweettractors · Oct 5, 2004

You will get a little more growth before a KILLING frost in the next week or so. For Ag purposes, neighbors define a killing frost at around 25 degrees or below for the better part of the night. --Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *With Stores in Munfordville and Canmer in Central, Ky*

cowboydoc · Oct 5, 2004

With alfalfa it doesn't have to necessarily be a killing frost. If you have frost on your windows in the morning on your car then your hay is done growing for the most part.

5030 · Oct 9, 2004

Richard:

I hate to stick my nose in hay posts. You and I both know how that goes.

I am glad the hay is done growing here. I got 3 good cuts with no rain, the barn(s) are full, the wagons still need unloaded, I need to bed down implements yet and get ready for snowmachining.

If I were the poster, I'd not cut it again. I am presuming that it's a this season planted field. Sounds like it. I never cut after the first day of fall, that is, if I have cut within 20 days or less preceeding the season change. Here in Michigan, the winter kill rate is very high if you cut late in the season and the plants haven't had a chance to recover. I have my best shot when there is at least 6" or better of new growth coming into the dormant season and we top dress with Potash before wintering to avoid heaving. Speaking of Potash, the price per ton went through the roof.

plumboy · Oct 9, 2004

Yea its a little under 2 months old.

Shadow_River · Oct 10, 2004

Daryl,

I agree with you. I would not cut the alfalfa this year either. There certainly could not be much of a crop stand and cutting would do more damage than the crop would be worth. Let the deer have it. I don't think the deer will really do that much damage as they tend to nibble and bite, unlike cattle that grab and rip. I just hope the deer get to my fields before the elk do. Every fall I end up feeding about 200 deer and 70 elk every night. What do I get back.....Fertilizer

Brent

5030 · Oct 10, 2004

Plumboy:

Based on the fact that the field is new, I'd not cut it again. Your winter kill rate will be extremely high. If you don't have enough, go buy it. The difference between the bought hay and the price of seed will negate any difference. You still need to top dress with Potash though. Depending on you Ph and soil conditions, that will determine the application rate. I'd suggest you talk to your County Extension Agent or a soil Argominist in the area. Your local co-op will also be able to advise you.

plumboy · Nov 1, 2004

I got a phone with a camera and have been burning it up.I made a gallery at another forum and will link here if its ok.Its got pics on the alfalfa and how its coming along. Farm pics.

So far the deer have not hurt it and theres usualy about 10 in it at night.I think what hurts it most is if its wet and they take off running. We'll just have to see what the spring brings.