Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference-Optimizing Forage Quality

Chris Teutsch, Jimmy Henning, and Ray Smith, University of Kentucky

 In 2021, the 40^th annual Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference occurred virtually over three days.  This conference was a joint effort of the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, and the UK Master Grazer program.   The theme was “Optimizing Forage Quality for the CA$H Hay Market”.  Topics included measuring forage quality, using forage quality to market hay, understanding factors that impact drying rate in alfalfa, adjusting hay equipment to minimize losses, new data on maturity differences in alfalfa and orchard grass, managing thinning alfalfa stands, and a producer panel that discussed harvesting timing when the weather dies not cooperate.  At the conclusion of each day, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of the day’s presenters.  More than 80 people attended VIRTUALLY and the videos from this conference have been viewed more than 1,500 times.  Videos are available on the KYForages YouTube Channel.