Alfalfa

Break Dormancy:March 20 - April 1
First Cutting:May 20 - June 1
Second Cutting:June 20 - July 1
Third Cutting:July 20 - August 1
Fourth Cutting:September 1 - 10
Harvest:3 to 4 cuttings per year.
Alfalfa is cut at 10% bloom. It is put into windrows for 3-5 days.
Windrows are rolled over and dried for 1-3 more days.
Three different types of bales are produced in the Columbia Basin; small 2 or 3 twine bales, 1-ton square bales, and 1 ton round bales.
Baling occurs at 16-18% moisture for small bales and 10-13% for big bales.
Planting:Alfalfa is Fall seeded in September.
A stand of Alfalfa is left in for 3 to 4 years.

Alfalfa Seed

Planting Dates:Early Fall (Sept-Oct) or early Spring (April)
Planting Rate:3/4 - 1 lb. seed per acre
Spacing:18 - 36" row spacing, 12" plant spacing within row
Plant Density:14,000 - 29,000 plants per acre
Bloom Date:June
Harvest Date:Middle to the end of August.
Crop is harvested standing with a combine after a pre-harvest treatment with a desiccant.
Cultural Practices:Alfalfa seed is a perennial crop.
An established field is cultivated in the spring to destroy weeds.
Pollination is accomplished using the Alfalfa Leafcutter Bees.
Irrigation Types:Furrow and Sprinkler: 24 inches of water per season
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