The Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) is looking for alfalfa growers interested in being part of the Green Gold program.
Association Executive Director Duncan Morrison explains that the Green Gold program originated with Manitoba Agriculture about 30 years ago. It was led by John McGregor, who worked for Manitoba Agriculture at the time, and the intent was to determine the feed value of alfalfa.
Morrison says that, especially around the first cut, it becomes a bit of a guessing game as to the optimal time to begin cutting. So, what Manitoba Agriculture did was start a program inviting farmers to send in clipped alfalfa samples to the laboratory. This then provided a more accurate outcome of when exactly the best time was for the highest relative feed value.
Morrison says John McGregor eventually moved on from Manitoba Agriculture and came to work for MFGA. The program was eventually designed as the MFGA Green Gold program and today is their longest-serving producer program. It is a free program, with no cost for producers to be involved.
"It's got a real deep history, and we're still keeping it rolling," says Morrison.
As mentioned, the Association is now seeking alfalfa growers who may be willing to be part of the program. MFGA's Green Gold program calls for assistance from producers with hay fields that are mostly alfalfa, fairly new, and in good condition for testing through the May/ June growing season until the first cut. Producers must agree to clip their plants and send samples twice-weekly to Central Testing Laboratory Ltd. via courier. Those costs are covered by MFGA.
Morrison says laboratory results from the testing will show the feed value getting higher and higher, and then all of a sudden, its value starts to drop. He notes that is when MFGA sends the signal for producers to cut now.
"We send out twice-weekly reports, based on those clips," explains Morrison. "It's very producer volunteer, and it comes out, and it tends to be working quite well."
Morrison says through the Green Gold program, they are encouraging growers to be strategic with their alfalfa harvest, especially the first cut, making decisions on specific feed and market needs, as well as field observations.
Morrison says to learn more about the program or to sign up, visit the Association's website. He says there is still time to get involved, noting that they typically have between 18 and 25 producers voluntarily contribute to the program. As of the middle of last week, there were 20 producers signed up. According to Morrison, the Green Gold program tends to resonate with dairy farmers who are very interested in a high relative feed value and getting the most out of their plants.
Meanwhile, Morrison says the first cut of hay in Southern Manitoba can happen as early as the end of May. However, he notes it traditionally occurs within the first two weeks of June. Morrison says last year, the first cut fell between June 7th and 10th.
"Usually when we call it, it tends to be raining," says Morrison. "It just seems like early June does tend to see some moisture."
Morrison says as a result of this spring's extended chill, alfalfa fields are probably a little behind where they have been historically.
"The sun is at some time going to hit and hit with power," he says. "And it's going to accelerate these things."
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