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Texas Agriculture Archive

September 20, 2002

Alfalfa meeting set October 7

The Texas Forage and Grassland Council, Texas Farm Bureau and Texas Cooperative Extension are hosting an educational seminar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 7, at the McGregor Experiment Station, McGregor.

Registration deadline for producers interested in attending "The Basics of Alfalfa Production" seminar is Sept. 20. Space is limited.

A backgrounder provided by Bill Wilson of Wilson Hay Farm, Little River, said traditional sources for alfalfa now have their own local market with new dairies relocating close to sources of feed.

"This has created a renewed need for alfalfa in Central Texas," said Wilson. "Fifty years ago alfalfa was produced in Central Texas, but the then-high value for grain crops eclipsed alfalfa. Lately grain crops and cotton have lost that value edge. Alfalfa has a cash flow advantage in that the first cutting can be in early April with a last cutting in early October."

Registration and coffee runs from 8:30-9 a.m. Morning session presentations are: "Why alfalfa?"; "Alfalfa for Hay/Grazing"; "Bloat prevention"; "Nitrogen Fixation & Inoculation"; "Establishment"; "Soil Requirements"; "Soil Testing"; "Fertilizing on Sand and Blacklands"; and "Weed Control."

After breaking for a 45-minute lunch and discussion time, the afternoon session will commence. Topics will include: "Variety Selection"; "Disease/Insect Resistance"; and "Harvesting and Managing Alfalfa."

Afterwards, the group will view alfalfa plots at the Experiment Station, and the meeting will conclude with a group discussion.

Cost for the upcoming alfalfa seminar is $75/person to include extensive course materials, lunch and all breaks.

For information, call 512/868-9842 or email: dtucker@ia.com.