2012 Green Gold Program – (Alfalfa Optimum Harvest Date Prediction Tool)

May 16, 2012

The Green Gold (Alfalfa Scissor Clipping Project) is used to help predict the date when pure alfalfa stands are at optimum (150 RFV) quality.  Over the past years, due to unusual environmental conditions (cool weather and extreme warming conditions), we have seen alfalfa reach optimum quality well before the traditional early bloom (10% flower) stage.  In most cases, had producers waited for the crop to show these signs, harvest would have been delayed by up to 2 weeks and RFV would have been in the 110 range.

Samples are taken at approximately 8:00 a.m., twice a week (Mondays & Thursdays) and delivered to the lab before 11:00 a.m.

Regional results are posted here and communicated via Radio Southern Manitoba, the Manitoba Co-operator and the Carillon News. Results are also emailed to producers twice a week through the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba and by Coordinator John McGregor. If you would like to be added to his mailing list please e-mail him with your contact information.

The Dairy Farmers of Manitoba is a major supporter of the Green Gold Program for 2012.

The Green Gold Program is funded in part through sponsorship from the following participants: Feed-Rite Grunthal, Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd./Marc Hutlet Seeds Ltd, Northstar Seed Ltd, Southeastern Farm Equipment, BrettYoung, Central Testing Lab, and Niverville Credit Union.

The program commenced the 3rd week of May and results will be posted shortly.

- Source: Manitoba Forage Council

Back to Archive