Figure 5-3. Hay-making time lines.
Examples of 28-, 35-, and 42-day harvest schedules. Dates shown in these haymaking time lines are assumed to be for central Oklahoma. With "normal" growing conditions, producers in southern parts of the state should begin about 5 days earlier, and those in the north should delay first harvest about 5 days. Temperatures during early April affects ideal timing of first harvest. Dry periods during July and August frequently prolong harvest intervals during that period. As an alternative, producers with livestock should consider utilizing late summer forage by grazing. (See Chapter 7. Grazing Alfalfa.) |