ALFALFA HARVEST MANAGEMENT 

DISCUSSIONS WITH COST- BENEFIT ANALYSIS 

Circular E-943 

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Introduction 

 Contributors 

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INTRODUCTION 

We, the AIM group, took growers' input seriously and began a process to select a focus area for 1995, Alfalfa Harvest Management. Next, we identified frequently asked questions regarding alfalfa harvest management. For each of the questions identified, a person from the AIM group drafted a response. These responses were then reviewed by each member of the AIM group. In some cases, responses were revised and reviewed several times.  

The result is a set of responses that integrates academic disciplines (agronomy, entomology, engineering, and economics) and provides you with the best information we have.  

We assume readers have some familiarity with alfalfa production. The written format consists of a short answer to each question followed by a discussion of additional information and alternatives. In many cases, we took a partial budgeting approach; that is, if I change this, then what are the costs and benefits? Our responses are not recipes or prescriptions, but guides meant to assist growers in making informed decisions. We provide input for decision-making, but each production situation is unique and fits into an overall farming enterprise.  

Questions were organized in chronological order, beginning with two cross-cutting questions on harvesting costs and grazing, then beginning in the fall and continuing through the production year.  

We made some baseline assumptions. Alfalfa producers may want to adjust our responses when our assumptions do not match specific conditions. Following is a discussion of the assumptions:  

We assume that most commercial alfalfa growers market to dairy producers. You may, however, use alfalfa in your own operation or target other markets such as, horse, beef cattle, sheep, etc.  

For equipment depreciation, we assume an average of 400 tons of alfalfa handled annually. That might be 5 ton/A/year from 80 acres or 4 ton/A/year from 100 acres.  

We assume an average market price for good quality, weed-free alfalfa is $80/ton.  

The grazing value of alfalfa is assumed to be $60/ton. Feed value was estimated as follows: $.30/lb of gain for stockers, 15 lb of forage consumption per 500-lb. stocker, 2 lb/day gain, forage conversion ratio of 10:1; thus, 1 ton of alfalfa = 133 stocker days, 200 lb gain or $60 value.  

Trade names of insecticides and herbicides are used. Costs of material and application are assumed to be $12/A for insecticide and $18/A for herbicide.  

Harvesting costs are as follows: cutting and swathing, $8/A; raking, $4/A; baling (small square bales), $9/A; and hauling from the field, $10/ton.  

Next year, we plan to focus on another aspect of alfalfa management, for example stand establishment, fertility, weed control, insect control, or another area.  

Feedback is requested. As you read the questions and responses, if you have comments, suggestions, or other questions, contact any of the authors, reviewers, or your county extension office.  

-- The AIM Committee  
Spring 1995 

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PREPARED FOR 1995 REGIONAL ALFALFA CONFERENCES 

BY   John Caddel, Forage Extension Agronomist   Jim Stritzke, Forage Weed Control Specialist   Phil Mulder, Forage Extension Entomologist   Ray Huhnke, Extension Agricultural Engineer     Richard Berberet, Alfalfa Entomologist     Clement Ward, Extension Agricultural Economist   CO-SPONSORED  BY   OKLAHOMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE  OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY   AND  OKLAHOMA ALFALFA HAY & SEED ASSOCIATION   WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM OTHER  ALFALFA INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE  MEMBERS  Gerrit Cuperus, Extension IPM. Coordinator   Lonnie Sellers, Southwest Area Extension Agronomist   A.L. Hutson, Southwest Area Extension Agricultural Economist   Roger Gribble, Northwest Area Extension Agronomist   Ron Justice, Grady County Extension Director   Brad Tipton, Canadian County Extension Director   Dirk Webb, Washita County Extension Director   Gordon Johnson, Extension Soils Fertility Specialist   ADVICE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS   OKLAHOMA ALFALFA HAY & SEED ASSOCIATION   AND OTHER ALFALFA PRODUCERS  

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