Timing first crop alfalfa harvest by calendar date does not work well. Spring climates vary from year to year, and fields managed differently also affects spring regrowth. Different varieties, age of stand, fertility, last season’s cutting schedules, fall harvest or not, can all influence the rate of regrowth in spring. PEAQ, which stands for predictive equation for alfalfa quality, is a quick and easy method to use to assess when individual alfalfa fields are ready for harvest based on a forage quality estimate. All you need is a yard stick and Table 1 in ISU Extension publication CROP 3141, which is available from your county ISU Extension office or download at: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/15234
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