Before adverse weather conditions

  • Soil test at least once every three years and apply nutrients as outlined in OMAFA’s Publication 30: Guide to Forage Production.
  • Establish species that tolerate wet conditions in perennial hay fields, using disease-resistant varieties where available such as:
    • birdsfoot trefoil
    • red clover
    • smooth bromegrass
    • timothy
    • perennial ryegrass
    • tall fescue
  • Consider if Forage Rainfall Insurance offered by Agricorp is the right business risk management tool to help protect your farm's forage supply.

During adverse weather conditions

  • Keep off the field to prevent soil compaction, ruts, and mud on the crop.

After adverse weather conditions

  • Dig up roots to check whether plants are healthy. Look for root and crown rot diseases that may impact the future productivity of the stand. Terminate alfalfa if stem or plant counts fall below economic thresholds. For more information, see page 37 of OMAFA Publication 30: Guide to Forage Production.
  • Test crops for nitrate levels, and work with a nutritionist to dilute forages with elevated nitrates.