Spring Alfalfa Harvest Checks Begin

By Scout Nelson

The Alfalfa Harvest Alert Program is returning for the 2026 growing season to help Minnesota forage producers improve harvest timing and maintain strong forage quality. The long-running project is now entering its 30th year and continues through a partnership between the Central Minnesota Forage Council and the University of Minnesota Extension.

Jackie Estrem, UMN Extension Local Educator for Stearns, Benton, Morrison, and Sherburne counties, and Taylor Herbert, UMN Extension Local Educator for Wright, McLeod, and Meeker counties, said recent spring weather has allowed alfalfa fields to green up quickly. This means the first cutting season is approaching across many parts of Minnesota.

The program helps farmers determine the best time to cut alfalfa for improved yield and quality. Sample collections will continue this year in Stearns, Benton, Morrison, Wright, McLeod, Meeker, Sibley, Nicollet, and Carver counties. Last year, sample collection began on May 5 and continued through May 27 while many farms maintained excellent forage quality into late May.

Sampling starts when alfalfa reaches about 14 to 16 inches in height. Field samples are collected twice weekly and analyzed for important forage measurements, including Relative Feed Quality, Relative Feed Value, and Neutral Detergent Fiber. These measurements help producers make informed harvest decisions for livestock feed quality.

Farmers can also estimate forage quality on their own using the Predictive Equation for Alfalfa Quality, commonly known as PEAQ RFV. Producers are encouraged to measure plant height, identify crop maturity stages, and average results from several field locations for accurate estimates.

The Alfalfa Harvest Alert Data Tool remains available online and includes historical data dating back to 1997. Farmers can review information by county, year, and growers to compare forage quality trends across Minnesota.Harvest updates will also be shared through local radio stations, newspapers, Minnesota Crop News, and email subscription reports to help producers stay informed during the growing season.

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