Scouting and Managing for Winter Injury in Alfalfa

Reports of winter injury in alfalfa fields are coming in across the state. Old man winter along with other management factors can take a toll on alfalfa stands. Older stands, stands that were harvested between mid-September and late October, and stands with minimal stubble appear to have suffered the worst winter injury. Additionally, in many fields it is obvious where the snow drifted and provided insulation and protection as those parts of the field are the greenest. Below are issues observed in alfalfa fields across the state along with resources on how to manage fields with winter injury