17821x - 1/16/2025 07:17

I graze several small alfalfa mix fields that adjoin my pastures. I try to rotate one to corn or beans for a year and then seed back to alfalfa. I always spring seed. I like to get on it as soon as frost comes out and top few inches get dry enough. I am in NE Iowa and this has been as early as March 1st or late as April 15th depending on the year. Average is probably last week of March. Some years I cut the first growth for hay and graze after and some years I graze right away. One cutting of hay is probably best but grazing also works if you only do it if not muddy. I like to let the alfalfa get well established so will graze or cut around June 20-25th time frame on a normal year. If grazing will wait for dry weather window if need be.