INTERMOUNTAIN ALFALFA QUALITY

PREDICTION STICK


 

Click Here for a Printable .pdf brochure describing the Intermountain Alfalfa Quality Prediction Stick

The University of California Intermountain Alfalfa Quality Prediction Stick was developed to make it possible for growers to evaluate the forage quality of a standing alfalfa crop using a modern predictive technique.This stick is a rapid, reliable, and reasonably accurate method to predict alfalfa forage quality prior to harvest.  It is based upon the PEAQ method (Prediction Equations for Alfalfa Quality), which uses plant height and stage of development to predict quality.  Hundreds of individual samples from intermountain alfalfa fields were used to develop this stick.

It is intended to:


Assist growers producing dairy-quality hay with harvest decisions
Provide cattle producers with an estimate of the potential feeding value of the crop under grazing conditions
 

4 Easy Steps:

The quality prediction stick is very easy to use and provides a rapid prediction of the forage quality of standing alfalfa.  The steps involved are as follows:
 
 

Steve Orloff, U.C. Farm Advisor, demonstrates the Alfalfa Quality Prediction Stick
 
 

Step 1:

Select an average 2 square foot area to sample.  The area selected should be representative of the field.

Step 2:

Determine the growth stage of the most mature stem (vegative, bud, or bloom).

Step 3:

Find the single tallest stem.  Use the correct side of the stick (vegetative, bud, or blossom) to predict ADF.

Step 4:

Repeat steps 1-3 in at least 5 representative areas and average the results.


Accuracy and Limitations:

The Quality Prediction Stick is NOT intended to replace standard laboratory analysis for marketing or feeding purposes.  It is not as accurate as standard laboratory analysis, but is more accurate than visual field estimates.  The stick estimates the forage quality of the standing crop and does not account for harvest losses which occur during raking and baling.

Where and When can the Stick be used

It is believed that the Quality Prediction Stick will predict the forage quality in short growing season areas of the Intermountain West (2 to 4 cuttings).  It is not likely that this stick will perform well in the Central Valley or Low Desert areas of California.  This stick was customized for short-season alfalfa production areas of the West.  It was developed for use in spring and midseason.

Decision Making Tool

The Alfalfa Quality Prediction Stick is intended to be a tool to assist growers with harvest decisions.  It can help growers determine when to harvest specific fields.  For example, if the stick predicts the forage quality to be:
  Dairy Quality: The alfalfa should be cut as soon as possible
  Significantly above Dairy Quality: The grower can delay harvest a few days and harvest another field
  Below Dairy-Hay Quality: The grower can postpone harvest to maximize yield and target another market (i.e., horse - or stock-hay market)


Costs:

For orders up to 10 - the price is only $10.00 plus $2.00 shipping
For orders over 10 - the price is only $7.00 plus actual shipping charges


INSTRUCTIONS:  Simply send a check for the exact amount (made out to 'UC Regents'), indicate the number of sticks desired, and where the stick(s) should be sent.  We'll send them out to you as soon as possible after receiving the check.
 

Click Here for a Printable .pdf brochure describing this Stick.


For Stick Orders or for Further Information, Contact:

Steve B. Orloff, Farm Advisor

1655 So. Main St.

Yreka, CA  96097

Phone:  (530) 842-2711

Email orders to:  sborloff@ucdavis.edu