Final cuttings for alfalfa should be happening soon

Typically, alfalfa needs six weeks of uninterrupted growth before the first hard frost to winterize. The winterization process itself can occur in as little as three weeks, but having a total of six weeks helps to mitigate risks by allowing the alfalfa to move stored reserves to the roots and become acclimated to changing temperatures. By planning on six weeks, we ensure any plants that need longer to winterize have the time to do so, as well as provide insurance against an early frost. The first hard freeze dates for northeast Nebraska fall around the middle of October, so counting back six weeks, final cuttings should be wrapping up soon. Allowing alfalfa to successfully winterize is key to having productive stands next spring and reducing long term losses in your alfalfa stand.