From Thursday to Monday (June 3) we have seen the alfalfa grow about 2” and the RFV has only dropped five points. Looking at the MARFI weather information we can see that over the weekend the cool temperatures and frost have accounted for only 15 GDD to accumulate (normal’s should be in the 40-50 range). Most of the fields are still in the late vegetative stage except La Broquerie and the Kleefeld fields which are in early bud. Presently we have accumulated approximately 227 GDD.
The cool weather over the weekend has delayed Hay Day. If RFV’s start dropping at four to five points per day HAY DAY could be around the June 8 as an average for the Eastern area. Producers in the LaBroquerie area will be a couple of days earlier and those in the Beausejour area maybe a couple of days later.
Read Also
Controversy fails to sink plant growth regulator use in Manitoba oats
Plant growth regulators in oats got some bad press last year, but some Manitoba farmers maintain they’re helpful and do their job: to reduce lodging.
You can access reports for east and west from the MFC website: http://mbforagecouncil.mb.ca/resources/green-gold-program/
| Site | RFV PEAQ | RFV NIR | Height | CP |
| Ile des Chenes East | 230 | 187 | 17 | 29 |
| New Bothwell | 230 | 195 | 17 | 32 |
| Grunthal | 230 | 188 | 18 | 30 |
| Kleefeld | 216 | 175 | 17 | 27 |
| La Broquerie | 210 | 180 | 19 | 29 |
| Beausejour S | 237 | 208 | 16 | 32 |
| Beausejour N | 230 | 190 | 17 | 32 |
| AVERAGE | 226 | 189 | 17 | 30 |
John McGregor is the Green Gold co-ordinator for the Manitoba Forage Council.
