This fact sheet was written by Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY Dairy Forage Systems Specialist Joe Lawrence and published in PRO-DAIRY e-Leader, a monthly e-Leader newsletter distributed to an email list of nearly 7,000 dairy producers, agriservice and legislators.
First cutting of a perennial hay crop offers the opportunity to capture high quantity and quality but timely harvest can be met with a number of obstacles. This fact sheet provides links to several currently available resources to aid in successful decision making for the upcoming season.
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Harvest safety
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Monitor fields to optimize first cut yield and quality
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Maintain quality through the harvest process
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Manage storage to minimize losses
