Crude protein is
alfalfa’s bottom line
DEKALB, 11. - Although
numerous factors, affect the
selection of an alfalfa variety, the
bottom line in any hay production
prgoram is that crop’s crude
protein content and value as a
livestock feedstuff.
According to Greg Jones,
DeKalb-Pfizer Genetics regional
agronomist, alfalfa hay quality is
of ever-increasing importance at
hay auctions across the country. At
specially advertised auctions in
dairy states, each lot of hay is
analyzed on site via a mobile
laboratory unit using special in
frared radiation techniques.
Within minutes analytical
results are ready for computer
analysis and the amount of protein,
phosphorus, potassium, calcium
and other ingredients can be
calculated. An assessment of a
lot’s relative feed value also can be
determined and the results are
made available to prospective
bidders before the auction begins.
The program was developed
especially for dairymen and other
producers intent on improving the
efficiency of their livestock
production programs. Infrared
testing allows producers to buy
hay on the basis of feed value
rather than just buying what looks
good to the human eye. The data
also takes the guesswork out of
balancing feed rations.
Hay values tend to fluctuate
seasonally depending on overall
supply. Infrared testing expands
this traditional hay pricing
structure to include a con
sideration of crude protein content
and relative feed value. For
example, a lot of alfalfa with a
crude protein content of 20.5
percent recently brought $145 a
ton, while a lot with a protein level
of 10.0 percent sold for just $75 a
ton.
Jones says on site infrared
testing is becoming very popular
at hay auctions throughout much
of the alfalfa region. He em
phasizes that both buyer and seller
benefit and says the program
encourages good management for
quality production.
Producers should select an
alfalfa variety with the potential to
produce a fine-stemmed, leafy
plant that recovers quickly under
intensive cutting schedules, Jones
says. He notes that crude protein
levels, relative feed value and high
yields correlate directly with such
qualities.
Jones says proper management
is essential to producing top
quality alfalfa hay. He notes that
crude protein content and relative
feed value decrease as alfalfa
plants grow older. As a plant
matures cell solubles are con
verted to insoluble components
and plants become more fibrous,
decreasing digestability and
relative feed value. Jones
recommends cutting alfalfa in the
late bud to early bloom stage and
says fertility practices should be
based on production goals and
current soil test information.
Producers who use superior
alfalfa varieties combined with
intensive management can in
crease economic gains
significantly over lesser-producing
varieties grown under similar
management. For example, in a
recent test conducted by the
Lafayette County, Wisconsin
Forage Council, DeKalb Brand 120
produced 7,676 pounds of dry
matter in three cuttings. Crude
“U.S. farmers are an efficient group, but they don’t necessarily know how to market
their product," remarked commodity specialist, Gregory C. Strausbaugh during Merrill
Lynch's seminar held at Lancaster's Treadway Resort Inn on May 2.
Speaking at length on hedging strategies as applied to hog futures, Strausbaugh
emphasized that, in light of today’s high operating costs and narrower profit margins,
the practice of hedging becomes an insurance policy on the farmer's investment.
The largest commodity futures broker in the world, Merrill Lynch is represented
through 105 memberships on 46 commodity futures exchanges around the world.
protein content averaged 22.5
percent.
In economic terms, the DeKalb
Brand 120 produced $461 worth of
crude protein per acre based on the
price of 44 percent soybean oil
meal at $240 per ton. This was as
much as $2OO per acre more than
lesser-producing varieties in the
test. In a typical four-year
rotation, producers could increase
their economic gains nearly $BOO
over lesser-producing varieties
that may have initially cost less
per pound of seed.
Lancaster Farming, Saturday, May 12,1984—P9
Farm Credit appointment
BALTIMORE - The Farm
Credit Banks of Baltimore, the
region’s leading agricultural
lending institution, has announced
the addition of Eugene (Tran)
Poturalski as Management
Development Specialist in the
Training Section of the Banks’
Association Services Department.
In the newly created position,
Poturalski will be responsible for
designing, organizing, and con
ducting training and education
programs for staff supervisory and
management development
The Baltimore native received
his bachelor’s degree in Industrial
Management from the University
of Maryland. Prior to joining the
Banks, he served as Training
Supervisor - Management St
Employee Development for FMC
Corporation in Baltimore.