As the long winter gives way to spring, thoughts inevitably turn to warmer temperatures and seeing more green.

Accordingly, alfalfa producers might want to invest in a simply, accurate tool that determines alfalfa forage quality – the PEAQ stick.

PEAQ stands for Predictive Equations for Alfalfa Quality and was developed by agronomists at the University of Wisconsin to predict the forage quality of standing alfalfa. PEAQ sticks use the longest stem and the most mature stem to estimate the Neutral Detergent Fiber of the alfalfa in a standing crop and help producers determine the optimum time to begin harvesting first cut alfalfa. Many consider NDF to be the primary quality variable to target for high producing dairy cows.

Producers interested in purchasing a PEAQ stick can do so by contacting MFA directly at 651.484.6888 or by visiting Midwest Forage Association's webpage at http://www.midwestforage.org/PEAQ.php, downloading an order form, and mailing it along with a check to MFA.

The first harvest of alfalfa is typically the highest yielding yet most difficult crop to put up in a timely manner. The PEAQ stick removes the guesswork. It provides producers a simple, effective tool to schedule a harvest and to achieve forage quality goals.