The Central Minnesota Forage Council and the U of M Extension Service will conduct a Forage and Dairy Tour at the Ken and Ralph Schefers farm in Stearns County on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. On the tour, see one of the U of M Alfalfa Variety Trial Plots. Craig Sheaffer, U of M Forage Research Agronomist, and Paul Peterson, U of M Forage Extension Specialist, will discuss the variety trial research strategies for alfalfa and corn silage. They will also discuss practical ways to use results from these trials. Extension dairy staff will be on-hand to discuss the milk cow perspective on forage production and feeding strategies. The Schefers have a Holstein dairy herd that recorded more than 27,000 pounds of milk with 71 cows on test according to the 2002 MN DHIA report. They will share their ration and dairy strategies, focusing on what they do in growing, harvesting, storing and feeding forages as a key part of production and profitability. Those who attend will travel field roads to view Alfalfa Variety Plots. Schefers plan their third-crop alfalfa harvest for the end of August. Other fields include an older stand that was kept this spring, in spite of some winter damage, and a field that was seeded with barley in late May. There may be a demonstration of a rotary rake if the crop is ready for harvest. There will be some discussion about fall harvest schedules, indicators and plans for corn silage harvest. Paynesville Farmers Union Cooperative will provide a grilled lunch. The Schefers’ farm is located at 29336 230th St., For more information contact Regional Extension Educator Dan Martens at (800) 964-4929.
