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Show o by Justin Scharff matter how much vigor is bred into an alfalfa variety No through rcc'arch its ultimate yield depends largely on what the farmer does - both before and after planting the seed. This is the conclusion of a statewide survey just completed in Utah by Germains, Inc., a century old western seed firm. Utah alfalfa growers recognized for consistently obtaining high yields in diverse growing areas were polled to learn the key to their success. If any Utah farmer deserves the title, voice of experience, its Grant Le Fevre who has been growing alfalfa for almost 50 years in Elsinore, just south of Richfield. For top yields, says Le Fevre, prepare the seed bed thoroughly. Cultivating the soil exposes the weed seeds and gives them a chance to germinate. When theyre young its easy to get ride of them. Later, its difficult and expensive. Fertilizing, irrigating and choosing the right variety also figure in Le Fevres program for success. Varieties that do well in some parts of the state, he claims, wont prosper here because of our low water table. Alfalfa growing techniques developed by Brigham Young of Agronomy at Provo should prove interesting to Utah growers. Universitys Department Rulon Wistisen, assistant farm director at the BYU farm, is the single most important factor in Irrigation, producing top alfalfa yields in this area because of the rocky terrain of the Bingham Soil Series. Regrowth starts faster," says Wistisen, much if we irrigate before harvesting and then mow at the opportune time. Lark of moisture after harvesting can delay recovery up to two weeks. Testing different varieties is an important project at the BYU farm Wistisen stresses planting varieties with high yield potential. Varieties make a big difference, he reports. The Leal average here is about four tons per acre per year but with recently introduced varieties such as WL-30- 6 were anticipating a seven ton per acre per year average. Variety alone wont solve all Wistisen ad your problems, GOLDH PURE ALFALFA lJL-30- 6 tion. They demand top quality and that means no weeds. So ve work real hard to keep our fields clean. With clean hay you can just about set your own price. Murry Peterson, a Richfield area farmer, recommends timely irrigation, plenty of fertilizer and the proper variety for top yields. If you want big tonnage, Peterson says, youve got to pour the water on before the plants start to stress. If the ground gets too dry, youre dead. Peterson reminisces about the time, many years ago, when he It first applied phosphate. tripled our yields, he said, like magic. Tim Anderson of Sigurd in Sevier County grows a wide range of varieties including both Our Ranger and WL-30average yield for all varieties, he reports, is five tons per acre per year. However, theres a whale of a difference between varieties. Ranger yields three tons per acre per and one-ha- lf year and the new WL-30- 6 tons produces seven and one-haper acre per year. So, take your pick. 6. rate this Anderson exWhen our ewes are our sheep Even variety tops, plained. lambing they produce more milk and stay in better conditions on WL-30- 6 than from any other kind of feed - probably because of the extreme leafiness of this variety. In addition to the right variety for your area, Anderson concluded, youve got to watch your irrigation, prepare a good seed bed and keep the soil clean of weeds. And get the hay off die ground before the regrowth starts up. Ralph Meikle of Smithfield, Cache County Utahs biggest alfalfa production county - farms 220 acres of alfalfa, 150 acres of corn, 20 acres of milo and 40 acres of pasture. In his spare time he milks 200 dairy cows. - The average yield in Meikles area is five tons per acre per is year, yet Meikles WL-30- 6 producting from seven to eight tons per acre per year. For top yields, says Meikle, you need the variety with maximum yield potential, good seed bed preparation and plenty of water. lf V ; . I Vs s4 IN r w 'V . f 4 outstanding ability! This year, plant the one that fits Utah leaf-holdi- best... . h: L Consistent ton yielded ence... has proved itself to be one of the best yielding alfalfas in Utah for the past five years! It has high production traits and characteristics bred into it..t exceptional dark green leafy foliage on fine stems... superior winter hardiness ...excellent resistance to pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid and bacterial wilt . . . fast regrowth . . . strong stand persist WL-30- 6 says mits. Good management is also essential. Fertilization is the key to top yields, says Neil Harper who has been growing alfalfa for 25 years in the Corinne area. Lack of phosphate reduces our yields, he explained. Also important is good seed bed preparation. After harvesting grain in July, Harper breaks up the subsoil thoroughly, disks the land and then in August and September plants alfalfa as a single crop. The new varieties are a big improvement over alfalfas such as Ranger, says Harper. They get established earlier the first season, grow faster after mowing and provide extra tonnage between irrigations. Junior B. Green of East Layton, another veteran alfalfa grower, emphasizes planting the new varieties for top yields. Weve grown Ranger for many years, said Green, but it averages only five tons per acre per year. We planted WL-30- 6 when it was first introduced and it yielded seven tons per acre the first year. With hay selling for around $33 per ton the extra two tons makes a big difference. Local horse owners, Green stated, buy our entire produc , . '' -- sv 1 V if' WL-30- 6! ' See Your Dealer NOW! VVestern Regional Distributor X 4 I QermaiiSmc. P.O. Box 1985 Fresno, Ca. (209) 233-882- ','h V ' 3 ft I, fT '' ; , A'' 4 4 . iJ J' i ; t. t .jew .4 , m-1,- ' . . c tmJn -- r tLirrf I Two outstanding Utah products are pretty girls and top quality alfalfa. The pretty girl here is Miss Provo, Marilyn Felt, a BYU coed. The alfalfa is WL-30a new g variety that has been producing yields. Phot, courtesy Germains, Inc,- , 6, record-breakin- ... |