Alfalfa & Forage News

After many years of searching for ways to support research, the fledgling California Alfalfa & Forage Research Foundation has taken modest but important steps towards supporting alfalfa research projects, starting with issues associated with weeds.

Planning for the annual Alfalfa & Forage Field Day at the Kearney Ag Center is underway. We are seeking suggestions for topics to include on the agenda. We want to make sure to meet your need for information on subjects related to all aspects of alfalfa and forage production.

Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner. If you work in agricultural, turf, landscape, or structural settings, you are probably at your busiest. If you handle pesticides as part of your work, you most likely wear some sort of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Help the environment this Earth Day, which falls on Sunday April 22 this year, by installing insectary plants! These plants attract natural enemies such as lady beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. Natural enemies provide biological pest control and can reduce the need for insecticides.

Spiny buttercup (Ranunculus muricatus) is a non-native plant, that is fairly common, especially in wet areas such as meadows. We also find it in crops, including orchards, pastures, and cereal grain fields.