Managing Windrow Disease In Alfalfa

By Bruce Anderson, Nebraska Extension Forage Specialist

Rained-on hay plagues all of us eventually. This year maybe more than usual. The “windrow disease” that often follows presents lingering problems.

Windrow disease—that’s the name I give to the striped appearance in fields where alfalfa windrows remained so long that regrowth was delayed. Usually it’s due to rained on hay and sometimes, insects.

Windrow disease presents special challenges. Weeds often invade, requiring spraying to maintain quality and protect stands. During the next growth period, plants that were not smothered regrow rapidly, while plants underneath the windrow suffer delays. Part of the field often will begin to bloom while windrow-stressed plants are still short and tender. So when do you harvest? When the first plants begin to bloom or do you wait until injured plants are ready?

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