When should alfalfa be cut to achieve a 20 percent protein content?

Cutting alfalfa as it begins to bloom is the optimal choice to achieve a 20 percent protein content. At this stage, the plant is still in its vegetative phase, combining high nutritional value with a good balance of fiber and protein. This timing allows the plant to maximize its protein levels prior to the full flowering stage, during which protein content can decrease due to the plant's energy being directed towards flowering and seed production.

Timing the cut to just before blooming can lead to slightly earlier cuts that may not yet have reached peak protein potential. Conversely, waiting until after the blooms have withered or when the plant is fully bloomed can lead to lower protein levels and decreased forage quality, as the plant matures and its nutrient concentration diminishes. Therefore, cutting as it begins to bloom ensures the best quality forage with the desired protein content.