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Seasonal hay production values for the five operators cutting hay in the study area are <br />presented in Table 2.04.10 -8. The average production for all first cut hay was 1,932 <br />pounds /acre and ranged from a low of 1,168 pounds /acre to a high of 3,021 pounds /acre for <br />the five operators. Cutting dates ranged from June 17, 1987 to as late as September 16, <br />1987. Only two operators (Garvey and Goforth) took a second cutting of hay, with production <br />values of 1,050 pounds /acre and 3,325 pounds /acre, respectively, for the two operators. <br />Second cut harvest dates were approximately one month apart at August 12, 1987 and <br />September 16, 1987. Only one operator (Goforth) took a third cutting of hay. The hay fields <br />were harvested on October 28, 1987 and averaged 1,557 pounds /acre production (Table <br />2.04.10 -8). All values represent adjusted dried weights. <br />Composition of the irrigated pasture hayland type is highly variable depending on the individual <br />operator. Garvey and Goforth have both recently renovated all or parts of their hay fields. <br />These renovated fields are dominated by alfalfa and contain various companion grasses such <br />as orchardgrass and smooth brome. Staats' fields also have a fair alfalfa composition. <br />Morgan's hay fields contain some alfalfa, but the alfalfa is being replaced by the pasture <br />clovers. In addition, desirable pasture grasses are being supplanted by Kentucky bluegrass, <br />quackgrass, meadow fescue ( Festuca oratensis tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea buckhorn <br />plantain, and dandelion. Burbridge does not manage for alfalfa in his hay fields and does not <br />regularly renovate these fields because of shallow soils and rock ledges. Consequently these <br />haylands are dominated by a variety of desirable and increaser grasses, red and white Dutch <br />clover, weedy forb species and occasional alfalfa plants. <br />Upon review of Table 2.04.10 -8 it becomes apparent that there are large variations in <br />production for the various operators. All operators indicated in interviews that they felt that the <br />annual production potential of their haylands is 3+ tons /acre. Only one operator, Goforth, <br />achieved this with an approximate total production after three cuttings of 4 tons /acre. As <br />stated earlier, when all operator's production were equated to first cutting values, production <br />varied from a low of 1,168 pounds /acre to over 3,000 pounds /acre. Out of five operators <br />harvesting hay, two took a second cutting, and only one took a third cutting. To achieve 3 <br />tons /acre production, the average production for each of three cuttings would need to be 2,000 <br />pounds /acre. The lower overall production for most operators and the wide differences reflect <br />the variation in management of the operators and site variability. Differing management <br />Revised September 2010 (PR 06) 2.04.10 -35 <br />