Forages

• Test hail-damaged crops for nitrate levels, and work with a nutritionist to dilute forages with elevated nitrates.
• The growth points of alfalfa and red clover are at the tips of the stems, so management recommendations depend on the amount of damage:
  • Less than 50% growth points removed: wait to cut until planned harvest maturity. Expect reduced yields.
• • More than 50% growth points removed, and the crop will be baleage or silage: flail chop (e.g. bush hog) or mow it at 10-15 cm (4-6 in.) stubble height and leave it in the field to prevent mould contamination in the forage. Harvest the regrowth when it reaches target maturity.
• • More than 50% growth points removed, and the crop will be dry hay: If yield justifies harvest, the crop can be harvested right away. If yield does not justify harvest, wait until the regrowth reaches the target maturity.
  • New seedlings do not have a crown to regrow from. If the growth point at the tip of the stem is removed, the plant will die. Once seedlings reach 7.5-10 cm tall (3-4 in.) they may have a crown; it can be felt as a ridge between the top growth and the roots. Count the number of plants that have a developed crown. If this is over 67 plants per 0.25 m² (25 plants per ft²), keep the stand. If the number of plants is below this threshold, the stand should be reseeded.

Pastures

• Test hail-damaged crops for nitrate levels, and work with a nutritionist to dilute forages with elevated nitrates.
• If possible, rest the damaged pasture until the regrowth is ready to be grazed.