Why we have Irrigation

Alfalfa has about ten days before second cutting. Liquid fertlizer had been applied. Forcast for tempetures in high nineties. Last rain was over a week ago. Sandy ground. Will we get rain? We discussed all of the options. Decision made. TRHOW THE PUMP SWITCH ON. To much invested in crop to gamble. In the midddle of the night GUESS WHAT? THUNDER & RAIN. Got about one inch. This is when being able to irrigate makes money.
gitrib

I"d really like to see some pictures of your alfalfa and the irrigation set-up. I'm thinking you posted some pictures of your bride the other day? (meaning you have the ability to post pictures)

We are not big time farmers. For five generation we have tried to be on the cutting edge of technology. The farm consists of only 20 acres with 12 acres being farmable. We have a herd of purebred Guernsey and breed for type & production. Only dry cow, heifers & calves are kept in dry lot and housed here. when a cow freshens she goes to a dairy to go on offical test and be included in there show herd so son has to only show up on show day. Our goal is to raise all of the high quality Alfalfa hay we can for feed and have some to sell. Last year we harvested 120 ton off of the 12 acres.

<a href="http://s323.photobucket.com/albums/nn472/gitrib/?action=view¤t=scan0237.jpg" target="_blank"> </a>

This picture as taken 25 years ago when the unit was new before Alfalfa.

<a href="http://s323.photobucket.com/albums/nn472/gitrib/?action=view¤t=scan0250.jpg" target="_blank"></a>

Drilling the well back 25 years ago. It was improtant to know the GPM of the well, It takes 10 GPM for every acre. 12 acres x 10 GPM = 120 GPM. In a sixteen hour pump we irrigate three acres.

<a href="http://s323.photobucket.com/albums/nn472/gitrib/Irrigation/?action=view¤t=IMG00102.jpg" target="_blank"></a>


This is our fertilizer injector, Soil is tested and necessary fertlizer and Micro-Nutrients are applied through the water. It is a real precise job to crordinate rate of sprinker speed through the field mix of fertilizer and injection rate. once you get it you walk away. Irrigation pump is radio turned off & on.

<a href="http://s323.photobucket.com/albums/nn472/gitrib/?action=view¤t=IMG00061.jpg" target="_blank"></a>

2010 first cutting

<a href="http://s323.photobucket.com/albums/nn472/gitrib/?action=view¤t=PIC-0323-1.jpg" target="_blank"></a>

2009 third cutting

<a href="http://s323.photobucket.com/albums/nn472/gitrib/?action=view¤t=Nancy.jpg" target="_blank"></a>

What it is all about.

We learned something new this spring. First cutting had a lot of grass growing. After mowing and baling sprayed 13 oz of Clethodim per acre. Grass gone.
gitrib

Very good looking cow. How did she score?

10 tons per acre yield is something to brag about! What"s your secret?

Nice photos & story, thanks for sharing!