Harvest has begun out here in the west, choppers whirring along cutting up a variety of winter forages, with that first alfalfa cut close behind. As things heat up across the country, everyone will be smelling that sweetness soon. Just for fun, take our 5- question harvest quiz - test your knowledge! Answers are at the end of this email.

What is the recommended length of chop for winter forages and alfalfa?
1. 3 inches
2. 1 - 1 1/2 inches
3. 3/8 to 1/2 inches
4. 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches
5. Boot length
At what dry matter percent (DM%) should winter forages and alfalfa be harvested?
1. 40 to 50 percent
2. 35 to 45 percent
3. 25 to 30 percent
4. Really dry
5. Really wet
Who should be included in your preharvest meeting?
1. Nutritionist
2. Chopping contractor or chopper operators
3. Person driving pack tractor
4. Covering contractor or crew
5. All of the above, with coffee and cookies provided
Here are four safety tips - which one is most important?
1. Plan and build a 1:3 or 1:4 drive over pile or bunker
2. Shut off the chopper and remove the key when unplugging
3. Wear safety clothing and make eye contact with chopper operator when approaching in the field.
4. Don’t overfill bunkers or piles
5. All of the above, all are important to send everyone home safely
What is the best way to apply inoculant?
1. Drive the wagon or truck under an overhead boom spray
2. With a hand sprayer on top of the pile/bunker
3. From a tank on the chopper that’s not insulated
4. On the chopper - calibrated - from an insulated tank
5. Throw it on the pile/bunker with a big bucket a day later