Every spring, alfalfa growth and development is different due to variations in climatic, variety, stand age and other crop production factors. With the 2019 growing season being off to a cooler than normal start, this has slowed alfalfa growth this spring. This is a good reminder that while calendar date may be one method used to determine when to harvest first crop alfalfa, this method is not the best method to use. Instead, the PEAQ method (Predictive Equations for Alfalfa Quality) developed by the University of Wisconsin does a better job.