Welcome to the Illini Web Site

Predictive Equation for Alfalfa Quality (PEAQ) is an in-field predictor of forage quality by monitoring plant height and maturity. The plant height and maturity provides a close estimate of the Relative Feed Value (RFV) in the field. The PEAQ program, developed by the Department of Agronomy at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, guides producers in determining the optimum harvest date for 1st cutting alfalfa. By determining the RFV of standing alfalfa, producers can more accurately gauge when to begin the 1st crop harvest schedule. Based on past years Illinois PEAQ data, the optimum date to harvest can vary by 21 calendar days depending mainly on Spring temperatures and moisture availability.

Previous on-farm studies conducted by University of Illinois Extension compared the PEAQ calculated values to actual scissor clip/wet chemistry values and determined that PEAQ is a viable option to producers in Illinois. This is the 12th consecutive year that Extension is conducting the alfalfa quality-monitoring program throughout Illinois. Shown is Dave Fischer, Extension Dairy Educator and PEAQ coordinator.

This web site will allow you to monitor PEAQ values for different regions in Illinois and will assist you in calculating and tracking your own PEAQ values. In past years approximately 30 U of I Extension staff, industry representatives, and alfalfa producers have served as field monitors throughout Illinois. Sincere thanks for their dedication in providing this useful information to all Illinois alfalfa growers.