First, look at the plants instead of the thermometer. Plants turning black or plants wilting and starting to dry are basically done for the year. If there is enough to economically mechanically harvest, do it as soon as possible to salvage leaves, which will start to fall off as soon as they dry. For grazing, wait four or five days after the killing freeze to reduce bloat hazard. The higher the proportion of alfalfa that starts to dry from the freeze, the safer the grazing. If plants show little or no signs of wilting and drying, follow the management plan as if no freeze had occurred. Don't expect much more growth, but active, green plants can continue to accumulate nutrient reserves in the roots and crowns for winterizing.

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