The quest for high-quality hay turns north Dec. 8-9 as the University of California's 24th annual Alfalfa Symposium is held in Redding. "Demand for high-quality hay has created much interest throughout the state in variety selection, production techniques and marketing issues -- all of which will be addressed at length during the two-day conference at the Red Lion Inn," says UC Cooperative Extension agronomist Dan Putnam. Farm advisors and specialists from the University of California, as well as speakers from neighboring states, will address a wide range of production and marketing issues. Topics will include the anticipated impact of the hormone BST, profit maximization by coordinating crop rotation and planting dates, assessment of alfalfa maturity for quality prediction, harvest management for improved yield and quality, and consideration of environmental factors affecting forage quality.