Alfalfa

Whether mechanically harvested or grazed, most forages are managed with the goal of maximizing protein content. However, much of that sought-after protein is ultimately not used by livestock for the production of milk or meat.

With the prices of a number of agricultural commodities (primarily corn) down in 2015, many growers are considering alternative crop options.

As farmers closed out financials for 2014 and worked on plans for 2015, I saw a potential crop-planning trend emerge. Many farmers called to inquire about alfalfa seed selection and production considerations.

Are you considering planting new alfalfa fields with a Roundup Ready variety but concerned about the higher seed cost? There are ways to hold costs down, but first make sure that the Roundup Ready trait is right for your operation.

Most everyone is in favor of tolerance theoretically: You do things your way, and I’ll do them mine. While the theory sounds workable, the practice of tolerance is much more challenging.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing alfalfa seed and fashioning your overall forage management plan, including yield potential, stand persistence and winter hardiness, disease resistance and forage quality.