Forage Types

It's time to assess your alfalfa stands. View this video from Dan Undersander, a forage agronomist from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Alfalfa is the most widely grown perennial forage species in the U.S., with the greatest acreage in the Upper Midwest and Western states. But alfalfa acreage has been declining steadily for the past 50 years, while the acreage of soybeans and, more recently, corn, has been increasing.

It’s not too late to make a New Year’s resolution to better utilize your pasture acreage to increase production and profit. Pasture management consists of managing animals, plants and soil, and their interrelationship.

Managed grazing has long been celebrated for improved forage quality and quantity.

Winter can be hard on alfalfa.

 Alfalfa autotoxicity is a major factor in alfalfa winterkill and Dr. Dan Undersander, extension forage specialist at the University of Wisconsin, says many half-truths about autotoxicity have flourished over the years.