Overall, producing and preserving alfalfa in cold climates requires technical planning and strategic decisions at every stage, from cutting to feedout.

Alfalfa producers are always striving to make a profit in both good and bad years. To achieve this goal, producers often utilize improved genetics and/or optimize the use of inputs to improve quality and yield. However, there is one production factor that trumps all the others, an adequate supply of irrigation water for forage production.

In summary, genetic gain is happening in alfalfa through this progeny testing program, capturing heterosis among the diverse DLF germplasm pools that the DLF alfalfa breeding team is then utilizing to bring the best alfalfa varieties to market through the brands they support in Alforex Seeds, Forage First and Forage First 5 Series.

As an alfalfa stand ages and thins, the primary question becomes: Is this stand good enough to keep? Now is a good time to evaluate stands as more time is allowed for planning crop rotations than when stands are evaluated in the spring and determined to be uneconomic.

In this episode, Dr. Emily Meccage, senior manager of research and development at Forage Genetics International, and Dave Ribeiro, a California dairy farmer, discuss Riberio’s experience with growing and feeding alfalfa on his dairy farm and what HarvXtra alfalfa offers dairy producers.

From improving soil properties to being a powerhouse ingredient in feed rations, alfalfa has a lot to offer dairy producers. Emily Meccage, Ph.D., senior manager of research and development with Forage Genetics International, joins the discussion to share about the many opportunities for dairy farmers to capitalize on growing, harvesting and feeding alfalfa.

Forage quality is a crucial consideration on a dairy, impacting the success and profitability of your operation.