Description
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a forage crop of primary importance in the United States (USA); however, adoption and use in the southern USA region has been limited. The combination of adapted alfalfa cultivars and management strategies which demonstrate extended forage growing season length, improved forage nutritive value, and reduced N fertilizer inputs have renewed interest in forage-livestock farmers to consider planting alfalfa. A series of Extension-based educational strategies have been used in the southern USA to 1) create awareness on the use of alfalfa, 2) educate farmers regarding establishment and management practices, and 3) showcase opportunities and challenges of on-farm alfalfa use in the region. Educational initiatives included on-farm demonstrations and farmer testimonials, field days, integrated lecture and field-based workshops, and web-based content delivery. Across multiple educational methods, farmers reported increased awareness and understanding of management requirements to incorporate alfalfa into their operation. However, on-farm management challenges were also noted as the primary reason of hesitance towards adopting alfalfa in the region. Targeted education to farmers with a greater level of familiarity regarding stand management requirements, such as dedicated hay growers or row crop operators, were identified as audiences where alfalfa may be more readily adopted. Continuing education areas to demonstrate value of alfalfa include an emphasis on timeline for breakeven economic returns following establishment and ecosystem benefits of using legumes in forage management systems.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Farmer Experiences With Alfalfa in the Southern U.S.A.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a forage crop of primary importance in the United States (USA); however, adoption and use in the southern USA region has been limited. The combination of adapted alfalfa cultivars and management strategies which demonstrate extended forage growing season length, improved forage nutritive value, and reduced N fertilizer inputs have renewed interest in forage-livestock farmers to consider planting alfalfa. A series of Extension-based educational strategies have been used in the southern USA to 1) create awareness on the use of alfalfa, 2) educate farmers regarding establishment and management practices, and 3) showcase opportunities and challenges of on-farm alfalfa use in the region. Educational initiatives included on-farm demonstrations and farmer testimonials, field days, integrated lecture and field-based workshops, and web-based content delivery. Across multiple educational methods, farmers reported increased awareness and understanding of management requirements to incorporate alfalfa into their operation. However, on-farm management challenges were also noted as the primary reason of hesitance towards adopting alfalfa in the region. Targeted education to farmers with a greater level of familiarity regarding stand management requirements, such as dedicated hay growers or row crop operators, were identified as audiences where alfalfa may be more readily adopted. Continuing education areas to demonstrate value of alfalfa include an emphasis on timeline for breakeven economic returns following establishment and ecosystem benefits of using legumes in forage management systems.
