Start Date
2-27-1997 2:30 PM
Description
Alfalfa is the primary forage for the dairy industry in the United States and provides a majority of the nutrients and energy needs for other classes of livestock including beef cattle, horses and sheep.
In order to maximize forage yield, quality and persistence, one should start with high quality seed. Seed must be free of noxious weeds, have a purity higher than 99.5 percent, a germination of 90 percent or higher and true to the variety stated.
Over 80% of the alfalfa seed was grown in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain states prior to 1948. This was mostly uncertified, common seed with only the origin stated. It was discovered in the 1940's that alfalfa seed could be grown outside it's area of use without reducing its production potential or changing its characteristics.
Included in
Alfalfa Seed Production in the Western U.S.
Alfalfa is the primary forage for the dairy industry in the United States and provides a majority of the nutrients and energy needs for other classes of livestock including beef cattle, horses and sheep.
In order to maximize forage yield, quality and persistence, one should start with high quality seed. Seed must be free of noxious weeds, have a purity higher than 99.5 percent, a germination of 90 percent or higher and true to the variety stated.
Over 80% of the alfalfa seed was grown in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain states prior to 1948. This was mostly uncertified, common seed with only the origin stated. It was discovered in the 1940's that alfalfa seed could be grown outside it's area of use without reducing its production potential or changing its characteristics.